STMicroelectronics L79L06ABZ

Overview

L79L06ABZ from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal fixed negative voltage regulator delivering -6 V output at up to 100 mA, featuring internal current limiting, thermal overload protection, and short-circuit protection. It requires no external components and is specified for operation from -40 °C to +125 °C junction temperature, making it suitable for local on-card regulation in industrial control and embedded power subsystems.

For engineers reviewing the L79L06ABZ datasheet, L79L06ABZ pinout, L79L06ABZ application, or L79L06ABZ equivalent, this device serves as a drop-in replacement for Zener/resistor regulators with two-order-of-magnitude lower output impedance, reduced quiescent current (6 mA typ.), and improved supply voltage rejection (39–46 dB).

Technical Context

The L79L06ABZ implements a monolithic bipolar linear regulator architecture with built-in thermal shutdown and foldback current limiting. Its dropout voltage is fixed at 1.7 V, enabling stable regulation when input is as low as -7.7 V under full load.

It operates across a wide input range: -8.5 V to -20 V for line regulation testing, with guaranteed output voltage tolerance of ±4% (±0.24 V) at 25 °C and ±5% over full temperature and load range. Output noise is 50 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz), supporting low-noise analog subsystems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-92 (3-lead plastic transistor-style package). The L79L06ABZ uses standard TO-92 mechanical dimensions (D = 4.45–4.95 mm, E = 3.30–3.94 mm, L = 12.7–15.49 mm) with lead pitch 2.41–2.67 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative linear regulator applications.

Compared with LM7906CDT, L79L06ABZ offers smaller footprint and lower quiescent current but less output current; versus MC79L06ACZ, it adds extended temperature support and tighter initial accuracy at minimal cost premium.

Availability

L79L06ABZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, legacy analog instrumentation, and embedded microcontroller peripherals requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for L79L06ABZ 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 analog, MCU, power, and sensing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The L79L00 series belongs to ST's legacy linear regulator product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-cost, fixed-voltage local regulation in space-constrained and thermally demanding industrial applications.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for stable -6 V output at 100 mA?

The L79L06ABZ requires a minimum input voltage of -7.7 V (i.e., |VI| ≥ |VO| + Vd = 6 V + 1.7 V) to maintain regulation at full 100 mA load. Below this, output voltage drops linearly with input; datasheet testing confirms stable operation down to -8.5 V input across temperature.

Can L79L06ABZ be used in parallel to increase output current?

No-L79L06ABZ lacks current-sharing capability and has no built-in balancing features. Parallel connection risks thermal runaway due to mismatched dropout voltages and thermal coefficients. For higher current, use a single higher-rated regulator like LM7915 or add an external pass transistor with proper biasing.

Is a heatsink required for continuous 100 mA operation in TO-92 package?

At 100 mA with 2 V input-output differential, power dissipation is ~200 mW. With R_thj-amb = 200 °C/W (TO-92), junction rise is ~40 °C above ambient-within limits at 25 °C ambient. However, above 60 °C ambient or with >1.5 V differential, PCB copper pour (≥2 cm²) is recommended to avoid exceeding 125 °C junction limit.

How does L79L06ABZ compare to L79L06ACZ in terms of temperature performance?

L79L06ABZ is rated for -40 °C to +125 °C junction operation, while L79L06ACZ is limited to 0 °C to +125 °C. Both share identical electrical specs at 25 °C, but AB-grade maintains ±4% output accuracy across the full industrial range, whereas AC-grade degrades outside 0–70 °C per its datasheet limits.