Linear Voltage Regulator IC 601-00506 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 601-00506 is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by Parallax Inc., designed to provide a fixed 5V output at 1A current capacity in a TO-220-3 package. This positive fixed output regulator includes integrated protection features for over-temperature, reverse polarity, and short circuit conditions, making it suitable for general-purpose power management applications requiring stable 5V regulation from input sources up to 26V.

The 601-00506 has been discontinued at DiGi Electronics. Identifying equivalent substitute parts ensures design continuity and maintains supply chain reliability for applications currently using this component.

Substiute Parts

601-00506

Parallax Inc.In Stock: 992601-00506 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LM2940CT-5.0

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1648LM2940CT-5.0 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 601-00506 are identified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter matching. The following criteria determine substitution eligibility:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Output Configuration: Positive
• Output Type: Fixed
• Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed): 5V
• Voltage - Input (Max): 26V
• Current - Output: 1A
• Voltage Dropout (Max): 1V @ 1A
• Package / Case: TO-220-3
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Protection Features: Over Temperature, Reverse Polarity, Short Circuit

The LM2940CT-5.0 manufactured by Texas Instruments meets all critical electrical and mechanical parameters specified for the 601-00506. Both devices provide identical output voltage regulation, input voltage tolerance, output current capacity, dropout voltage performance, and thermal protection characteristics. The TO-220-3 package ensures mechanical and thermal compatibility in existing PCB layouts.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: LM2940CT-5.0

The LM2940CT-5.0 is the direct parametric equivalent for the discontinued 601-00506. Selection of this substitute is based on the following factors:

Compliance & Certification: The LM2940CT-5.0 carries ROHS3 Compliant status, exceeding the RoHS Compliant designation of the original part. Both devices maintain MSL Level 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, ensuring equivalent handling and storage requirements.

Product Status: The LM2940CT-5.0 is designated as Last Time Buy, indicating continued availability through current distribution channels. With 1539 pieces in stock, this substitute provides immediate procurement options for design transitions.

Electrical Performance: All critical electrical parameters match exactly: 5V fixed output, 1A output current, 26V maximum input voltage, 1V maximum dropout voltage at 1A, 15 mA quiescent current, and 72dB PSRR at 120Hz. Protection features are identical across over-temperature, reverse polarity, and short circuit conditions.

Mechanical Compatibility: The TO-220-3 package and through-hole mounting type ensure direct PCB layout compatibility without redesign requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LM2940CT-5.0 be used as a direct replacement for the 601-00506 without circuit modifications?

A: Yes. The LM2940CT-5.0 matches all critical electrical and mechanical parameters of the 601-00506. The identical TO-220-3 package, pin configuration, and electrical specifications enable direct substitution in existing designs without circuit modifications.

Q: What are the key parameters that determine substitution eligibility?

A: Substitution eligibility is determined by matching: output voltage (5V fixed), output current (1A), maximum input voltage (26V), dropout voltage (1V @ 1A), package type (TO-220-3), mounting method (through-hole), and protection features (over-temperature, reverse polarity, short circuit). All these parameters must match exactly between the original and substitute part.

Q: Are there differences in RoHS compliance between the 601-00506 and LM2940CT-5.0?

A: The 601-00506 is RoHS Compliant, while the LM2940CT-5.0 is ROHS3 Compliant. ROHS3 represents a more recent compliance standard and is fully backward compatible with RoHS requirements. This difference does not affect substitution suitability.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity level for both parts?

A: Both the 601-00506 and LM2940CT-5.0 carry MSL Level 1 (Unlimited) rating, indicating no moisture sensitivity restrictions. Storage and handling requirements are identical for both components.

Q: Does the LM2940CT-5.0 provide the same thermal protection as the original part?

A: Yes. Both devices include identical protection features: over-temperature protection, reverse polarity protection, and short circuit protection. Thermal performance and protection thresholds are equivalent.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for the substitute part?

A: The LM2940CT-5.0 operates across the same temperature range as the 601-00506: 0°C to 125°C. This ensures equivalent thermal performance in all specified operating conditions.

Q: Is the LM2940CT-5.0 currently available for procurement?

A: The LM2940CT-5.0 is designated as Last Time Buy with 1539 pieces in current stock, providing immediate availability for design transitions from the discontinued 601-00506.