7812 is a fixed output voltage regulator IC. In this post we are going to discuss about LM7812 pinout, equivalent, datasheet, applications, features and other useful information about this IC.
LM7812 IC Features / Technical Specifications:
- TO-220 Package
- The Output current is 1.5 Ampere
- Immediate short circuit shutdown function
- Immediate over heat shutdown function
- Low price
- Authentic to use in commercial devices
- Accurate and fixed 12V output
- Maximum input voltage is 35V DC
- Low standby current only 8mA
LM7812 Description:
LM7812 is a TO-220 packaged positive voltage regulator IC of LM78xx series that is manufactured by many different electronic components manufacturers. The IC provides fixed 12V output voltage no matter if the input voltage is fluctuating or changing continuously or it is higher than 12V but the input voltage should not be more than 35V which is the maximum input voltage limit this IC is capable to handle. Moreover the input voltage should not be less than 14V that is the minimum input voltage requirement of the IC to provide fixed 12V output. Although this IC is designed for fixed output but the output can also be adjusted if required by the user with the help of only two external resistors at the output the details can be found below in this article.
During usage when the IC performing voltage regulation or stepping down the input voltage all the voltage difference between the input voltage and the output is converted to heat due to which a suitable heatsink is mandatory for proper working of the IC. The IC can handle maximum load of 1A to 1.5A but the input current should be 2A to get 1A to 1.5A at the output.
Applications:
Voltage step down circuits
12V Power Supplies
Motor Drivers
Battery Chargers
Solar Power Supplies
Microcontroller Related Applications
Replacement and Equivalent / Other Part Numbers:
LM340-12, LM340A-12 and LM1084-12 can be used as equivalent of LM7812, if these equivalent voltage regulators are not available you can also use an LM317 IC to get fixed 12V output.
LM7812 12V DC Power Supply Circuit:
The schematic below shows a 12V DC power supply circuit using 7812 IC.
LM7812 Adjustable / Variable Power Supply Circuit:
The schematic below shows an adjustable or variable power supply using LM7812 IC with two external resistors.
How to Safely Long Run in a Circuit:
For stable and long term performance from LM7812 it is suggested to not operate load more than 1.5A, always use a suitable heatsink with it, always check pinout before using in your application and do not operate in temperature below 0 degree Celsius and above +125 degree Celsius and always store in temperature above -65 degree Celsius and below +150 degree Celsius.
Datasheet
To Download the datasheet just copy and paste the below link in your browser.