STMicroelectronics L7905CV
- Part No.:
- L7905CV
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
L7905CV.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR -5V 1.5A TO220AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:892
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Product details
Overview
L7905CV from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal fixed negative voltage regulator delivering -5 V output at up to 1.5 A, featuring thermal overload protection, short-circuit protection, and SOA-controlled output transition. It operates with input voltages down to -35 V (for -5 V output), exhibits ±50 mV load regulation (250–750 mA), and maintains 54–60 dB supply voltage rejection at 120 Hz - widely deployed in split-rail analog power supplies and local on-card regulation for op-amp and sensor circuits.
For engineers reviewing the L7905CV datasheet, L7905CV pinout, L7905CV application, or L7905CV equivalent, this device is selected for stable, low-noise (-5 V, 100 µV RMS noise), high-rejection negative rail generation where thermal robustness (150 °C max junction temperature) and proven TO-220FP package reliability are required in industrial control and instrumentation designs.
Technical Context
The L7905CV implements a monolithic PNP pass transistor architecture with internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and safe operating area (SOA) protection - enabling robust operation under transient overloads without external foldback circuitry. Its feedback loop is internally compensated for stability with ≥2.2 µF input and ≥1 µF output capacitors (solid tantalum recommended).
It functions as a standalone linear regulator requiring no external components for fixed -5 V operation, but supports adjustable output configurations via external resistive dividers. Junction temperature monitoring is implicit through thermal shutdown activation at ~150 °C, with RthJC = 5 °C/W in TO-220FP package enabling >1.5 A delivery with adequate heatsinking.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | -5 V ±50 mV (250–750 mA load, 25 °C); ensures precision biasing for dual-supply op-amps and ADC references |
| Max Output Current | 1.5 A continuous (with sufficient heatsink); supports moderate-power analog subsystems without parallel devices |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.4 V at 1 A, 25 °C; defines minimum input-to-output differential needed to sustain regulation |
| Supply Voltage Rejection | 54–60 dB at 120 Hz; suppresses ripple from unregulated DC inputs (e.g., rectified AC or switching pre-regulators) |
| Output Noise | 100 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz); critical for low-noise signal conditioning and precision measurement front-ends |
| Thermal Shutdown Threshold | Junction temperature >150 °C; autonomous protection against sustained overload or inadequate cooling |
| Quiescent Current | 3 mA typical (25 °C); minimizes no-load power loss in battery-backed or standby-sensitive systems |
Pinout & Package
Supplied in TO-220FP package: 3-pin, vertical mounting, insulated tab, single-gauge frame, compatible with standard TO-220 footprints and heatsinks.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (Input) | Unregulated negative input supply | Accepts -7 V to -35 V DC; must be decoupled with ≥2.2 µF solid tantalum capacitor near pin |
| Pin 2 (Ground) | Circuit common reference | Connects to system ground plane; serves as return path for load and quiescent current |
| Pin 3 (Output) | Regulated -5 V output | Delivers stable -5 V to load; requires ≥1 µF output capacitor (tantalum) for stability and transient response |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internal SOA Protection | Prevents destructive second breakdown during output short-circuit or heavy capacitive load transients |
| Thermal Overload Shutdown | Auto-recovers after cooldown; eliminates need for external thermal cutoff in enclosed enclosures |
| Short-Circuit Current Limit | 2.1 A typical; sustains indefinite output short without damage when heatsinked appropriately |
| Low Output Noise | 100 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz); enables direct use in audio preamps and precision sensor signal chains |
| Fixed -5 V Output | No external resistors required; reduces BOM count and layout complexity vs. adjustable regulators |
Applications
| Industrial Analog Signal Conditioning | Split-Rail Op-Amp Power Supply |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Providing clean, stable negative rail for instrumentation amplifiers and 16-bit ADC drivers in PLC analog I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local negative voltage regulator supplying -5 V to precision op-amps and reference buffers. Use Value: Maintains ±0.01% gain accuracy by suppressing input ripple and minimizing thermal drift (-0.4 mV/°C output drift). |
Use Scenario: Generating matched ±5 V rails for rail-to-rail op-amps in medical ECG front-end circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Negative complement to L7805CV in symmetrical dual-supply configuration. Use Value: Enables true bipolar signal swing with <100 µV RMS noise, preserving SNR in low-level biopotential amplification. |
| Legacy Industrial Control Power | Test & Measurement Equipment Bias |
|
Use Scenario: On-board regulation for legacy 5 V TTL/CMOS logic families requiring negative bias for level-shifting interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed -5 V source for RS-232 line drivers and analog multiplexer bias networks. Use Value: Delivers 1.5 A peak current with <50 mV load regulation, ensuring consistent interface voltage margins across varying loads. |
Use Scenario: Powering calibration reference stages and DAC output buffers in benchtop multimeters and signal generators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-drift, low-noise negative supply for buried-zener voltage references and chopper-stabilized amplifiers. Use Value: Achieves <0.001%/°C thermal coefficient tracking via tight output voltage drift (-0.4 mV/°C) and high PSRR. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative fixed-voltage regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM7905CT | Same -5 V output, but higher dropout (2.0 V @ 1 A), lower PSRR (48 dB), and no SOA protection | Suitable only for low-ripple pre-regulated inputs; not recommended for unfiltered rectified supplies | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs thermal robustness and noise performance |
| MC7905BT | Higher quiescent current (6 mA), wider output tolerance (±6%), and no guaranteed 1.5 A capability | Limited to low-power analog sections; cannot sustain full-load operation without derating | Choose only for non-critical biasing where absolute regulation stability is secondary |
Compared with LM7905CT and MC7905BT, the L7905CV delivers superior thermal resilience (SOA + shutdown), tighter regulation (±50 mV), and lower noise - making it the preferred choice for industrial-grade analog power where long-term reliability and signal integrity are mandatory.
Availability
L7905CV is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, test equipment power rails, analog signal conditioning modules, and legacy embedded instrumentation requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for L7905CV 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, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1987.
The L79xxC series was engineered specifically for robust, drop-in replacement of legacy 79xx regulators in industrial analog power systems - emphasizing thermal safety, wide input range, and compatibility with existing TO-220 layouts.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for stable -5 V output?
The L7905CV requires a minimum input-to-output differential of 1.4 V (dropout voltage) at 1 A load and 25 °C. For reliable regulation across temperature and load, -7 V input is recommended; absolute maximum input is -35 V. Operation below -7 V risks dropout and loss of regulation, especially under full load or elevated junction temperatures.
Can L7905CV be used without an input capacitor?
No - an input capacitor (≥2.2 µF solid tantalum) is mandatory per ST's application guidance. Omitting it risks instability, oscillation, and poor transient response due to parasitic inductance in input traces. Aluminum electrolytic capacitors require ≥22 µF to achieve equivalent ESR and capacitance effectiveness.
Does L7905CV support adjustable output voltages?
Yes - though optimized for fixed -5 V, it can be configured as an adjustable regulator using external resistors per Figure 6 in the datasheet. The output voltage becomes VO = VXX(R1+R2)/R2, where VXX is the base -5 V reference. This requires careful attention to stability compensation and load regulation trade-offs.
Is L7905CV RoHS-compliant and halogen-free?
Yes - the L7905CV is manufactured in ST's ECOPACK®-compliant TO-220FP package, meeting RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and halogen-free requirements per IEC 61249-2-21. Full compliance documentation is available in ST's ECOPACK® database at www.st.com.
L7905CV Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Output Configuration:
- Negative
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- -35V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 1.4V @ 1A (Typ)
- Current - Output:
- 1.5A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 3 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 60dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Temperature, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
L7905CV FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L7905CV through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L7905CV 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 L7905CV reliable?
The price and inventory of L7905CV are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L7905CV is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L7905CV?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L7905CV transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L7905CV?
L7905CV orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L7905CV 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 L7905CV?
For technical support, including L7905CV datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L7905CV requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L7905CV is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L7905CV 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 L7905CV meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L7905CV?
All L7905CV units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L7905CV, 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 L7905CV part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L7905CV:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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