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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Power Management (PMIC) > Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators

STMicroelectronics L7920CV

Name: L7920CV
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: L7920CV
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: L7920CV

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators

Package:: TO-220-3

Datasheet:: L7920CV.pdf

Description:: IC REG LINEAR -20V 1.5A TO220AB

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:2,604

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Product details

Overview

L7920CV from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal fixed negative voltage regulator delivering -20 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 up to -40 V, supports local on-card regulation, and is optimized for split-supply systems alongside L78xx positive regulators.

For engineers reviewing the L7920CV datasheet, L7920CV pinout, L7920CV application, or L7920CV equivalent, this device is selected for stable negative rail generation in industrial power supplies, analog instrumentation, and dual-rail op-amp circuits where fixed -20 V output, thermal robustness, and TO-220FP package compatibility are critical.

Technical Context

The L7920CV implements a monolithic bipolar linear regulator architecture with internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and safe operating area (SOA) protection for the pass transistor. Its output voltage is trimmed during manufacturing to maintain ±2.5% tolerance over temperature and load.

It requires no external components for basic operation but supports external capacitors (CI ≥ 2.2 µF solid tantalum, CO ≥ 1 µF) for stability and transient response. Dropout voltage is 1.1 V at 1 A, and supply voltage rejection exceeds 54 dB at 120 Hz.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Output Voltage	-20 V ±2.5% (guaranteed across 0–125°C junction temp, 5 mA–1.5 A load)
Output Current	Up to 1.5 A continuous (requires adequate heatsinking per R_thJA = 60°C/W for TO-220FP)
Input Voltage Range	-40 V max (for -20 V output); minimum VI = VO + V_d ≈ -21.1 V at 1 A
Droput Voltage	1.1 V at I_O = 1 A, T_J = 25°C (defines minimum headroom needed for regulation)
Supply Rejection	54–60 dB at 120 Hz (attenuates ripple from unregulated negative input source)
Thermal Protection	Internal junction shutdown at ~150°C (prevents permanent damage during overload or poor heatsinking)
Noise Voltage	250 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz bandwidth; critical for low-noise analog signal chains)

Pinout & Package

Supplied in TO-220FP package: 3-pin, vertical mounting, insulated tab, single-gauge frame. Pin 1 = Input, Pin 2 = Ground, Pin 3 = Output (top view, tab facing away).

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Pin 1 (Input)	Negative input supply connection	Accepts unregulated negative DC; must be ≥ \|VO\| + V_d for regulation
Pin 2 (Ground)	Reference node / common return	Provides bias reference for internal circuitry; connects to system ground plane
Pin 3 (Output)	Regulated negative output terminal	Delivers stable -20 V; requires local 1 µF output capacitor for stability

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Fixed -20 V output	Eliminates need for external feedback resistors; reduces BOM count and layout complexity
SOA-protected output stage	Prevents secondary breakdown during capacitive load switching or short transients
Thermal shutdown	Auto-recovery after cooldown; avoids latch-up and enables fault-tolerant system design
Short-circuit current limit	Clamps output to ~1.3 A (typ.) during hard fault-limits power dissipation and PCB trace stress
Low quiescent current	3 mA typical (independent of load), minimizing standby power loss in always-on systems

Applications

Industrial Power Supplies

Analog Signal Conditioning

Use Scenario: Dual-rail DC power for PLC I/O modules requiring isolated ±20 V rails.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Negative rail regulator providing clean, stable -20 V for op-amps and ADC drivers.

Use Value: Enables precise 16-bit analog measurements by suppressing ground bounce and supply-induced offset drift.

Use Scenario: Biasing high-voltage op-amps in sensor front-ends (e.g., strain gauge bridges).

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local negative supply generator adjacent to precision amplifier ICs.

Use Value: Reduces noise coupling from shared system rails and improves CMRR by >15 dB.

Test & Measurement Equipment

Legacy Industrial Control Systems

Use Scenario: Calibration-grade power for benchtop multimeters and oscilloscope front-end amplifiers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise -20 V source feeding reference buffers and DAC output stages.

Use Value: Achieves <250 µV RMS output noise, meeting metrology-grade voltage reference stability requirements.

Use Scenario: Retrofit replacement for aging -20 V regulators in motor drive control boards.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in compatible negative regulator supporting legacy schematics using TO-220FP footprint.

Use Value: Maintains mechanical and electrical compatibility while improving thermal margin over obsolete parts.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative fixed-voltage regulation applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
LM337T	Adjustable output (requires two external resistors); ±1.5% initial accuracy vs. L7920CV's ±2.5% fixed accuracy	Used where programmability or multiple output voltages are needed on same board	Select LM337T only if adjustable output or tighter initial tolerance is required; adds design complexity and cost
MC7920CT	Same -20 V fixed output; TO-220 (non-FP) package; R_thJA = 50°C/W vs. 60°C/W for TO-220FP	Suitable for lower-power or better-heatsinked designs where insulation is not required	Choose MC7920CT when mechanical insulation is unnecessary and higher thermal efficiency is prioritized

Compared with LM337T and MC7920CT, the L7920CV offers integrated insulation (TO-220FP), simplified layout (no feedback network), and optimized SOA protection for industrial transients-making it preferred for ruggedized, fixed-rail deployments.

Availability

L7920CV is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, analog instrumentation, and test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for L7920CV 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.

The L79xxC series was developed specifically for robust, cost-effective negative linear regulation in industrial and instrumentation systems-emphasizing reliability, thermal resilience, and compatibility with standard positive L78xx counterparts.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage for L7920CV?

The absolute maximum DC input voltage is -40 V, specified for -20 V output devices. Operation above -40 V risks permanent damage. For reliable long-term use, keep input within -21.1 V to -35 V to maintain regulation while respecting thermal limits and SOA boundaries.

Can L7920CV be used without an input capacitor?

An input capacitor (≥2.2 µF solid tantalum) is required if the regulator is located more than 10 cm from the main filter capacitor. Omitting it may cause instability or oscillation due to trace inductance interacting with internal compensation. Aluminum electrolytics require ≥22 µF minimum.

Does L7920CV support adjustable output voltage?

No-it is a fixed -20 V regulator. While external components can modify output (e.g., via resistor networks between GND and ADJ pins), the L7920CV lacks an ADJ pin and is not designed for such configurations. Use LM337 for adjustable negative regulation.

Is heatsinking mandatory for 1.5 A operation?

Yes. At 1.5 A and ambient 50°C, junction temperature exceeds 150°C without heatsinking (R_thJA = 60°C/W). A heatsink reducing effective R_thJA to ≤25°C/W is required to sustain full current continuously and avoid thermal shutdown.

L7920CV Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-220-3

Packaging:: Tube

Product Status:: Obsolete

Output Configuration:: Negative

Output Type:: Fixed

Number of Regulators:: 1

Voltage - Input (Max):: -35V

Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):: -20V

Voltage - Output (Max):: -

Voltage Dropout (Max):: 1.1V @ 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

L7920CV FAQ

1.How can I place an order for L7920CV through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L7920CV 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 L7920CV reliable?

The price and inventory of L7920CV are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L7920CV is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for L7920CV?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L7920CV transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for L7920CV?

L7920CV orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your L7920CV 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 L7920CV?

For technical support, including L7920CV datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L7920CV requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that L7920CV is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All L7920CV 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 L7920CV meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of L7920CV?

All L7920CV units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L7920CV, 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 L7920CV part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for L7920CV:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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