UA78L08ACD

The UA78L08ACD is a low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator manufactured by Texas Instruments. It is designed to provide a stable output voltage of 8 volts with a maximum output current of 100 mA. This component is particularly useful in applications where a low voltage drop is essential, allowing it to operate efficiently even when the input voltage is only slightly higher than the output voltage.

Key Features:

1. Output Voltage: The UA78L08ACD provides a fixed output voltage of 8V, making it suitable for powering various electronic devices that require a stable voltage supply.

2. Low Dropout Voltage: The dropout voltage is typically around 0.2V at full load, which means it can maintain regulation with a minimal difference between the input and output voltages. This feature is crucial for battery-powered applications where maximizing battery life is important.

3. Current Output: The regulator can supply up to 100 mA of output current, making it ideal for low-power applications.

4. Thermal Protection: The UA78L08ACD includes built-in thermal overload protection, which prevents the device from overheating and ensures reliable operation under varying load conditions.

5. Short-Circuit Protection: This feature protects the device from damage in the event of a short circuit at the output, enhancing the robustness of the design.

6. Package Type: The UA78L08ACD is typically available in a TO-220 package, which is a common form factor for power regulators. This package allows for easy mounting on a PCB and provides good thermal dissipation.

7. Operating Temperature Range: The device is designed to operate over a wide temperature range, typically from -40°C to +125°C, making it suitable for various environmental conditions.

8. Applications: Common applications for the UA78L08ACD include power supplies for microcontrollers, sensors, and other low-power electronic devices. It is also used in battery-operated devices where efficiency is critical.

Electrical Characteristics:

• Input Voltage Range: The input voltage can range from 9V to 35V, allowing for flexibility in design.
• Quiescent Current: The quiescent current is low, which helps in conserving power, especially in battery-operated applications.
• Ripple Rejection: The device offers good power supply rejection ratio (PSRR), which helps in filtering out noise from the input supply.

Conclusion:

The UA78L08ACD from Texas Instruments is a reliable and efficient voltage regulator that is well-suited for a variety of low-power applications. Its low dropout voltage, thermal protection features, and ability to deliver a stable output make it a popular choice among engineers and designers looking for dependable power management solutions.