L78
Positive voltage regulator ICs
Datasheet - production data
Description
The L78 series of three-terminal positive 
regulators is available in TO-220, TO-220FP, 
DPAK and DPAK packages and several fixed 
output voltages, making it useful in a wide range 
of applications.
These regulators can provide local on-card 
TO-220 TO-220FP
regulation, eliminating the distribution problems 
associated with single point regulation. Each type 
embeds internal current limiting, thermal shut-
down and safe area protection, making it 
essentially indestructible. If adequate heat sinking 
is provided, they can deliver over 1 A output 
DPAK
DPAK
current. Although designed primarily as fixed 
voltage regulators, these devices can be used 
with external components to obtain adjustable 
Features
voltage and currents.
 Output current up to 1.5 A
 Output voltages of 5; 6; 8; 8.5; 9; 12; 15; 18; 
24 V
 Thermal overload protection
 Short circuit protection
 Output transition SOA protection
 2 % output voltage tolerance (A version)
 Guaranteed in extended temperature range 
(A version)
March 2014 DocID2143 Rev 32 1/58
This is information on a product in full production. www.st.comContents Positive voltage regulator ICs
Contents
1 Diagram  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2 Pin configuration   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3 Maximum ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4 Test circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5 Electrical characteristics  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6 Application information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.1 Design consideration  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
7 Typical performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
8 Package mechanical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
9 Packaging mechanical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
10 Order codes   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
11 Revision history  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
2/58 DocID2143 Rev 32