Overview
The STMicroelectronics L78M15ABV is a precision 500 mA three-terminal positive voltage regulator. It is part of the L78MxxA series, which offers fixed output voltages and is available in TO-220 and DPAK packages. This regulator is designed to provide local on-card regulation, eliminating the issues associated with single-point regulation. It features internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and safe area protection, making it highly reliable and robust.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 14.7 to 15.3 | V |
| Output Current | Up to 500 mA | mA |
| Input Voltage | 17.5 to 30 V | V |
| Line Regulation | 100 mV (VI = 17.5 to 30 V, IO = 200 mA) | mV |
| Load Regulation | 300 mV (IO = 5 to 500 mA) | mV |
| Quiescent Current | 6 mA | mA |
| Dropout Voltage | 2 V | V |
| Short Circuit Current | 250 mA | mA |
| Operating Junction Temperature | -40 to 125 °C (AB), 0 to 125 °C (AC) | °C |
| Thermal Resistance Junction-Case | 5 °C/W (TO-220), 8 °C/W (DPAK) | °C/W |
| Thermal Resistance Junction-Ambient | 50 °C/W (TO-220), 100 °C/W (DPAK) | °C/W |
Key Features
- Fixed output voltage of 15 V with ±2% tolerance
- Output current up to 500 mA
- Thermal overload protection and short circuit protection
- Output transition SOA protection
- Internal current limiting and safe area protection
- No external components required for operation, but input bypass capacitor recommended for stability
- Available in TO-220 and DPAK packages
Applications
The L78M15ABV is suitable for a wide range of applications where local on-card regulation is necessary. It can be used in power supplies, battery chargers, and other electronic systems that require a stable and regulated voltage. The regulator is particularly useful in scenarios where the power supply lines are long or where the output load capacitance is large, as it helps to ensure stable operation.
Q & A
- What is the output voltage of the L78M15ABV? The output voltage of the L78M15ABV is 15 V with a ±2% tolerance.
- What is the maximum output current of the L78M15ABV? The maximum output current is up to 500 mA.
- What are the input voltage ranges for the L78M15ABV? The input voltage ranges from 17.5 to 30 V.
- Does the L78M15ABV have built-in protection features? Yes, it includes thermal overload protection, short circuit protection, and output transition SOA protection.
- What are the recommended operating temperatures for the L78M15ABV? The operating junction temperature ranges from -40 to 125 °C for the AB version and 0 to 125 °C for the AC version.
- What packages are available for the L78M15ABV? It is available in TO-220 and DPAK packages.
- Is an external capacitor required for operation? No external components are required, but an input bypass capacitor is recommended for stable operation.
- What is the quiescent current of the L78M15ABV? The quiescent current is 6 mA.
- What is the dropout voltage of the L78M15ABV? The dropout voltage is 2 V.
- How does the L78M15ABV handle short circuit conditions? It limits the maximum current to prevent damage, with a short circuit current of 250 mA.
