The LM2578A is a switching regulator which can easily be set up for such DC-to-DC voltage conversion circuits as the buck, boost, and inverting configurations. The LM2578A features a unique comparator input stage which not only has separate pins for both the inverting and non-inverting inputs, but also provides an internal 1.0V reference to each input, thereby simplifying circuit design and p.c. board layout. The output can switch up to 750 mA and has output pins for its collector and emitter to promote design flexibility. An external current limit terminal may be referenced to either the ground or the V_in terminal, depending upon the application. In addition, the LM2578A has an on board oscillator, which sets the switching frequency with a single external capacitor from <1 Hz to 100 kHz (typical).

The LM2578A is an improved version of the LM2578, offering higher maximum ratings for the total supply voltage and output transistor emitter and collector voltages.