STMicroelectronics L78L20ACD-TR
- Part No.:
- L78L20ACD-TR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
L78L20ACD-TR.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 20V 100MA 8SO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,158
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Product details
Overview
L78L20ACD-TR from STMicroelectronics is a fixed-output +20 V, 100 mA positive linear voltage regulator in SO-8 package with ±4% output voltage tolerance, thermal overload protection, short-circuit protection, and no external components required. It delivers stable local regulation for microcontroller I/O rails, sensor biasing, and low-power analog circuitry in industrial control modules.
For engineers reviewing the L78L20ACD-TR datasheet, L78L20ACD-TR pinout, L78L20ACD-TR application, or L78L20ACD-TR equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage (1.7 V), quiescent current (6 mA at 25 °C), output noise (150 µV, 10 Hz–100 kHz), and supply voltage rejection (32–38 dB at 120 Hz) under 1–100 mA load conditions.
Technical Context
This three-terminal monolithic regulator integrates internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and safe-area protection-enabling robust operation without external compensation. Its SO-8 package features pins 2, 3, 6, and 7 internally connected to the die attach flag for enhanced thermal dissipation when mounted on ≥6 cm² copper area.
The device operates across 0 to 125 °C junction temperature and supports input voltages up to 40 V (for VO = 18–24 V), maintaining regulated output with line regulation ≤300 mV and load regulation ≤100 mV over full temperature and load range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | +20 V ±4% (guaranteed over 1–100 mA load and 0–125 °C) |
| Max Output Current | 100 mA (continuous, with adequate PCB copper heat-sinking) |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.7 V (enables regulation from 21.7 V min input at full load) |
| Quiescent Current | 6 mA at 25 °C (low static power draw for battery-backed systems) |
| Output Noise | 150 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz; critical for precision analog front-ends) |
| SVR | 32–38 dB at 120 Hz (rejects ripple from unregulated DC/DC or rectified AC sources) |
| Thermal Resistance | RthJA = 55 °C/W (with 6 cm² PCB copper heat-sink; enables >500 mW safe dissipation) |
Pinout & Package
SO-8 package with exposed die attach flag (pins 2, 3, 6, 7 internally bonded to flag). Designed for surface-mount assembly and improved thermal performance versus TO-92 or SOT-89.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | VOUT | Regulated +20 V output; connects directly to load and local bypass capacitor (0.1 µF) |
| Pin 2 | GND | Ground reference; electrically tied to die flag for low-impedance thermal path |
| Pin 3 | VIN | Unregulated input (21.7–40 V); requires 0.33 µF input capacitor for stability |
| Pins 4, 5 | NC | No connect; isolated from die; used for mechanical anchoring only |
| Pins 6, 7 | GND | Additional ground terminals tied to die flag; must be soldered to large copper pour |
| Pin 8 | GND | Primary ground terminal; completes low-impedance return path for output current |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fixed +20 V output | Eliminates need for external feedback resistors; reduces BOM count and layout complexity |
| Internal thermal shutdown | Prevents permanent damage during sustained overload or poor heatsinking |
| No external capacitors required for stability | Guaranteed stability with only 0.33 µF input and 0.1 µF output ceramic capacitors |
| ±4% output tolerance (A grade) | Tighter than standard ±8% (C grade); suitable for applications requiring higher voltage accuracy |
| Low output noise (150 µV) | Enables clean power for op-amps, ADC references, and RF bias circuits without added filtering |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Interface | Microcontroller I/O Power Rail |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs and precision temperature sensors in PLC analog input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local +20 V bias supply for sensor excitation and ADC reference buffers. Use Value: 150 µV output noise and 32–38 dB SVR preserve ENOB in high-resolution data acquisition. |
Use Scenario: Supplying GPIO banks and UART transceivers in ARM Cortex-M4-based edge controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated low-noise rail decoupled from main 3.3 V core supply. Use Value: 1.7 V dropout allows operation from 24 V field bus with margin; ±4% tolerance ensures reliable level-shifting. |
| Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Backplane | Analog Signal Conditioning |
Use Scenario: Generating auxiliary +20 V for analog output drivers (e.g., 4–20 mA HART modules). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-voltage source for current-loop DAC stages and op-amp gain stages. Use Value: Internal short-circuit protection prevents system-wide failure during field wiring faults. |
Use Scenario: Biasing instrumentation amplifiers and active filters in medical-grade signal chains. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Clean, regulated supply for precision op-amp rails where PSRR alone is insufficient. Use Value: 6 mA quiescent current minimizes self-heating drift in thermally sensitive measurement paths. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output linear regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM78L20ACM/NOPB | ±5% output tolerance; RthJA = 125 °C/W (SO-8); no internal GND-flag bonding | Higher thermal resistance limits max continuous current to ~60 mA without aggressive heatsinking | Select if legacy footprint compatibility is required and lower accuracy is acceptable |
| MC78L20ACP | TO-92 package; RthJA = 200 °C/W; ±5% tolerance; no SO-8 thermal flag | Not suitable for high-density SMT designs; limited to <30 mA continuous due to thermal constraints | Choose only for through-hole prototyping or ultra-low-cost replacements where thermal performance is secondary |
Compared with LM78L20ACM/NOPB and MC78L20ACP, L78L20ACD-TR offers tighter ±4% tolerance, superior thermal performance via integrated flag bonding, and guaranteed 100 mA delivery-making it optimal for space-constrained industrial SMT designs demanding reliability and accuracy.
Availability
L78L20ACD-TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, programmable logic controllers, and sensor interface modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for L78L20ACD-TR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, specializing in power management, microcontrollers, and automotive ICs with strong industrial and embedded market focus.
The L78L series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained local regulation tasks-replacing Zener/resistor networks with integrated protection, lower quiescent current, and improved noise performance.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for L78L20ACD-TR to maintain regulation?
The dropout voltage is specified as 1.7 V at 100 mA and 25 °C. Therefore, the minimum input voltage is 20 V + 1.7 V = 21.7 V under full-load, room-temperature conditions. At higher temperatures or lower loads, dropout decreases slightly-but 21.7 V is the design-minimum for guaranteed regulation across all operating conditions.
Can L78L20ACD-TR be used in parallel to increase output current?
No. The L78L20ACD-TR lacks built-in current-sharing features such as current-limit matching or thermal tracking. Parallel connection risks current imbalance, thermal runaway, and premature failure. For >100 mA, use a single higher-current regulator (e.g., L7820CD2T) or add an external pass transistor with proper biasing.
Is an input capacitor mandatory, and what value is recommended?
Yes-an input capacitor is mandatory for stability. STMicroelectronics specifies a minimum 0.33 µF ceramic capacitor placed within 10 mm of pins 3 (VIN) and 2/6/7/8 (GND). Larger values (e.g., 1–10 µF) improve transient response and ripple rejection but do not affect basic stability.
Does the SO-8 package require special PCB layout considerations for thermal performance?
Yes. Pins 2, 3, 6, and 7 are internally connected to the die attach flag. To achieve the rated RthJA = 55 °C/W, these pins must be soldered to ≥6 cm² of 2-oz copper on the PCB's inner or outer layer, with multiple thermal vias to internal ground planes. Without this, junction temperature rise will exceed specifications at full load.
L78L20ACD-TR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 40V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 20V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 100mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 6 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- 6.5 mA
- PSRR:
- 38dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Current, Over Temperature, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
L78L20ACD-TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L78L20ACD-TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L78L20ACD-TR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for L78L20ACD-TR reliable?
The price and inventory of L78L20ACD-TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L78L20ACD-TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L78L20ACD-TR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L78L20ACD-TR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L78L20ACD-TR?
L78L20ACD-TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L78L20ACD-TR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for L78L20ACD-TR?
For technical support, including L78L20ACD-TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L78L20ACD-TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L78L20ACD-TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L78L20ACD-TR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that L78L20ACD-TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L78L20ACD-TR?
All L78L20ACD-TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L78L20ACD-TR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The L78L20ACD-TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L78L20ACD-TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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