A voltage regulator is a significant component in a power supply unit that maintains a stable voltage. This is responsible for maintaining the ideal voltage required for devices like computers, laptops, coffee makers, and many more. The voltage regulator’s main function is to keep a stable DC voltage at the o/p irrespective of fluctuations in voltage at the input otherwise changes within the load current. These are also available in IC form which is known as voltage regulator ICs. These are available in two types; fixed and adjustable or variable. Fixed-type voltage regulators are; the 78xx & 79xx series whereas adjustable-type voltage regulators are; the LM series. This article provides brief information on the LM series voltage regulator namely; the LM7806 voltage regulator, pin configuration, specifications, and its applications.
What is the LM7806 Voltage Regulator?
LM7806 IC is a type of voltage regulator IC from the LM78xx IC series. This IC provides fixed 6Volts DC output with an output current of 1A-1.5A. This voltage regulator IC is available with some inbuilt features; overload shutdown, overheat shutdown, protection from short circuits, and reliable, efficient & compact so that it is reliable & ideal to utilize within commercial equipment. This IC needs a heat sink because this IC dissipates heat throughout the operation.
Pin Configuration:
The pin configuration of the LM7806 voltage regulator is shown below. This IC includes three pins and each pin and its functionality is discussed below.
LM7806 Voltage Regulator Pin Configuration
- Pin1 (IN): This is a positive i/p voltage pin.
- Pin2 (GND): This is a ground pin.
- Pin3 (OUT): This is a positive o/p voltage pin.
Features & Specifications:
The features and specifications of the LM7806 voltage regulator are discussed below.
- It is a LM series voltage regulator.
- The range of input voltage is 8Volts to 25Volts.
- Output voltage ranges from minimum 5.75V to max 6.25V.
- Its o/p current is 1A.
- Its peak current is 2.2A.
- Its operating temperature ranges from 0 to +125 degrees Centigrade.
- Its available package or case is TO-220.
- The output current ranges from 1A – 1.5A.
- There are not expensive.
- It has an inbuilt function for short circuit protection, shutdown function or overheat protection.
- These are consistent to utilize within commercial equipment.
- It gives 6Volts fixed & stable output.
- It handles a maximum 35V DC input voltage.
- The type of mount is Through Hole.
- The packaging type is Tube.
- Its quiescent current is 8mA
- Its maximum voltage dropout is 2V at 1A.
- Its maximum voltage tolerance is 5%
- Its MSL or moisture sensitivity level is 1 (Unlimited)
- The technology used is Bipolar.
Alternative LM7806 voltage regulators are; LTC3780, LM2596, LM340T-06 & LM340AT-6.0 and other voltage regulators are; LM340T5, LM7809, LM7805 & LM7812.
220V AC to 6V DC Converter Circuit with LM7806 Voltage Regulator
If you want to design a simple circuit that produces 6V fixed output then this circuit is the right choice for you. Here we are designing a simple 6 Volts power supply circuit with LM7806 voltage regulator. An LM7806 IC is a voltage regulator IC including three main terminals; input, GND & output which are mentioned above pin diagram. This IC has in-built circuitry so it needs fewer external components. These ICs are more frequently used in the power supply circuits due to less cost and very convenient to use.
The required components to make this circuit include; a 230V/12V 2A step-down transformer, LM7806 voltage regulator IC, Heatsink, 2A Bridge Diode, breadboard, 470uF electrolytic capacitors, 330nF and 100nF ceramic capacitor and connecting wires. Connect the 220V AC to the 6V DC converter circuit as per the circuit shown below.
220V AC to 6V DC Converter Circuit with LM7806 IC
Working
This 220V AC to 6V DC converter circuit with LM7806 IC uses an AC transformer including a 230V/100V primary rating. The center-tapped coil must be rated with 12/9V by 2 amps. First, the 230Volts voltage is stepped down or decreased to 12Volts and then it is supplied throughout a bridge rectifier. This bridge converter changes the AC to DC. After that, it supplies to C1 & C2 capacitors.
Here the main role of these capacitors is for filtering the noise signal within the DC voltage. This filtered voltage is given to the voltage regulator IC & this IC gives a fixed 6V output. This output voltage can be supplied throughout another capacitor to make smoother & cleaner noise within DC o/p voltage. For this simple circuit, a heat sink is mandatory because this regulator IC will become hot during the circuit operation.
This 220V AC to 6V DC converter circuit with LM7806 IC is used in different applications like; aircraft applications, electronic circuits, DC motors within toys, oscillators, and power amplifiers.
How to Securely Long Run LM7806 IC within a Circuit?
To safely run the LM7806 voltage regulator IC for a long life within your circuit you should utilize a suitable heatsink through this IC and not go above the i/p voltage from 35V DC. Load should not drive above 1.5A throughout this regulator IC. This IC should not work under 0 centigrade & above +125 degree centigrade. This IC must be stored between -65 to +150 centigrade temperature.
Advantages & Disadvantages
The advantages of the LM7806 voltage regulator include the following.
- It provides regulated output up o 125 amperes in setup.
- It is a Time-base rated regulator.
- It has a high-reliability design by fault current detection on the o/p.
- It has a simple touch interface for operation.
- This regulator provides local on-card regulation, reducing the distribution issues connected through single-point regulation.
- It is simple and easy to utilize with no external circuitry or no components required for voltage regulation.
- These regulators have less noise.
- It occupies less space.
The disadvantages of the LM7806 voltage regulator include the following.
- These are not efficient as compared to other kinds of voltage regulators like switching regulators.
- The power is wasted as heat in these types of regulators, more, so it is an issue in some applications.
- These regulators can produce o/p noise, so it can be a trouble for sensitive circuits.
- Once the load current changes it cannot maintain a steady output voltage. So this can be a trouble within systems wherever the load current changes.
- Its input voltage range is limited, so it cannot change the voltage if it is very low or high.
- These regulators need a heat sink to dissipate the generated heat.
- They have poor efficiency and large losses.
- Once the i/p voltage & o/p voltage difference is large then a huge amount of heat can be generated.
LM7806 Voltage Regulator Applications
The applications of the LM7806 voltage regulator include the following.
- LM7806 ICs are used in different industries; electric generators, electric forklifts, welding machines, fans, LED lights, etc.
- These voltage regulators are used in Electronic lifting cart, Electric wheelchairs, Auto rear door openers, Automobile engine air filters, Carburetors, Motorbike air filters, Compressor motors, Micro inverters, Servo motors, LED lighting fixture, RF power LED, LED lighting, Hot water heaters, GST meters, Quencher Water softener, Pressure sensors, Balanced collector switch, Lighting for the high-power robot, Solar electric lighting, etc.
- These are used in motor drivers, chargers of battery, power supplies, solar power supplies, and many more.
Please refer to this link for LM7806 Voltage Regulator Datasheet.
Thus, this is an overview of the LM7806 voltage regulator IC, pin configuration, specifications, application circuit, advantages, disadvantages, and applications. This voltage regulator IC is very popular & simple to utilize for producing a regulated 6Volts output voltage. This voltage regulator doesn’t need any external components/ circuitry for the regulation of voltage except smoothing capacitors. Here is a question for you, what is the LM7805 voltage regulator IC?