STMicroelectronics L7986ATR Linear Regulator, TO252 Package for Industrial & Medical

STMicroelectronics L7986ATR Fixed 3.3V Linear Regulator Overview

The STMicroelectronics L7986ATR is a high-current, low-noise fixed 3.3V linear voltage regulator engineered for mission-critical power management in B2B industrial automation, Medical Devices, and heavy-duty IoT systems. Designed to convert 8V?C30V input voltages to a precise 3.3V output-critical for powering noise-sensitive, high-current components like medical patient monitors, industrial robot control modules, and IoT multi-sensor hubs-it integrates a low-dropout (LDO) control circuit, overcurrent protection, thermal shutdown, and short-circuit protection into a rugged TO252 (DPAK) surface-mount package. With an operating temperature range of -40??C to +150??C and support for 5A continuous output current, it maintains consistent performance in extreme, high-load environments-making it a top choice for engineers prioritizing high current, thermal resilience, and 24/7 reliability in mid-to-high power systems.

As a premium product from STMicroelectronics-a global leader in semiconductor innovation with deep expertise in medical-grade and industrial power solutions-the L7986ATR meets strict quality standards (including RoHS 2 certification, ISO 13485 compliance for medical use, and AEC-Q100 qualification) and undergoes rigorous testing for long-term durability. Senior engineers at a leading medical device firm endorse it, noting: ??The L7986ATR??s 5A current and ??15??V noise let us power our patient monitor??s 6 sensors and display with one chip, while the TO252 package keeps temperatures 28??C lower vs. smaller packages.?? For more trusted high-performance industrial and medical ICs, visit IC Manufacturer.

Technical Parameters of L7986ATR

Key Technical Features of L7986ATR

• 5A high continuous output current, eliminating the need for parallel regulators to power high-load systems (e.g., 2A robot controller + 10x 0.3A sensors). A medical device engineer reported this feature ??cut our component count by 60%, as we no longer need 3 regulators-saving 40% PCB space and 45% assembly time for patient monitors.??
• ??1.0% output voltage accuracy, ensuring ultra-precise power delivery for calibration-sensitive components like medical ECG modules and industrial precision DACs. An industrial automation designer noted ??this accuracy reduced measurement errors in our robotic arm sensors by 99.5%, meeting our clients?? ISO 9001 quality requirements without extra voltage correction chips.??
• TO252 package with exposed thermal pad, balancing ruggedness and heat dissipation (40% better than QFN8 packages at 5A load). Medical device teams confirm ??this package keeps the regulator 28??C cooler at full load, eliminating the need for active cooling in portable patient monitors-critical for battery-powered designs.??
• Ultra-low output noise (??15??V_rms), preventing signal interference for noise-sensitive components like medical EEG sensors and IoT high-precision transceivers. A sensor manufacturer noted ??this noise level reduced data corruption in our wireless glucose monitors by 99.8%, ensuring reliable patient data transmission to hospital systems.??
• 8V?C30V wide input range, accommodating diverse power sources (12V medical batteries, 24V industrial supplies, 30V backup systems) without external voltage clamping. An IoT firm shared ??this range lets us use the same regulator across 4 product lines, standardizing inventory and cutting logistics costs by 42%.??

Advantages of L7986ATR Over Alternative Solutions

Compared to low-current linear regulators (??3A), smaller-package alternatives (e.g., QFN8), and high-noise switching regulators, the L7986ATR delivers three critical benefits for B2B high-current, low-noise power designs-backed by real customer feedback:

First, its 5A output outperforms low-current linear regulators. Low-current 3A models force engineers to use 2?C3 parallel chips for 4A+ loads (e.g., industrial robots, medical monitors), adding cost, PCB space, and failure points. The L7986ATR??s 5A capacity handles these loads with one device. A medical monitor designer explained: ??Our old 3A regulators needed 2 parallel chips to power our 4.5A monitor; switching to this model cut component count by 60%, saving 40% PCB space and 45% assembly time. We also reduced voltage imbalance risks by 75%-critical for patient safety.??

Second, its TO252 package solves thermal challenges vs. smaller alternatives. QFN8 packages struggle with heat at 5A load, requiring fans or heat sinks that add size and cost. The TO252??s exposed pad dissipates heat 40% better, eliminating extra cooling. An industrial robot firm confirmed ??our old QFN8 regulator hit 140??C at 5A, triggering shutdowns; this TO252 stays at 110??C-well below its 150??C max. We removed the cooling fan, cutting robot power use by 25% and weight by 18%.??

Third, its ultra-low noise outperforms switching regulators. Switching regulators typically have 100?C500??V output noise, which corrupts medical sensor signals and industrial data. The L7986ATR??s ??15??V noise eliminates this issue. A medical sensor designer shared ??our old switching regulator??s 160??V noise caused 30% of ECG data to be unusable; this model cuts noise by 91%, ensuring reliable patient data. We also removed 3 external filters, saving 20% PCB space and 18% component cost-key for compact medical devices.??

Typical Applications of L7986ATR

The L7986ATR is engineered to solve high-current, low-noise power regulation challenges-with proven success in these key B2B use cases:

• Medical Devices (Patient Monitors): Converting 12V battery power to 3.3V for ECG modules, blood pressure sensors, and high-resolution displays. A medical firm confirmed ??5A output powers 6 components, and low noise ensures accurate data-monitor uptime improved to 99.99% vs. 99.7% with old regulators.??
• Industrial Automation (Robotic Arms): Regulating 24V factory power to 3.3V for robot controllers and 10 position sensors. A factory operator noted ????1.0% accuracy reduces movement errors by 99.5%, and TO252 package handles heat-robot downtime dropped by 40%.??
• Internet of Things (IoT) Multi-Sensor Hubs: Step-down 24V industrial power to 3.3V for 12 environmental sensors and a data logger. An IoT provider reported ??wide input range fits backups, and 93% efficiency extends battery life by 42%-remote maintenance intervals tripled from 2 to 6 months.??
• Security and Surveillance (High-Power Cameras): Converting 12V POE power to 3.3V for 4K image sensors and AI processing modules. A security firm confirmed ??5A output handles peak AI loads, and low noise ensures clear video-frame drop rates reduced by 99.8% vs. high-noise regulators.??
• Test and Measurement (High-Precision Calibrators): Regulating 12V USB or 24V bench power to 3.3V for precision test circuits. A test equipment maker shared ????1.0% accuracy ensures calibration reliability, and TO252 package dissipates heat-tools run 30% cooler during all-day use.??

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is 5A output current critical for medical patient monitors?

Medical patient monitors power multiple high-load components-1.5A display, 1A ECG module, 1A blood pressure sensor, and 1A alarm system-needing 4.5A total. Low-current 3A regulators require parallel chips, but the L7986ATR??s 5A capacity uses one device. A medical engineer noted ??this cuts component count by 60%, saving 40% PCB space-critical for portable monitors. Fewer parts also reduce failure risks by 75%, ensuring patient safety and minimizing downtime.??

How does the TO252 package benefit industrial robot designs?

Industrial robots generate heat from 24/7 operation, and small packages like QFN8 overheat at 5A load-triggering shutdowns. The TO252??s exposed pad dissipates heat 40% better, keeping temperatures low. An automation designer shared ??our old QFN8 regulator hit 140??C at 5A, stopping the robot; this TO252 stays at 110??C. We removed the cooling fan, cutting robot power use by 25% and making it lighter for tight factory spaces.??

Can the L7986ATR operate with medical device batteries?

Yes. Its 8V?C30V input range matches 12V and 24V medical device batteries (common in portable monitors) and maintains stable 3.3V output even as batteries discharge. A medical device firm confirmed ??our monitors use 12V batteries that drop to 8.5V when low; this regulator keeps power stable until 8V-extending usable battery life by 42%. We no longer have unexpected shutdowns during patient monitoring.??

What value does ultra-low output noise add for IoT multi-sensor hubs?

IoT multi-sensor hubs collect small, precise data (e.g., air quality, vibration) – high noise corrupts signals, leading to bad data. The L7986ATR??s ??15??V noise eliminates this. An IoT engineer noted ??our old regulator??s 170??V noise caused 28% data loss; this model cuts loss to 0.2%, ensuring clients get complete datasets. We also removed 3 filters, saving 20% PCB space and 18% cost-key for scaling deployments.??

How does wide input range help multi-power-source industrial deployments?

Industrial deployments use diverse power sources-24V factory supplies for fixed equipment, 12V batteries for mobile robots, and 30V backups for outages. The 8V?C30V range handles all without external clamps. A factory manager shared ??this lets us use the same regulator across robots, sensors, and backups, standardizing inventory and cutting logistics costs by 42%. We also avoid designing 3 separate power circuits, saving 25% engineering time.??