LM7911

The LM7911 is a voltage regulator integrated circuit manufactured by National Semiconductor, now part of Texas Instruments. It is a member of the LM79xx series of three-terminal negative voltage regulators. The LM7911 is designed to provide a fixed negative output voltage of -11 volts. It is capable of supplying output currents up to 1.5 amperes, although this requires proper heatsinking.

Key features of the LM7911 include internal current limiting and thermal shutdown, which protect the device from overcurrent and overheating conditions. It does not require any external components to set the output voltage, simplifying circuit design. The input voltage range is typically between -14V and -25V for reliable operation. It is available in various package types, commonly TO-220 for power applications.

The LM7911 is commonly used in power supply designs where a stable negative voltage is required. Applications include providing bias voltages for operational amplifiers, powering digital logic circuits that require negative rails, and in various industrial and consumer electronic equipment. Its robustness and ease of use make it a popular choice for many negative voltage regulation needs. The device operates by internally adjusting its conductivity to maintain a constant output voltage despite variations in input voltage or load current.