The L78M series of three-terminal positive regulators is available in TO-220, TO-220FP, DPAK (TO-252), and IPAK packages and with several fixed output voltages, making it useful in a wide range of applications. These regulators can provide local on-card regulation, eliminating the distribution problems associated with single-point regulation. Each type employs internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and safe-area protection, resulting in its essentially indestructible nature. If adequate heat sinking is provided, they can deliver over 0.5 A output current. Although designed primarily as fixed-voltage regulators, these devices can be used with external components to obtain adjustable voltage and currents.

Output current to 0.5 A

Thermal overload protection

Short-circuit protection 

Output transition SOA protection

Output voltage tolerance: 2% (AB and AC versions) or 4% (C version)