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
What are the key features of L78M06C?
- 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
What is L78M06C used for?
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) |
Where can I find the L78M06C datasheet?
L78M06C Datasheet DownloadOfficial datasheet from STMicroelectronics
What are equivalent replacements for L78M06C?
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.
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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.
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