Is LM317 better than LM7805?[video+FAQ]

LM317 is an adjustable three-terminal regulator. The world's major IC manufacturers have similar products to choose from. Therefore, LM317 is a widely used series of integrated voltage regulators and can be used as a voltage regulator circuit in a DC-regulated power supply.

lm317 pinout

LM7805 is a 5V output positive voltage regulator IC. It is the IC of the LM78xx positive voltage regulator series. It is manufactured in TO-220 and other packages. This IC is quite reliable and it is widely used in commercial equipment and educational project.

lm7805 pinout

A prefix is given by the manufacturer to identify the version. The prefix LM stands for linear monolithic. LM series was firstly manufactured by National Semiconductor & the first time prefix LM was given for linear ICs.

7805 in LM7805 signifies two meanings-

“78” means that it is a positive voltage regulator. It produces a voltage that has a positive magnitude with respect to the ground.

“05” represents its output voltage value.

LM317 datasheet

LM7805 datasheet

LM317 Features

• Output voltage range adjustable from 1.25V to 37V

• Output current greater than 1.5A

• Internal short-circuit current limiting

• Thermal overload protection

• Output safe-area compensation

LM7805 Features

• 5V Positive Voltage Regulator

• The minimum Input Voltage is 7V

• The maximum Input Voltage is 25V

• Operating current(IQ) is 5mA     

• Internal Thermal Overload and Short circuit current limiting protection are available.

• Junction Temperature maximum 125 degrees Celsius

• Available in TO-220 and KTE package

LM317 Applications

• Used for Positive voltage regulations

• Variable power supply

• Current limiting circuits

• Reverse polarity circuits

• Commonly used in Desktop PC, DVDs, and other consumer products

• Used in motor control circuits

LM7805 Applications

• Constant +5V output regulator to power microcontrollers and sensors in most of the projects

• Adjustable Output Regulator

• Current Limiter for certain applications

• Regulated Dual Supply

• Output Polarity-Reversal-Protection Circuit

LM317 Equivalents

LT1086, LM1117 (SMD), PB137, LM337 (Negative Variable Voltage regulator)

LM7805 Equivalents

LM317, L78M05(0.5 A), LM117V33

1. The ability for adjustable voltage:

LM317 can give an adjustable output voltage in the range of 1.5V to 37V, whereas LM7805 can only give an output voltage of 5V

  2. Output Current Capabilities:

LM317 has the capability to give an output current of more than 1.5A whereas LM7805 can only give an output current only up to 1.5A

  3. Components needed:

LM317 requires more external components (adjustment pot or precision resistors to set the voltage divider etc.) as compared to the LM7805

1. LM317 is an adjustable voltage regulator, while LM7805 is the constant voltage regulator.

2. LM317 can give an adjustable output voltage in the range of 1.5V to 37V, whereas LM7805 can only give an output voltage of 5V.

3. What’s more, LM317 has the capability to give an output current of more than 1.5A whereas LM7805 can only give an output current only up to 1.5A.

4. LM317 requires more external components (adjustment pot or precision resistors to set the voltage divider etc.) as compared to the LM7805.