L7805CV Voltage Regulator

The L7805CV is a 5V voltage regulator IC that provides a stable 5V output from a higher input voltage. It is widely used in electronic circuits to power microcontrollers, sensors, and other devices that require a constant 5V supply. The L7805CV is part of the L78 series of voltage regulators, designed for use in power supply circuits that need to convert unregulated voltage to a regulated 5V output.

Specifications

• Input Voltage Range: 7V to 35V
• Output Voltage: 5V (fixed)
• Output Current: Up to 1A (depending on cooling)
• Power Dissipation: Max 15W (depending on input and output voltage difference)
• Dropout Voltage: Typically 2V (depends on load current)
• Thermal Shutdown: Yes, protects the IC from overheating
• Short Circuit Protection: Yes, protects the IC from short circuits
• Package Type: TO-220 (through-hole) or TO-263 (surface mount)

Pinout

The L7805CV has three main pins, and here is an overview of the pins:

• Pin 1: Input (Voltage from power supply)
• Pin 2: Ground (Common ground for input and output)
• Pin 3: Output (5V regulated output)

Applications

The L7805CV is commonly used in various applications where a stable 5V output is required:

• Powering Microcontrollers: It is widely used to power 5V logic microcontrollers like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other embedded systems.
• Powering Sensors and Modules: The 5V regulated output is ideal for powering sensors, relays, and communication modules.
• Battery-Powered Projects: It is useful in battery-powered applications that require a stable 5V supply.
• Power Supply Units: It is used in power supply circuits to convert unregulated voltage to a stable 5V supply for various devices.

Key Features

• Fixed 5V Output: Provides a reliable and stable 5V output, ideal for 5V circuits.
• High Output Current: Can deliver up to 1A of current, depending on heat dissipation.
• Short Circuit and Thermal Protection: Built-in features protect the IC and connected components from damage due to overheating or short circuits.
• Ease of Use: Simple three-pin design for easy integration into power supply circuits.
• Low Cost: The L7805CV is an affordable and widely available voltage regulator.

Wiring Diagram

Here’s how to connect the L7805CV to a circuit:

        +---------------------+    +--------------------+
        |    L7805CV          |    |   Power Supply     |
        |    Voltage Regulator|    |                    |
        +---------------------+    +--------------------+
        | Pin 1 (Input)        |--------------------> Power Supply (7V-35V)
        | Pin 2 (Ground)       |--------------------> Ground
        | Pin 3 (Output)       |--------------------> 5V Regulated Output
        +---------------------+    +--------------------+
    

Advantages

• Provides a stable 5V output from a wide range of input voltages.
• Easy to use with a simple three-pin design.
• Can handle up to 1A of current, suitable for many low-power applications.
• Offers built-in protection features like thermal shutdown and short circuit protection.
• Cost-effective solution for voltage regulation in electronic projects.

Installation Tips

• Ensure that the input voltage to the L7805CV is at least 7V and no more than 35V for proper regulation.
• To prevent overheating, use a heat sink or ensure proper ventilation if the output current exceeds 500mA.
• Connect the ground pin to a common ground with the power supply and the output load to complete the circuit.
• Do not overload the L7805CV; the maximum output current is typically 1A. Use external power transistors or FETs for higher current requirements.