LM7805 5V Linear Voltage Regulator 1.5A IC 7805

Specifications

• Output Voltage: 5.0V DC (Fixed)
• Maximum Output Current: 1.5A (Requires an adequate heatsink)
• Input Voltage Range: 7V to 35V DC
• Drop-out Voltage: ~2V (Input must be at least 7V for a clean 5V output)
• Package Type: TO-220 (Through-hole)
• Built-in Protections: Thermal Overload Protection

• Short Circuit Protection
• Output Transition Safe Operating Area (SOA) Protection

Applications

• Custom Power Supplies: Build your own 5V bench power supply from an old 12V adapter.
• Microcontroller Projects: Safely power 5V logic chips and Arduino boards from higher voltage battery packs (like a 3S LiPo).
• Sensor Arrays: Distribute clean 5V power to a cluster of IR sensors, ultrasonic modules, or displays.
• Audio Amplifiers: Provide stable, low-noise logic power alongside higher voltage audio rails.

Unlock New Capabilities

• The Prerequisite: If you’ve mastered basic LED circuits using AA batteries, you quickly realize batteries die fast and voltages sag.
• The Upgrade: Adding the LM7805 to your toolkit unlocks the ability to use wall adapters and large LiPo batteries. It allows you to build permanent, plugged-in projects without worrying about frying your sensitive 5V components.
• Effort Level: Beginner. You only need a breadboard, the IC, and two small capacitors.

Package Includes:

• 1 x LM7805 5V Linear Voltage Regulator 1.5A IC 7805

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What does the LM7805 do?
  It takes a higher, unregulated DC voltage (between 7V and 35V) and outputs a stable, regulated 5V DC.
• Can I run the LM7805 without a heatsink?
  Yes, but only for low current applications (usually under 400-500mA) and with a low input voltage. Otherwise, it will overheat and shut down.
• What happens if I input exactly 5V into the 7805?
  The output will drop below 5V. The IC has a ~2V dropout, so it needs at least 7V to output 5V.
• Can I use a 9V battery with the LM7805?
  Yes, 9V is an excellent input voltage as it easily clears the 2V dropout requirement without generating excessive heat.
• Why is my LM7805 getting very hot?
  It is dropping too much voltage at a high current. The excess power is converted to heat. Use a lower input voltage or add a heatsink.
• Do I really need the input and output capacitors?
  While it may work without them, capacitors prevent high-frequency oscillation and stabilize the output during sudden current spikes.
• Can I connect two LM7805s in parallel for 3A output?
  It is not recommended. Slight manufacturing differences mean one IC will take most of the load and overheat. Use a switching regulator or a higher-current IC instead.
• What is the maximum input voltage for the LM7805?
  The absolute maximum rating is 35V, but practically, keeping it under 15V-20V is safer to manage heat dissipation.
• Will the LM7805 fry if I short the output?
  No, it has built-in short-circuit protection and will limit current/shut down to prevent damage.
• Can I power an Arduino Uno with this?
  Yes, you can connect the 5V output of the LM7805 directly to the 5V pin of the Arduino.
• Is the LM7805 a switching regulator?
  No, it is a linear regulator. It is simpler and less noisy but less efficient than a switching regulator.