L7805CV - 5V 1.5A Positive Voltage Regulator | STMicroelectronics
MPN: L7805CV ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.2509 | $0.25 |
| 10 | $0.1812 | $1.81 |
| 100 | $0.1603 | $16.03 |
| 500 | $0.1533 | $76.65 |
| 1,000 | $0.1464 | $146.40 |
L7805CV Overview
A linear voltage regulator is a type of voltage regulator that maintains a constant output voltage by dissipating excess power as heat. The L7805CV is a member of the 78xx series of fixed linear regulators, which are part of the broader category of voltage regulators within power management ICs. Linear regulators are known for their simplicity, low noise, and fast transient response, making them ideal for applications where clean and stable power is required.
Key features of the L7805CV include internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and safe-area compensation, which protect the device and the load from damage. The output voltage is fixed at 5V with a typical accuracy of ±2% (4.8V to 5.2V). The dropout voltage is typically 2V at 1A output current, meaning the input must be at least 7V for proper regulation. The device also offers a ripple rejection of 62 dB at 120 Hz, ensuring minimal AC ripple on the output.
The L7805CV is built using a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) process, which provides robust performance and high reliability. The TO-220 package includes a metal tab that can be connected to a heatsink for improved thermal dissipation. The thermal resistance from junction to case is 5°C/W, and the maximum junction temperature is 150°C. This allows the device to handle power dissipation up to 15W with adequate heatsinking.
Typical applications include power supplies for microcontrollers, logic circuits, and analog circuits, as well as battery chargers and instrumentation. The wide input voltage range and high output current make it versatile for both low-power and moderate-power applications. In a typical design, the L7805CV is used with input and output capacitors (0.33µF and 0.1µF) to ensure stability and reduce noise.
When designing with the L7805CV, it is important to consider the power dissipation and thermal management. For example, at VIN=12V, VOUT=5V, and 1A load, the power dissipation is 7W, which requires a heatsink to keep the junction temperature within safe limits. The input capacitor should be placed close to the input pin, and the output capacitor should be placed close to the output pin to minimize parasitic inductance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the STMicroelectronics datasheet, providing engineers with a comprehensive resource for selecting and using the L7805CV.
Drop-in alternatives for L7805CV — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
LM340T-5.0
📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC7805CT
📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
UA7805C
📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
L7805CV Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Output Type | Fixed |
| Output Voltage | 5 V |
| Output Voltage Tolerance | ±2% (4.8 V to 5.2 V) |
| Maximum Output Current | 1.5 A |
| Input Voltage Range | 7 V to 35 V |
| Dropout Voltage | 2 V at 1 A |
| Line Regulation | 50 mV (typical) |
| Load Regulation | 100 mV (typical) |
| Ripple Rejection | 62 dB at 120 Hz |
| Quiescent Current | 6 mA (typical) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0°C to +125°C |
| Package | TO-220 |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Thermal Resistance (Junction to Case) | 5°C/W |
| Maximum Junction Temperature | 150°C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
L7805CV Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | INPUT — Unregulated input voltage (7V to 35V) |
| Pin 2 | GROUND — Ground reference |
| Pin 3 | OUTPUT — Regulated 5V output |
Typical Applications
L7805CV is suitable for 6 applications: Microcontroller Power Supply, Logic Circuit Power Supply, Battery Charger, Instrumentation, Audio Equipment, Industrial Control.
Microcontroller Power Supply
The L7805CV provides a stable 5V rail for microcontrollers, which typically require a clean and regulated supply. Its 1.5A output current is sufficient for most MCU boards, and the low output noise ensures reliable operation. In a typical design, the L7805CV is placed after a bridge rectifier and smoothing capacitor, with a 0.33µF input capacitor and 0.1µF output capacitor for stability. The wide input voltage range (7V to 35V) allows it to handle unregulated DC sources, such as wall adapters or battery packs. The thermal shutdown and current limiting features protect the MCU from overcurrent and overtemperature conditions. Compared to switching regulators, the L7805CV offers lower noise and simpler design, but at the cost of higher power dissipation. For battery-powered applications, the quiescent current of 6mA should be considered, as it may affect battery life.
Recommended
Logic Circuit Power Supply
The L7805CV is ideal for powering TTL and CMOS logic circuits that require a 5V supply. Its 62 dB ripple rejection at 120 Hz ensures that AC ripple from the input is effectively filtered, providing a clean output for logic ICs. The output voltage tolerance of ±2% is within the acceptable range for most logic families. In a typical application, the L7805CV is used with a 0.33µF input capacitor and 0.1µF output capacitor to prevent oscillations. The TO-220 package allows for easy heatsinking when the regulator is dissipating significant power. For example, at VIN=12V and 1A load, the power dissipation is 7W, requiring a heatsink. The L7805CV's internal current limiting and thermal shutdown provide protection for the logic circuits. Compared to using multiple discrete components, the L7805CV simplifies the design and reduces board space.
Recommended
Battery Charger
The L7805CV can be used in simple battery charger circuits to provide a regulated 5V supply. For charging a 3.7V lithium-ion battery, a 5V supply with current limiting is needed. The L7805CV can provide up to 1.5A, but the charging current should be limited using a resistor or a dedicated charging IC. In a typical circuit, the L7805CV is connected to a DC input, and the output is used to charge the battery through a current-limiting resistor. The thermal shutdown feature protects the regulator during prolonged charging. However, the L7805CV is not a dedicated charger IC, so it lacks features like charge termination and temperature monitoring. For a more advanced charger, consider using a dedicated IC like the TP4056. The L7805CV is best suited for simple, low-cost charging applications where the battery is charged at a constant voltage.
Recommended
Instrumentation
The L7805CV is used in instrumentation equipment that requires a stable 5V reference for analog circuits. Its low output noise and high ripple rejection make it suitable for powering operational amplifiers, ADCs, and sensors. In a typical application, the L7805CV is used to power a precision voltage reference, such as the AD780, which requires a clean 5V supply. The output voltage tolerance of ±2% is acceptable for most instrumentation, but for higher accuracy, a precision reference may be needed. The TO-220 package allows for easy mounting on a PCB or heatsink. The L7805CV's thermal shutdown and current limiting protect the instrumentation from faults. Compared to using a battery, the L7805CV provides a continuous, regulated supply, ensuring consistent measurements. For battery-powered instruments, the quiescent current of 6mA should be considered.
Recommended
Audio Equipment
The L7805CV can be used in audio equipment to provide a clean 5V supply for audio codecs, amplifiers, and digital signal processors. Its low output noise and 62 dB ripple rejection at 120 Hz help minimize hum and noise in the audio signal. In a typical application, the L7805CV is used to power a DAC or ADC, such as the PCM5102, which requires a 5V supply. The output voltage tolerance of ±2% is acceptable for most audio ICs. The TO-220 package allows for heatsinking if the regulator dissipates significant power. For high-end audio, a low-dropout regulator with lower noise, such as the TPS7A4701, may be preferred. However, the L7805CV is a cost-effective solution for consumer audio equipment. The thermal shutdown and current limiting features protect the audio circuits from faults.
Recommended
Industrial Control
The L7805CV is used in industrial control systems to provide a regulated 5V supply for microcontrollers, sensors, and communication interfaces. Its wide input voltage range (7V to 35V) allows it to operate from industrial 24V buses, providing a stable 5V rail. In a typical application, the L7805CV is used to power a PLC or a sensor interface, such as an RS-485 transceiver. The output voltage tolerance of ±2% is acceptable for most industrial ICs. The TO-220 package allows for easy mounting on a DIN rail or heatsink. The L7805CV's thermal shutdown and current limiting provide protection in harsh industrial environments. Compared to switching regulators, the L7805CV offers lower noise and simpler design, but at the cost of higher power dissipation. For high-current applications, a heatsink is required.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for L7805CV — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | LM340T-5.0 | MC7805CT | UA7805C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TO-220 | TO-220 | TO-220 | TO-220 |
| Output Voltage | 5V | 5V | 5V | 5V |
| Output Current | 1.5A | 1.5A | 1.5A | 1.5A |
| Input Voltage Range | 7V to 35V | 7V to 35V | 7V to 35V | 7V to 35V |
| Dropout Voltage | 2V at 1A | 2V at 1A | 2V at 1A | 2V at 1A |
| Ripple Rejection | 62 dB at 120 Hz | 62 dB at 120 Hz | 62 dB at 120 Hz | 62 dB at 120 Hz |
| Quiescent Current | 6 mA | 6 mA | 6 mA | 6 mA |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0°C to +125°C | 0°C to +125°C | 0°C to +125°C | 0°C to +125°C |
Key Differentiators
- Wide input voltage range up to 35V (vs LM340T-5.0)
- Low quiescent current of 6 mA (vs MC7805CT)
- Proven reliability and availability (vs UA7805C)
Design Notes
The L7805CV dissipates power as heat, and the maximum power dissipation is limited by the junction temperature. For example, at VIN=12V, VOUT=5V, and 1A load, the power dissipation is 7W. With a thermal resistance of 5°C/W (junction to case) and 50°C/W (junction to ambient), a heatsink is required for most applications. Use a heatsink with a thermal resistance of 10°C/W or lower to keep the junction temperature below 125°C for reliable operation.
Place input and output capacitors as close to the L7805CV pins as possible. Use a 0.33µF input capacitor and a 0.1µF output capacitor for stability. For better transient response, add a 10µF electrolytic capacitor on the output. The ground pin should be connected to a solid ground plane to minimize noise.
Do not exceed the maximum input voltage of 35V. Ensure the input voltage is at least 7V to maintain regulation. The output capacitor is essential for stability; do not omit it. If the load is far from the regulator, use a larger output capacitor to prevent oscillations.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per STMicroelectronics product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified. Halogen-free status not specified in the provided data.
