LM7812 Voltage Regulator IC
The LM7812 is a popular, low-cost, fixed linear voltage regulator IC that provides a stable, constant 12V DC output from a higher, unregulated DC input (typically 14.5V to 35V), handling up to 1 Amp and featuring built-in thermal shutdown and current limiting. Essential for hobbyists and electronics projects needing reliable power, it's often paired with capacitors and requires a heatsink due to heat generated from the voltage difference, commonly found in TO-220 packages.