1 Features
• Input voltage: up to 30V operating
– 45V absolute maximum (new chip)
• Available output voltages:
– Legacy chip: 5V, 6.2V, 8.2V, 9V, 12V, 15V
– New chip: 3.3V, 5V, 6V, 12V, 15V
• Output current: 100mA
• Internal thermal overload protection
• Output current limiting
• No external components required for stability
• Package options:
– Legacy chip: SOIC-8, TO-92-3, DSBGA-8
– New chip: SOIC-8, SOT-89-3

2 Applications
• Servo & stepper drives
• Battery chargers
• Portable instrumentation
• LED lighting
• Appliances

3 Description
The LM78L series (LM78Lxx throughout this
document) of positive linear regulators is available
with several fixed output voltages, making the devices
useful in a wide range of applications. Used as a
Zener-diode and resistor combination replacement,
the LM78Lxx typically provides an effective output
impedance improvement of two orders of magnitude
and lower quiescent current. These regulators
can provide local, on-card regulation, eliminating
distribution problems associated with single-point
regulation. The available voltages allow the LM78Lxx
to be used in logic systems, instrumentation, HiFi, and
other solid-state electronic equipment.
The LM78Lxx with new chip is available in SOIC (D)
package and SOT-89 (PK) packages. The LM78Lxx
series regulators can deliver up to 100mA output
current. Current limiting is included to limit the peak
output current to a safe value. If internal power
dissipation is too high, the thermal shutdown circuit
prevents the IC from overheating.