LM7912 Pinout, Uses, Features, Equivalents and More

This article contains all the information about LM7912 pinout, uses, features, equivalents and other important information about this voltage regulator IC.

LM7912 IC Features / Technical Specifications

• TO-220 Package
• Up to 1.5A output current
• Short circuit protection function
• Overheat shutdown function
• Low price
• Reliable for commercial use
• Accurate 12V output
• Maximum input voltage is 35V DC
• Low quiescent current

LM7912 Description

Previously we have discussed many positive voltage regulator ICs form LM78xx series. These voltage regulators are quite famous and widely used. But today we are going to discuss about a negative voltage regulator LM7912. LM7912 is a fixed output negative voltage regulator of LM79xx series and available in TO-220 transistor package. The IC requires only one or two external components which are two filter capacitors which are placed at the input and output of the IC as shown in the IC’s pinout image above. These capacitors can be solid tantalum or electrolytic type and should be placed as near as possible with the IC with short leads. A proper heatsink is a must to use with the IC so that the IC can its maximum load that is 1.5A. The input voltage must be 2V to 3V above from output voltage that is 12V to get the stable output voltage. Additionally the input current should be atleast 1.5A to 2A to get accurate 1.5A at the output.

Where & How to Use: 

LM7912 can be used in wide variety of applications such as different type of power supply. Using the IC is pretty straight forward. As shown in the image above it can be connected between the negative supply to the load.

Applications

Voltage step down circuits

Dual Power Supplies

Motor Drivers

Battery Charger Circuits

Solar Power Supply Circuits

Replacement and Equivalent / Other Part Numbers

UA7912, GL7912, KIA79012P are the replacement / equivalent part number of LM7912 IC. If these equivalent ICs are not available then you can also use LM337 adjustable negative voltage regulator IC and set it to 12V fixed output.

How to Safely Long Run in a Circuit

To get long term and stable performance from LM7912 to not drive load of more than 1.5A, the input voltage should not be more than 35V. Always use a proper heat sink and do not operate or store the IC in temperature below -65 centigrade and above +150 centigrade.

Datasheet

To Download the datasheet just copy and paste the below link in your browser.

https://cdn.datasheetspdf.com/pdf-down/L/M/7/LM7912_NationalSemiconductor.pdf