STMicroelectronics L79L06ACZ

Overview

L79L06ACZ from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal fixed negative voltage regulator delivering -6 V at up to 100 mA output current, featuring ±5% output voltage tolerance (AC grade), thermal overload protection, short-circuit protection, and no requirement for external components. It serves as a local on-card regulator in industrial power supplies and analog sensor signal chains where low-noise, stable negative bias is required.

For engineers reviewing the L79L06ACZ datasheet, L79L06ACZ pinout, L79L06ACZ application, or L79L06ACZ equivalent, this device is selected for low-quiescent-current (-6 V) regulation in space-constrained PCBs, especially where replacement of Zener/resistor networks is needed for improved output impedance and reduced noise.

Technical Context

The L79L06ACZ implements an internally compensated linear regulation architecture with built-in current limiting and thermal shutdown. Its dropout voltage is fixed at 1.7 V, enabling operation with input voltages as low as -7.7 V while maintaining regulated -6 V output across load currents from 1 mA to 100 mA.

It achieves 39–46 dB supply voltage rejection at 120 Hz under 40 mA load, and delivers 50 µV RMS output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz). The device operates over 0 °C to +125 °C junction temperature range and supports TO-92, SOT-89, and SO-8 packages - all with validated pinout mapping to GND, VIN, and VOUT terminals.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-92 (standard through-hole plastic package with 3 leads); compatible with manual soldering and wave soldering processes. Pin assignment verified per STMicroelectronics mechanical drawing 0102782/C.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM7906CD and MC79L06ACP, the L79L06ACZ offers optimal balance of TO-92 package availability, ±5% accuracy, 50 µV noise, and 46 dB SVR - making it the preferred choice for industrial analog signal chains requiring robustness, low noise, and through-hole assembly compatibility.

Availability

L79L06ACZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, RS-232 transceivers, and analog audio preamplifiers requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for L79L06ACZ 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 microcontrollers, power management ICs, and analog devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The L79L00 series belongs to ST's legacy linear regulator product line, engineered specifically for cost-effective, robust local regulation in space- and power-constrained embedded systems - emphasizing reliability, ease of use, and drop-in replacement of discrete Zener networks.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for L79L06ACZ to maintain regulation?

The L79L06ACZ requires a minimum input voltage of -7.7 V (i.e., |VI| ≥ 7.7 V) to sustain -6 V output under full 100 mA load, based on its 1.7 V dropout voltage specification. At lighter loads (<40 mA), regulation holds down to -8.5 V input per electrical characteristics tables.

Can L79L06ACZ be used in parallel to increase output current?

No - the L79L06ACZ lacks current-sharing capability and has no parallel operation guidance in its datasheet. Attempting parallel connection risks thermal imbalance and premature failure due to mismatched output voltages and internal current limiting behavior.

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

Yes - at 100 mA with typical -12 V input, power dissipation exceeds 600 mW. With TO-92 R_thj-amb = 200 °C/W, junction temperature rise would exceed 120 °C above ambient, risking thermal shutdown. A minimum 2 cm² copper pour is recommended for reliable 100 mA operation.

Does L79L06ACZ require input and output capacitors for stability?

Yes - STMicroelectronics specifies 0.33 µF ceramic input capacitor (CI) and 0.1 µF ceramic output capacitor (CO) for stable operation. Omitting CO may cause oscillation under certain load conditions; CI reduces input ripple and improves transient response.