STMicroelectronics LF80CV

Overview

LF80CV from STMicroelectronics is a very low dropout (LDO) linear voltage regulator delivering 8.0 V fixed output at up to 500 mA, with 0.45 V typical dropout at 200 mA, 50 µA quiescent current in shutdown mode, ±1% output voltage accuracy (AB grade), and operation across –40°C to +125°C. It features logic-controlled electronic shutdown (TTL-compatible enable pin), internal current and thermal limiting, and stable operation with only a 2.2 µF output capacitor - making it suitable for space-constrained, battery-powered industrial sensors.

For engineers reviewing the LF80CV datasheet, LF80CV pinout, LF80CV application, or LF80CV equivalent, key selection considerations include its 8.0 V fixed output, shutdown functionality, low-noise (50 µV RMS) performance, thermal robustness (125°C max junction), and compatibility with ceramic output capacitors down to 2.2 µF.

Technical Context

The LF80CV belongs to ST's LF00 series of high-accuracy, low-dropout regulators designed for low-noise, low-power systems. It integrates a precision bandgap reference, error amplifier, pass transistor, and protection circuitry (current limit and thermal shutdown) in a single monolithic IC. Its shutdown control input (pin 2 in PENTAWATT/PPAK) enables system-level power sequencing and standby management.

Unlike standard three-terminal LDOs, the 5-pin variants (e.g., PENTAWATT, PPAK) provide independent enable control with TTL-compatible thresholds (V_IL ≤ 0.8 V, V_IH ≥ 2.0 V) and microamp-level shutdown current (50 µA typ.), while maintaining full regulation performance (80 dB PSRR at 120 Hz, 50 µV noise) in active mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LF80CV is available in TO-220FP (5-pin) and PENTAWATT (5-pin) packages. Both feature identical pinout: Pin 1 = Input, Pin 2 = Shutdown (TTL-compatible), Pin 3 = Ground, Pin 4 = Output, Pin 5 = Bypass (NC or optional noise-reduction capacitor).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV70780DBVR, LF80CV delivers 67% more output current and 40°C higher temperature rating; versus NCP1117DT80T5G, it offers 62% lower dropout, integrated shutdown, and twice the voltage accuracy - making it optimal for thermally demanding, battery-aware 8 V systems.

Availability

LF80CV is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, automotive body control modules, portable medical monitors, and programmable logic controller I/O stages requiring stable component supply with long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for LF80CV 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, sensors, and analog devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The LF00 series was developed specifically for low-noise, low-power, high-accuracy linear regulation in harsh environments - targeting battery-powered instrumentation, automotive sub-systems, and industrial edge nodes where reliability and thermal resilience are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for LF80CV to maintain regulation at 500 mA load?

The LF80CV requires an input voltage ≥8.45 V to sustain 8.0 V output at 500 mA, based on its maximum dropout voltage of 0.7 V (per Table 9 for LF27AB/C, extrapolated to LF80CV per series consistency). At 200 mA, dropout is 0.45 V typical, so 8.45 V remains the safe minimum for full-load operation across temperature and process variation.

Can LF80CV be used with tantalum or aluminum electrolytic output capacitors?

Yes, but only if ESR is within 0.1–10 Ω and capacitance is 2–10 µF. However, ST's datasheet specifies stability with 2.2 µF ceramic (X5R/X7R); tantalum or aluminum types introduce higher ESR and aging effects that may degrade transient response and phase margin. Ceramic is strongly recommended for optimal performance.

Is pin 5 (Bypass) required for LF80CV operation?

No - pin 5 is No-Connect (NC) for the LF80CV variant. It is reserved for noise-reduction capacitor connection in other LF00 family members (e.g., LF33AB with BP pin), but has no function in LF80CV. Leaving it unconnected poses no risk and matches ST's recommended layout.

Does LF80CV support reverse-voltage protection?

No - LF80CV lacks internal reverse-voltage protection. If input polarity reversal is possible in the system (e.g., during hot-swap or service), an external series Schottky diode (with ≤0.3 V forward drop) or ideal diode controller must be added to prevent damage. This is explicitly noted in ST's Absolute Maximum Ratings table (VI min = –0.5 V).