LM79XX Series
3-Terminal Negative Regulators
General Description
The LM79XX series of 3-terminal regulators is available with
fixed output voltages of −5V, −12V, and −15V. These devices
need only one external component—a compensation ca-
pacitor at the output. The LM79XX series is packaged in the
TO-220 power package and is capable of supplying 1.5A of
output current.
These regulators employ internal current limiting safe area
protection and thermal shutdown for protection against vir-
tually all overload conditions.
Low ground pin current of the LM79XX series allows output
voltage to be easily boosted above the preset value with a
resistor divider. The low quiescent current drain of these
devices with a specified maximum change with line and load
ensures good regulation in the voltage boosted mode.
For applications requiring other voltages, see LM137
datasheet.
Features
nThermal, short circuit and safe area protection
nHigh ripple rejection
n1.5A output current
n4% tolerance on preset output voltage
Connection Diagrams Typical Applications
*Required if regulator is separated from filter capacitor by
more than 3". For value given, capacitor must be solid
tantalum. 25µF aluminum electrolytic may be substituted.
†Required for stability. For value given, capacitor must be
solid tantalum. 25µF aluminum electrolytic may be substi-
tuted. Values given may be increased without limit.
For output capacitance in excess of 100µF, a high current
diode from input to output (1N4001, etc.) will protect the
regulator from momentary input shorts.
TO-220 Package
DS007340-14
Front View
Order Number LM7905CT, LM7912CT or LM7915CT
See NS Package Number TO3B
Fixed Regulator
DS007340-3
September 2001
LM79XX Series 3-Terminal Negative Regulators
© 2001 National Semiconductor Corporation DS007340 www.national.com