AP78L12VL-A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The AP78L12VL-A is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by Diodes Incorporated, delivering a fixed positive 12V output at 100mA in a TO-92-3 package. This device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing production and maintenance applications. The part provides over-temperature and short-circuit protection suitable for general-purpose voltage regulation in through-hole PCB designs.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	AP78L12VL-A
Manufacturer	Diodes Incorporated
Category	Power Management (PMIC)
Output Configuration	Positive
Output Type	Fixed
Voltage - Output (Fixed)	12V
Current - Output	100mA
Voltage - Input (Max)	27V
Current - Quiescent (Iq)	5 mA
PSRR	54dB (120Hz)
Protection Features	Over Temperature, Short Circuit
Operating Temperature	-20°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the AP78L12VL-A are qualified based on the following critical parameters:

Fixed 12V positive output voltage
100mA output current capability
TO-92-3 package with through-hole mounting
Positive output configuration
Single regulator topology
ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status

All substitute parts listed maintain these core electrical and mechanical specifications. Variations in maximum input voltage (27V vs. 35V), quiescent current (5mA vs. 6-6.5mA), operating temperature ranges, and protection feature details do not preclude substitution, as these represent enhanced or equivalent performance characteristics within the linear regulator category.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	AP78L12VL-A (Diodes)	L78L12ABZ-AP (STMicro)	L78L12ACZ-AP (STMicro)	L78L12ACZ-TR (STMicro)	MC78L12ABPG (onsemi)	MC78L12ABPRPG (onsemi)	MC78L12ACPG (onsemi)	MC78L12ACPRAG (onsemi)	MC78L12ACPREG (onsemi)	MC78L12ACPRMG (onsemi)	MC78L12ACPRPG (onsemi)
Output Voltage (Fixed)	12V	12V	12V	12V	12V	12V	12V	12V	12V	12V	12V
Output Current	100mA	100mA	100mA	100mA	100mA	100mA	100mA	100mA	100mA	100mA	100mA
Voltage - Input (Max)	27V	35V	35V	35V	35V	35V	35V	35V	35V	35V	35V
Current - Quiescent (Iq)	5 mA	6 mA	6 mA	6 mA	6.5 mA	6.5 mA	6.5 mA	6.5 mA	6.5 mA	6.5 mA	6.5 mA
PSRR (120Hz)	54dB	42dB	42dB	42dB	42dB	42dB	42dB	42dB	42dB	42dB	42dB
Operating Temperature	-20°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 125°C	0°C ~ 125°C	0°C ~ 125°C	-40°C ~ 125°C	-40°C ~ 125°C	0°C ~ 125°C	0°C ~ 125°C	0°C ~ 125°C	0°C ~ 125°C	0°C ~ 125°C
Package / Case	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body (Formed Leads)	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body (Formed Leads)	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body (Formed Leads)	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body (Formed Leads)	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body (Formed Leads)
Protection Features	Over Temperature, Short Circuit	Over Current, Over Temperature, Short Circuit	Over Current, Over Temperature, Short Circuit	Over Current, Over Temperature, Short Circuit	Over Temperature, Short Circuit	Over Temperature, Short Circuit	Over Temperature, Short Circuit	Over Temperature, Short Circuit	Over Temperature, Short Circuit	Over Temperature, Short Circuit	Over Temperature, Short Circuit
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, providing long-term availability and regulatory compliance advantages over the obsolete AP78L12VL-A. STMicroelectronics L78L12 series parts (L78L12ABZ-AP, L78L12ACZ-AP, L78L12ACZ-TR) and onsemi MC78L12 series parts (MC78L12ABPG, MC78L12ABPRPG, MC78L12ACPG, MC78L12ACPRAG, MC78L12ACPREG, MC78L12ACPRMG, MC78L12ACPRPG) maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility with the original part.

Selection between STMicroelectronics and onsemi alternatives depends on supply chain availability and packaging preference. STMicroelectronics parts are supplied in Cut Tape (CT) packaging, while onsemi offers both Bulk and Cut Tape options. Operating temperature range selection should align with application requirements: parts rated -40°C ~ 125°C provide extended low-temperature operation, while 0°C ~ 125°C variants suit standard industrial applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I directly replace AP78L12VL-A with any of the listed substitutes?

A: Yes. All substitute parts maintain the same fixed 12V output, 100mA current rating, and TO-92-3 through-hole package configuration. Direct pin-compatible substitution is supported without circuit modification.

Q: What is the difference between STMicroelectronics and onsemi alternatives?

A: Both manufacturers provide functionally equivalent 12V/100mA linear regulators in TO-92-3 packages. STMicroelectronics parts feature enhanced over-current protection and are supplied in Cut Tape packaging. onsemi parts are available in both Bulk and Cut Tape formats. Operating temperature ranges vary by specific part number.

Q: Why do substitute parts have higher maximum input voltage (35V vs. 27V)?

A: The higher 35V maximum input rating on substitute parts represents enhanced performance specification. This does not affect substitution compatibility; circuits designed for 27V maximum input operate safely with parts rated to 35V.

Q: Does the difference in quiescent current (5mA vs. 6-6.5mA) affect circuit operation?

A: The quiescent current difference is negligible for most applications. The original part draws 5mA, while substitutes draw 6-6.5mA. This 1-1.5mA variation has minimal impact on power consumption in typical linear regulator circuits.

Q: Are there packaging differences between TO-92-3 variants?

A: All parts use TO-92-3 package with through-hole mounting. Some variants specify "Long Body" or "Formed Leads" designations, which refer to lead configuration and spacing. These are mechanical variations within the TO-92-3 standard and do not affect electrical compatibility or PCB footprint compatibility.

Q: Which substitute should I select for new designs?

A: For new designs, select from active product status parts. Both STMicroelectronics L78L12ACZ-AP and onsemi MC78L12ACPREG are recommended active alternatives with established supply chains and full compliance certifications.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message