L78M24CV

L78M24CV is a fixed 24 V positive linear voltage regulator in the L78M family. It can source up to about 0.5 A (with proper heat sinking) from a higher unregulated input, typically up to 35 V. It’s a linear regulator, so power is dissipated as heat: P = (Vin − 24 V) × Iout. Dropout is around 2 V at full load.
Key points:
- Pinout (front view): 1 = IN, 2 = GND, 3 = OUT.
- Needs decoupling: input cap ~0.33 µF (or larger), output cap ~0.1 µF (plus larger electrolytics for stability and transient load).
- Protections: thermal shutdown and current limiting.
- Use cases: bench/power supplies, microcontroller logic circuits, sensors, or as a pre-regulator from a higher voltage rail.
Caution: heat management is important at higher Vin or current; otherwise use a suitable heatsink or a switching regulator for efficiency.

Equivalent parts include any 24V fixed regulator in the 78xx/M family. Examples: LM78M24, MC78M24, KA78M24, NCP78M24, and LM7824. They provide 24V output from a higher input (≈1 A max) in TO-220 style. Choose one with matching current/thermal specs and input range; pinouts are often the same but verify the datasheet.

Key features of L78M24CV (fixed 24 V, positive regulator):
- Fixed output: 24 V
- Output current: up to about 1.5 A (typical for L78M series)
- Input voltage range: up to around 35 V (max)
- Dropout: ~2 V at rated load
- Protection: built-in thermal overload and short-circuit protection
- Output tolerance: typically ±2% (max ~±4%)
- Package: commonly TO-220 (also variants in other packages)
- Stability: requires external capacitors (input ≈0.33 µF, output ≈0.1 µF) for stability and transient response
- Type: linear regulator (non-switching), heat dissipation proportional to (Vin − Vout) × Iout
Note: Always check the specific datasheet for exact tolerances, pinout, and recommended capacitors for your package variant.

- Pin count: 3 pins (TO-220 style).
- Function: Fixed positive voltage regulator (L78M24CV) that provides a regulated +24 V output. Pin 1 = Input, Pin 2 = Ground, Pin 3 = Output (tab typically tied to Output).

- Manufacturer: STMicroelectronics (ST).
- What kind of company: A multinational semiconductor and electronics company that designs, manufactures, and markets integrated circuits, discrete semiconductors, sensors, and power-management devices.

L78M24CV is a fixed 24V linear regulator. Common application areas include:
- Fixed 24V power-supply rails in devices
- Industrial automation gear: PLCs, sensors, actuators, control panels
- Telecom and networking equipment needing a stable 24V rail
- Instrumentation and test equipment requiring a rugged 24V supply
- Pre-regulation stage for downstream DC-DC converters (lower rails)
- Automotive electronics (non-safety-critical) and other general electronics
- Prototyping/hobbyist projects needing a simple, robust 24V regulator

TO-220 plastic through-hole package (three pins with a metal mounting tab).