LM7805CT/NOPB: 5V 1.5A Linear Voltage Regulator in TO-220

ElecSuppliers Part Number GuideAug 20, 2026

The LM7805CT/NOPB is a fixed 5V linear voltage regulator from Texas Instruments designed for converting a higher DC input voltage into a regulated 5V supply. It uses a three-pin TO-220 package and belongs to the LM7805 family of positive voltage regulators.

With integrated current limiting, thermal shutdown and safe-area protection, the LM7805CT/NOPB can simplify the design of regulated power rails in electronic equipment.

What Is the LM7805CT/NOPB?

The LM7805CT/NOPB is a fixed-output linear regulator that provides a nominal 5V output. Unlike an adjustable regulator, its output voltage is predetermined, making it suitable for circuits that require a stable 5V power rail.

The three terminals are used for input voltage, ground and regulated output. This simple configuration allows the device to be integrated into power supply circuits with relatively few external components.

The exact Part Number is important because LM7805CT/NOPB identifies a specific package and ordering configuration rather than the entire LM7805 family.

LM7805CT/NOPB 5V Regulation

The primary function of the LM7805CT/NOPB is to maintain a regulated 5V output as the input voltage and load conditions change within the specified operating range.

This makes it useful for supplying circuits that require a fixed 5V rail, including analog circuits, digital logic and other embedded electronics.

Because it is a linear regulator, the difference between input and output voltage is dissipated as heat. For this reason, input voltage and load current need to be considered together when evaluating the regulator for a particular design.

LM7805CT/NOPB Input Voltage and Current

The LM7805 family supports input voltages significantly higher than its fixed 5V output. The LM7800 family is specified with a maximum input voltage of 35V, while the regulator can provide output current up to 1.5A under appropriate conditions.

The maximum current should not automatically be treated as a continuous operating target. Thermal conditions, input-to-output voltage difference, package characteristics and heatsinking all affect the practical current capability.

For example, a large voltage difference between the input and regulated 5V output produces greater power dissipation inside the regulator. A thermal analysis is therefore important when the device is expected to supply substantial current.

LM7805CT/NOPB Thermal Considerations

Thermal performance is one of the most important factors when using a linear regulator.

The power dissipated by the device is approximately related to the difference between input and output voltage multiplied by the load current. As the input voltage rises or the load current increases, the regulator generates more heat.

For higher-current applications, an appropriate heatsink and PCB thermal design may be required.

This is an important distinction between a linear regulator and a switching regulator. The LM7805CT/NOPB provides a simple regulated output, but applications requiring large voltage conversion at high current may benefit from a more efficient switching architecture.

LM7805CT/NOPB Protection Features

The LM7805CT/NOPB includes internal protection functions intended to improve reliability during abnormal operating conditions.

Current limiting helps restrict excessive output current, while thermal shutdown protects the device when its internal temperature becomes too high. Safe-area protection also helps manage conditions that could otherwise overstress the output transistor.

These functions reduce the need for some external protection circuitry, although the complete power supply should still be designed according to its operating environment and load requirements.

LM7805CT/NOPB TO-220 Package

The LM7805CT/NOPB uses a three-pin TO-220 package.

The package provides a relatively large physical structure compared with small surface-mount regulators and can be useful when thermal management is important. It is also convenient for through-hole PCB assembly, prototypes and equipment where traditional leaded components are preferred.

The package configuration should be checked carefully when replacing another 5V regulator because physical pin arrangement and thermal characteristics can differ between devices.

LM7805CT/NOPB External Components

The LM7805 family is designed to operate with a simple external circuit. An input bypass capacitor can be useful depending on the distance between the regulator and the power supply filter capacitor, while an output capacitor can improve transient response even though it is not required for regulator stability under the specified conditions.

The selection and placement of capacitors should be considered according to the complete power supply layout rather than treating them as optional components without regard to circuit conditions.

LM7805CT/NOPB Applications

The LM7805CT/NOPB can be used wherever a regulated 5V supply is required and the simplicity of a linear regulator is more important than maximum conversion efficiency.

Typical applications include local board-level regulation, embedded electronics, control equipment, analog circuits, test equipment and general-purpose power supplies.

It can also be used to create a stable local supply rail for circuits that would otherwise be affected by variations or noise on a higher-voltage supply.

LM7805CT/NOPB Design Considerations

The most important design question is whether the linear regulator can safely dissipate the required power.

Engineers should evaluate the input voltage, 5V output requirement, load current and ambient temperature together. A design that appears to meet the 1.5A current rating may still require substantial heatsinking if the input voltage is much higher than 5V.

The regulator's thermal protection should be regarded as a safety feature rather than a substitute for proper thermal design.

For applications where efficiency, battery life or low heat generation is important, a switching regulator may be a better architecture.

Choosing LM7805CT/NOPB for a 5V Power Rail

The LM7805CT/NOPB is a straightforward option for designs that need a fixed 5V output and can accommodate the power dissipation associated with linear regulation.

Its fixed output, three-pin TO-220 package and integrated protection functions simplify the implementation of a basic regulated power supply.

When evaluating the LM7805CT/NOPB, engineers should check the input voltage, expected load current, thermal conditions, PCB requirements and required efficiency before final component selection.

LM7805CT/NOPB for Power Regulation

The LM7805CT/NOPB combines fixed 5V regulation with a simple three-terminal architecture and integrated protection features. Its value is particularly clear in applications where a straightforward, robust 5V supply is required without the additional design complexity of a switching converter.

For a specific design, however, the complete electrical and thermal conditions should be evaluated rather than selecting the device solely from its 5V output and nominal current rating.