STMicroelectronics L78M06CDT-TR

Overview

L78M06CDT-TR from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal positive fixed-voltage linear regulator delivering 6 V at up to 500 mA output current, housed in a TO-220FP (IPAK) package with thermal overload, short-circuit, and safe operating area protection. It features ±4 % output voltage tolerance (C grade), 2 V dropout voltage, and operates across 0 to 150 °C junction temperature range - deployed in industrial power rails, embedded microcontroller supply domains, and sensor interface boards requiring local regulation.

For engineers reviewing the L78M06CDT-TR datasheet, L78M06CDT-TR pinout, L78M06CDT-TR application, or L78M06CDT-TR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 6 V fixed output, 500 mA current capability, TO-220FP thermal resistance (R_thJC = 5 °C/W), guaranteed operation up to 150 °C, and compatibility with standard 0.33 µF input / 0.1 µF output capacitor stabilization.

Technical Context

This device implements a monolithic series pass transistor architecture with internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and SOA compensation - eliminating external protection circuitry in most designs. Its fixed-output topology uses precision bandgap reference and error amplifier feedback to maintain regulation under line (VI = 8–21 V) and load (IO = 5–350 mA) variations.

The L78M06CDT-TR is optimized for low-noise, medium-current DC/DC conversion where simplicity and reliability outweigh efficiency requirements. It exhibits 59 dB supply voltage rejection at 120 Hz, 45 µV RMS output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz), and stable operation without mandatory output capacitance - though 0.1 µF improves transient response.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TO-220FP (IPAK) package: 3-pin vertical-mount outline with integrated heat sink tab (pin 2), standardized for PCB through-hole mounting and heatsink attachment via screw or clip.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output linear regulator applications.

Compared with LM78M06CDTX/NOPB, the L78M06CDT-TR offers superior heatsink interface via TO-220FP metal tab but requires through-hole assembly; versus MC78M06CDTRKG, it trades wider temperature coverage for better thermal dissipation - making it optimal for thermally constrained industrial enclosures.

Availability

L78M06CDT-TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation controllers, medical diagnostic equipment, smart metering platforms, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply with long lifecycle visibility.

Supply support for L78M06CDT-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, designing and manufacturing silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and power management applications.

The L78M series belongs to ST's precision 500 mA linear regulator product line, engineered for robustness in harsh environments - emphasizing thermal resilience, intrinsic fault protection, and drop-in compatibility with legacy 78xx designs.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage for reliable operation?

The absolute maximum DC input voltage is 35 V for output voltages between 5 V and 18 V. For L78M06CDT-TR specifically, reliable continuous operation requires VI ≤ 35 V, but practical design limits input to ≤21 V under full load to maintain thermal safety margin with standard heatsinking.

Does this regulator require an output capacitor for stability?

No - the L78M06CDT-TR is internally compensated and remains stable without an output capacitor. However, adding a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor at the output significantly improves transient response to fast load changes, especially in microcontroller or sensor applications with pulsed current draw.

How does the thermal shutdown behave during overload?

When junction temperature exceeds approximately 165 °C, the device enters thermal shutdown: output is disabled, quiescent current drops to ~1 mA, and regulation resumes only after T_J falls below ~145 °C hysteresis threshold. This cycle repeats autonomously until fault condition clears.

Can this part be used in adjustable-voltage configurations?

Yes - external resistors enable adjustable output (e.g., 7–30 V) or constant-current modes per Figure 18–20 in DS0425. However, doing so voids the factory-trimmed 6 V accuracy and alters line/load regulation specs; the C-grade tolerance guarantee applies only to fixed 6 V operation.