The MC79L12CG is a three-terminal negative voltage regulator manufactured by Freescale Semiconductor (now NXP). It is designed to provide a fixed -12V output voltage with a low dropout voltage and minimal external components. This regulator is suitable for various applications where a stable negative voltage is required.

Applications

• Negative voltage power supplies
• Local regulation
• On-card regulation
• Powering operational amplifiers
• Linear regulators for various electronic circuits

Features

• Fixed -12V Output: Provides a stable and precise negative output voltage.
• Low Dropout Voltage: Ensures regulation even with low input voltage.
• Internal Short-Circuit Current Limiting: Protects the regulator from damage during overload conditions.
• Thermal Overload Protection: Shuts down the regulator if the junction temperature exceeds a safe limit.
• No External Components Required: Simplifies circuit design and reduces component count.
• Available in various packages: Offers flexibility for different mounting requirements.

Benefits

• Stable Output Voltage: Provides a consistent and reliable negative voltage for sensitive circuits.
• Simplified Design: Minimal external components required, reducing BOM cost and design complexity.
• Overload Protection: Internal current limiting and thermal shutdown protect the regulator from damage.
• Low Dropout: Enables regulation even with low input voltages, improving system performance.
• Cost-Effective Solution: Provides a reliable negative voltage regulation at a reasonable cost.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for a wide range of applications requiring a stable negative voltage.

Additional Details

The MC79L12CG typically accepts an input voltage range of -14.5V to -30V and provides a regulated output voltage of -12V with an output current of up to 100mA. It features internal current limiting to protect against short circuits and thermal overload protection to prevent damage from excessive heat. This regulator is commonly available in a TO-92 or SO-8 package. A small ceramic capacitor on the output may be required for stability, depending on the specific application. The dropout voltage is typically around 2V. Datasheets from NXP or other suppliers (as Freescale is now part of NXP) should be consulted for exact specifications and application recommendations.