78M05 Positive Linear Voltage Regulator TO-252

78M05 Positive Linear Voltage Regulator in the TO-252 (D-Pak) package is an essential component for providing a stable, regulated 5V power supply in space-constrained electronic designs. As a member of the popular 78xx series, the 78M05 simplifies power management by requiring minimal external components—typically just two capacitors—to deliver a fixed 5-volt output with up to 500 mA of current. Its TO-252 surface-mount package is optimized for efficient heat dissipation when mounted on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), making it perfect for applications where board space and thermal performance are critical, such as embedded systems, battery-powered devices, and consumer electronics. Use this robust linear regulator to efficiently step down higher DC voltages and protect your sensitive 5V digital circuitry.

Key Features:

• Fixed 5V Output: Provides a highly stable and precise 5V DC output voltage, crucial for powering microcontrollers and logic ICs.
• Medium Current Capability: Delivers a consistent output current of up to 500 mA, suitable for most small to medium-sized embedded systems.
• Thermal and Overcurrent Protection: Features built-in thermal shutdown and internal current limiting circuits, actively protecting the device and the load from faults.
• TO-252 (D-Pak) Package: The surface-mount form factor is ideal for designs demanding high power density and excellent thermal performance on a PCB.
• Minimal External Components: Requires only input and output bypass capacitors to operate stably, simplifying the circuit design significantly.

Technical Specifications:

• Output Voltage (V_OUT): 5 V ± 4%
• Maximum Output Current (I_OUT): 500 mA
• Input Voltage Range (V_IN): 7 V to 25 V
• Dropout Voltage: ≈ 2.0 V (at 500 mA)
• Quiescent Current (I_Q): ≈ 4 mA to 8 mA
• Internal Protection: Thermal Overload Shutdown, Short Circuit Current Limit

Mechanical Specifications:

• Package Type: TO-252 (D-Pak)
• Mounting Style: Surface Mount Device (SMD)
• Lead Count: 3 Pins
• Junction Temperature Range (T_J): -40°C to +125°C

Dimensions:

• Package Length: ≈ 6.5 mm
• Package Width: ≈ 6.5 mm (excluding leads)
• Package Height: ≈ 2.3 mm
• Weight: ≈ 0.3 g

Pinout and Wiring:

• Pin 1 (Input): Apply the unregulated DC input voltage (V_IN, typically 7V to 25V).
• Pin 2 (Ground/GND): Connect this pin to the circuit ground reference.
• Pin 3 (Output): This pin provides the regulated 5V DC output voltage (V_OUT).

Datasheet Reference:

• Download 78M05 Voltage Regulator Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• Embedded Systems Design: Providing clean 5V power to microcontrollers (like Arduino, ESP boards) from a higher voltage source.
• Hobby Electronics and DIY Projects: Essential for generating a reliable power rail from a simple wall adapter or battery.
• Automotive Electronics: Regulating the fluctuating 12V supply down to a stable 5V for internal components.

Applications:

• On-Board Power Regulation: Creating a local, dedicated 5V supply on larger circuit boards.
• Low-Power Digital Circuits: Powering TTL, CMOS, and specific memory components.
• Fixed Voltage Power Supplies: Forming the final stage of a simple, linear desktop power supply unit.

Equivalent Models:

• LM7805 (TO-220): A similar 5V regulator but in the larger, through-hole package (1.5 A current capability).
• AMS1117-5.0 (SOT-223): A Low-Dropout (LDO) alternative with a smaller footprint and lower dropout voltage.
• LM2596 (Switching Regulator): A high-efficiency alternative for stepping down voltage with minimal heat generation.

Package Includes:

• 1 x 78M05 Positive Linear Voltage Regulator (TO-252)