[sdiy] 7905 output voltage, FAQ probably

[Oren Leavitt]

Jason Proctor wrote:
>> This is normal in my experience - 79XX regulators need quite a lot of 
>> load to get within the spec'ed voltage.  78XX on the other hand seem 
>> ok with no load.  However the datasheets state minimum of 5mA current 
>> draw for either type, so could be that even some 78XX need load.
> 
> 
> thanks for the response. situation looks normal then.
> 
> (btw i'm damned if i can find that bit of the datasheet.)
> 
> 
>


Yes - the 3 terminal voltage regulators like to see a minimum load of a 
few mA to function properly.
The 78Lxx/79Lxx low power series don't seem to mind lower minimum 
current loads.
The minimum load current thing catches me off-guard sometimes, too!
- Oren