L7805CV 5V 1.5A Voltage Regulator (TO-220) – Support Documentation
The L7805CV is a widely used linear voltage regulator that provides a fixed 5V output with up to 1.5A of current. Housed in a TO-220 package, it is ideal for applications requiring a stable 5V supply, such as powering microcontrollers, sensors, and other digital circuits.
Key Features
- Fixed 5V output voltage
- Output current up to 1.5A
- Input voltage range: 7V to 35V
- Internal thermal overload protection
- Short-circuit protection
- Output transition safe area protection
- TO-220 package for easy mounting and heat dissipation
Pinout Configuration (TO-220 Package)
When viewing the L7805CV with the metal tab facing away and pins downward, the pin configuration is as follows:
| Pin Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Input (IN) | Unregulated input voltage (7V to 35V) |
| 2 | Ground (GND) | Common ground |
| 3 | Output (OUT) | Regulated 5V output |
Typical Application Circuit
To ensure stable operation, it’s recommended to use input and output capacitors:
- Input Capacitor (CIN): 0.33µF ceramic capacitor connected between IN and GND
- Output Capacitor (COUT): 0.1µF ceramic capacitor connected between OUT and GND
For improved performance, especially when the regulator is located far from the power supply filter, larger electrolytic capacitors (e.g., 10µF) can be added in parallel with the ceramic capacitors.
Thermal Considerations
The L7805CV can dissipate significant power, especially when the voltage difference between input and output is large. To prevent thermal shutdown:
- Attach a suitable heatsink to the TO-220 package’s metal tab.
- Ensure adequate airflow around the regulator.
- Calculate power dissipation: P = (VIN – VOUT) × IOUT
Applications
- Power supply for microcontrollers and digital circuits
- Embedded systems requiring a stable 5V supply
- DIY electronics projects
- Battery-powered devices with higher voltage batteries
Troubleshooting Tips
- Overheating: Ensure a proper heatsink is installed and that the input voltage isn’t excessively high.
- Output voltage is not 5V: Check input voltage levels and ensure capacitors are correctly placed.
- No output voltage: Verify all connections, and ensure the regulator isn’t in thermal shutdown due to overheating.