L78M06C STMicroelectronics Integrated Circuit (Transistor Outline, Vertical) In Stock
STMicroelectronics L78M06C is a fixed +6 V positive linear voltage regulator capable of delivering up to 500 mA output current with built-in thermal shutdown and current limiting in a TO-220 package. It requires minimal external components — two decoupling capacitors — and operates over an input voltage range of 8 V to 35 V. Available from stock worldwide for straightforward regulated supply designs.
- Manufacturer
- STMicroelectronics
- Package
- Transistor Outline, Vertical
- Pin Count
- 3
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- L78M06C Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- RoHS
- Compliant
- Lead Time
- 3–7 business days
- Shipping
- DHL Express · Worldwide
Key Features
- Fixed +6 V output with tight regulation accuracy of ±4%, requiring only input/output bypass capacitors for a complete regulated supply
- 500 mA continuous output current with internal thermal shutdown and current limiting for robust short-circuit protection
- Wide input voltage range from 8 V to 35 V, compatible with unregulated transformer-rectifier and automotive-rail power sources
Applications
The L78M06C is commonly used to generate stable 6 V rails for analog instrumentation, reference circuits, and relay driver supplies in industrial and consumer electronics. Its built-in protection features make it suitable for automotive accessory modules, security panel power supplies, and legacy TTL or CMOS logic boards that require a regulated 6 V bus.
Compliance & Regulatory
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes (Pb-Free) |
Alternate & Equivalent Parts
Compatible alternatives and drop-in replacements for L78M06C:
Frequently Asked Questions
What output current can L78M06C supply and what thermal derating applies at high ambient temperatures?
The L78M06C delivers up to 500 mA continuous output current in a TO-220 package. Above 50°C ambient, the maximum safe current must be derated based on junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of approximately 50°C/W. At 85°C ambient with no heatsink, available current drops to roughly 150 mA to 200 mA before the internal 150°C junction temperature limit is reached.
How much input voltage headroom does the L78M06C require for proper regulation?
The L78M06C requires a minimum input-to-output differential of about 2 V to 2.5 V, so the input supply must stay above 8 V to maintain a regulated 6 V output. The device accepts inputs up to 35 V, providing compatibility with 12 V automotive rails, 9 V wall adapters, and 24 V industrial buses while still producing a clean 6 V output.
Which external components are needed to build a complete 6 V regulated supply with L78M06C?
A minimal L78M06C circuit requires only two capacitors: a 0.33 µF ceramic or film capacitor on the input pin and a 0.1 µF capacitor on the output pin, both placed close to the IC. For designs with long input wiring or large load transients, a 10 µF to 100 µF electrolytic capacitor in parallel improves transient response and prevents oscillation, completing the supply in under 5 components.
Is L78M06C suitable as a lower-cost alternative to a dedicated 6 V LDO in designs tolerating a 2 V dropout?
Yes. Where the input supply is a regulated 12 V or 9 V rail and a 2 V dropout is acceptable, the L78M06C provides a cost-effective fixed 6 V output without the premium pricing of LDO regulators. The TO-220 package dissipates up to 15 W with a heatsink, enabling 500 mA loads across a 6 V dropout differential with internal current-limiting protection already built in.
Related Guides
1206 100 uF MLCC Design Guide for Compact Bulk Decoupling
Design guidance for applying CL31A107MQHNNNE and related 1206 MLCCs in compact bulk decoupling networks.
Jul 3, 2026
0402 10 nF MLCC Design Guide for High-Speed Decoupling
Practical design guidance for using CL05B103KB5NNNC and related 0402 MLCCs in high-speed decoupling networks.
Jul 3, 2026
CL31A107MQHNNNE 1206 100 uF MLCC Selection Guide
How to choose CL31A107MQHNNNE and related 1206 MLCCs for low-voltage bulk capacitance and regulator stability.
Jul 2, 2026
CL05B103KB5NNNC 0402 10 nF X7R MLCC Selection Guide
How to choose CL05B103KB5NNNC and related 0402 MLCCs for bypassing, filtering, voltage derating, and sourcing.
Jul 2, 2026
Why Buy from FindMyChip
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications. ST's products are found in a wide range of applications including automotive, industrial, personal electronics, and communications.
In Stock · 24h Response · Worldwide Shipping
Response within 24 hours · Worldwide shipping
“The anti-counterfeit verification gave us confidence we'd never had with other China suppliers.”