KA7906 Linear Voltage Regulator - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The KA7906 is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by onsemi, designed to provide a fixed negative output of -6V at 1A in a TO-220-3 package. This device is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design support and procurement.

The KA7906 operates as a single-output negative fixed regulator with integrated over-temperature and short-circuit protection. Its primary application is in power management circuits requiring stable negative voltage rails with moderate current capacity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Output Configuration	Negative
Output Type	Fixed
Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed)	-6V
Voltage - Input (Max)	-35V
Current - Output	1A
Voltage Dropout (Max)	2V @ 1A (Typ)
Package / Case	TO-220-3
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 125°C

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the KA7906 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Output voltage: -6V fixed
Output current capability: 1A minimum
Input voltage range: -35V maximum
Package type: TO-220-3 form factor
Mounting configuration: Through-hole
Operating temperature range: 0°C to 125°C

All identified substitute parts meet these core electrical and mechanical requirements. Variations in secondary parameters such as dropout voltage, quiescent current, and PSRR do not preclude substitution when the primary specifications are satisfied.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	KA7906	MC7906CTG	KA7906TU	MC7906CT-BP
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi	Fairchild Semiconductor	Micro Commercial Co
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Obsolete	Active
Output Configuration	Negative	Negative	Negative	Negative
Output Type	Fixed	Fixed	Fixed	Fixed
Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed)	-6V	-6V	-6V	-6V
Voltage - Input (Max)	-35V	-35V	-35V	-35V
Current - Output	1A	1A	1A	1A
Voltage Dropout (Max)	2V @ 1A (Typ)	1.3V @ 1A (Typ)	2V @ 1A (Typ)	1.1V @ 1A (Typ)
Current - Quiescent (Iq)	6 mA	Not specified	6 mA	2 mA
PSRR	60dB (120Hz)	65dB (120Hz)	60dB (120Hz)	60dB (120Hz)
Protection Features	Over Temperature, Short Circuit	Over Current, Over Temperature	Over Temperature, Short Circuit	Over Temperature, Short Circuit
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 125°C	0°C ~ 125°C	0°C ~ 125°C	0°C ~ 125°C
Package / Case	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3	TO-220-3
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
RoHS Status	Not specified	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	Not specified	REACH Unaffected

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For applications currently using the obsolete KA7906, the following selection criteria apply:

MC7906CTG (onsemi) - Active product status with improved dropout voltage (1.3V vs 2V) and enhanced PSRR (65dB vs 60dB). RoHS3 compliant. Recommended for new designs and long-term procurement continuity.

MC7906CT-BP (Micro Commercial Co) - Active product status with superior dropout voltage (1.1V) and reduced quiescent current (2mA vs 6mA). RoHS3 compliant. Suitable for applications prioritizing power efficiency and thermal performance.

KA7906TU (Fairchild Semiconductor) - Parametrically equivalent to the original KA7906 with identical electrical specifications. Obsolete status limits long-term availability. Acceptable for legacy system maintenance only.

All three substitute parts maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility with the KA7906 within the specified operating parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MC7906CTG be used as a direct replacement for KA7906?

A: Yes. Both devices provide -6V fixed output at 1A with identical input voltage range (-35V max), operating temperature (0°C to 125°C), and TO-220-3 package configuration. The MC7906CTG offers improved performance characteristics (lower dropout voltage and higher PSRR) while maintaining full electrical compatibility.

Q: What is the difference between MC7906CT-BP and MC7906CTG?

A: Both are onsemi-manufactured -6V 1A regulators in TO-220-3 packages. MC7906CT-BP features lower dropout voltage (1.1V vs 1.3V) and reduced quiescent current (2mA vs unspecified). MC7906CTG is the active production variant with specified PSRR performance. Selection depends on thermal and power efficiency requirements.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these substitutes?

A: All substitute parts use the TO-220-3 package for through-hole mounting. Packaging formats (Tube, Bulk) affect procurement and handling but do not impact electrical performance or board-level compatibility.

Q: Is the KA7906TU suitable for new designs?

A: The KA7906TU is obsolete and not recommended for new designs. MC7906CTG or MC7906CT-BP are preferred as active products with assured long-term availability and RoHS3 compliance.

Q: Do all substitutes meet RoHS and REACH requirements?

A: MC7906CTG and MC7906CT-BP are RoHS3 compliant with REACH Unaffected status. KA7906TU is RoHS3 compliant. All three meet current environmental compliance standards for industrial applications.

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