L7812CV Voltage Regulator

Product Description

The L7812CV Voltage Regulator is a popular and reliable linear positive voltage regulator that provides a fixed +12 V output with excellent stability and performance. Part of the well-established 78xx series of regulators, the L7812CV is widely used in power supply designs, embedded electronics, and general DC voltage regulation tasks.

Designed to maintain a constant 12 V DC output regardless of fluctuations in input voltage or load conditions, this regulator is ideal for powering analog circuits, microcontrollers, sensors, and other electronic components requiring a stable 12 V source. It features built-in current limiting and thermal protection, ensuring safe and dependable operation.

✨ Key Features

• Fixed +12 V output voltage

• High regulation accuracy for stable performance

• Up to 1 A output current (typical)

• Protection against short-circuit and overload

• Thermal shutdown for temperature protection

• Minimal external components required

• Standard TO-220 package for easy mounting

• Low noise output suitable for analog electronics

📐 Technical Specifications

Electrical Characteristics

• Model: L7812CV

• Output Voltage: +12 V (fixed)

• Output Current: Up to 1 A

• Input Voltage Range: Typically ≥ 14.5 V DC (must be greater than output + dropout voltage)

• Voltage Tolerance: ±4% (typical)

• Regulation: Linear

• Dropout Voltage: Approximately 2 V

• Quiescent Current: Low operating current

Protection Features

• Overcurrent/Short-Circuit Protection — prevents damage under excessive load

• Thermal Shutdown — protects the regulator from overheating

Physical Characteristics

• Package Type: TO-220 (standard through-hole mount)

• Mounting Style: Through-hole PCB mount

• Operating Temperature Range: −40 °C to +125 °C (typical)

• Storage Temperature: −65 °C to +150 °C

🧰 Typical Applications

• Regulated power supplies

• Microcontroller and digital circuitry power source

• Audio amplifiers and signal conditioning

• Sensor systems and instrumentation

• Robotics, automation, and embedded projects

• Educational electronics and prototypes

🛠️ How It Works (Short Overview)

1. Connect an unregulated DC input voltage that is at least a few volts above 12 V.

2. The L7812CV regulates the input and provides a stable +12 V output.

3. Built-in protections ensure safe function under overload and high temperatures.