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7812 Voltage Regulator Data
Key data for the 7812 linear voltage regulator including key electrical parameters, current, voltage, pinout, package type and many other key datasheet details.
The 7812 is a 12 volt linear voltage regulator capable of supplying up to 1 amp output and suitable for a variety of different applications.
The 78xx series of linear voltage regulators have been available for many years. Even many years down the line, they are still very useful and they are manufactured by a variety of companies and they are still current.
The regulators are fixed voltage regulators for which there is a good range of standard values, and it is possible to adjust them is absolutely necessary although they have been designed to operate at their specified voltage.
The 78xx series voltage regulators are available with a variety of power levels. These regulators are the standard power .
The 7800 series integrated circuits offer a good level of performance with a minimum number of components.
Key details and performance parameters for the 7812 voltage regulator.
| 7812 voltage regulator datasheet parameters & data |
|
|---|---|
| Parameters | Details |
| Brief description | 12V 1A 3 terminal regulator |
| Package type | TO220 |
| Output voltage | 12V typ (11.5 min& 12.5 max) @ 1A |
| Output current | 1A continuous, peak 2.2 |
| Input voltage (V>) | 14.5 - 27V |
| Input voltage regulation | 7.5mV typ, 240mV max for 14.8 - 30V input change |
| Output voltage regulation | 1.6mV typ, 240mV max for 5 mA to 1.5A load current |
| TJ °C | 150 |
| PTOT mW | Internally limited |
| Drop-out voltage (V) | 2V |
Outlines & Pinout:
Explanation of transistor parameters
| Parameter | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Output voltage | This is the key parameter for a fixed voltage regulator. Normally for fixed voltage regulators, values for the typical as well as minimum and maximum output voltages will be give. For variable regulators the limits of operation are given. |
| Output current | This is the maximum current which can be provided in mA or A. Sometimes there may also be a minimum current for the specified operation. |
| Input voltage regulation | This is the regulation performance for a given input voltage range. |
| Parameter | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Output voltage regulation | This is the output voltage regulation for a specified change in load current |
| TJ | Maximum junction temperature. |
| PTOT Max | Maximum device dissipation normally in free air at 25°C unless other conditions indicated. |
| Drop out voltage | This is the minimum voltage across the device, i.e. input to output, that will provide regulation. Below this value the regulator will not provide regulation. |
These are the main voltage regulator parameters that have been included in our list. There are others, but these help quantify the main elements of the performance of the regulator, but are normally deemed to be less important.
Please note, that the data given is the best estimate we can give within a tabulated summary of this nature. Parameters also vary between manufacturers. Electronics Notes cannot accept any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, etc, although we do endevaour to ensure the data is as accurate as possible.
Notes and supplementary information
• Availability & sources
The L7812 is available from a number of stockists and electronic component distributors.
• Circuit details
The 7812 is a very easy voltage regulator integrated circuit to use. However it is necessary to employ a few additional precautions and add a few additional components to ensure that it runs properly.
The basic circuit is seen below.
Despite the fact that the datasheets often detail the fact that no additional components are required, it is necessary to add two capacitors as shown on the diagram.
The additional components are capacitors on the input and the output. Typically a 0.33µF capacitor is required on the input and 0.1µF is needed ont he output.
These are minimum values and larger ones may provide improved performance.
Written by Ian Poole .
Experienced electronics engineer and author.
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