The L79 series of three-terminal negative regulators is available in TO-220, TO-220FP and D²PAK packages and several fixed output voltages, making it useful in a wide range of applications.

These regulators can provide local on-card regulation, eliminating the distribution problems associated with single point regulation; furthermore, having the same voltage option as the L78 positive standard series, they are particularly suited for split power supplies. If adequate heat sinking is provided, they can deliver over 1.5 A output current.

Although designed primarily as fixed voltage regulators, these devices can be used with external components to obtain adjustable voltages and currents.