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78 Series Regulators

FAQ

What will happen if VIN is lower than the recommended range?

In this case the output voltage will be close to the input voltage. Operation is not guaranteed under these conditions.

What will happen if VIN is higher than the recommended range?

The regulator will not be damaged as long as the absolute maximum ratings are not exceeded. However, the voltage difference between the input and output will increase, which can lead to a rise in temperature.

Will problems occur if the ambient temperature exceeds the absolute maximum ratings, even if the junction temperature doesn’t?

Yes. Reliability in this case cannot be guaranteed. Under no circumstances should the parameter of ANY absolute maximum rating be exceeded.

What kind of diode should I connect to prevent damage due to reverse current (i.e. caused by higher output than input voltage)?

The voltage resistance of the diode should be at least 1.2 to 1.3 times greater than the absolute maximum rating of the regulator’s input voltage.

The output voltage drops when a load is connected.

Possible causes and recommended corrective actions are as follows.
Cause: The output oscillates.
Action: Verify the connection of the capacitor between the input and output.

Cause: The current flowing exceeds the peak output current.
Action: Lower the input voltage, which effectively decreases heat and, as a result, the chip temperature.
*Please note that a relatively high current is necessary in order to start up the regulator when a motor or lamp is connected as the load.

Cause: The chip temperature exceeds 150ºC.
Action: Lower the chip temperature, which effectively decreases heat and, as a result, the chip temperature.

Cause: The input and output are connected in reverse.
Action: Check the pin connections.

What kind of capacitor should I use as an external capacitor?

Any capacitor can be used, provided it possesses good temperature and frequency characteristics.

Notes:
1. Many electrolytic capacitors feature decreased capacitance at low temperatures (0ºC). Please ensure that the capacitance is guaranteed under the operating temperatures in question.
2. Normally, the capacitance of electrolytic capacitors is measured at low frequencies, oftentimes as low as 100 to 120Hz. High frequency operation may cause substantial drops in capacitance. Please verify the frequency characteristics of the capacitor under actual use.

Care must be taken when using electrolytics in particular and ceramic capacitors to some extent. Tantalum and film capacitors are largely stable. Therefore, ROHM recommends tantalum capacitors for use as external capacitors.

Is a capacitor necessary at both the input and output sides?

Yes. The input capacitor in particular must possess good temperature and frequency characteristics.

Can a higher voltage be output with a lower input voltage (e.g. +3V→+5V, -3V→-5V)?

The output voltage value of the must be less than the absolute value of the input voltage.

Under what condition(s) does the thermal shutdown circuit operate?

Normally the TSD protection circuit is activated with a Tj exceeding 150ºC.

In what conditions is the overheat protection circuit deactivated?

Normal operation is resumed once the junction temperature drops below this threshold value.

Will degradation occur during operation of the thermal shutdown circuit?

The TSD circuit operates once the junction temperature exceeds the absolute maximum rating, making it very likely that degradation has occurred.

What is the main purpose of the TSD circuit – to protect the IC or peripheral circuits?

The TSD circuit acts to protect both the IC and peripheral circuitry from damage.

Please explain the operating conditions of the overcurrent protection circuit.

TThe overcurrent protection circuit is activated once the current exceeds a threshold value. Normal operation is resumed once the value returns to when the current decreases to within a designated range. Please refer to the data on the overcurrent protection circuit in the technical notes, along with the appropriate figure (Output Current vs. Output Voltage).

78 Series Regulators

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