KA7912ATU Linear Voltage Regulator -12V 1A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The KA7912ATU is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by onsemi, designed to provide a fixed negative 12V output at 1A current capacity in a TO-220-3 package. This part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The KA7912ATU serves applications requiring stable negative voltage regulation with integrated over-temperature and short-circuit protection.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	KA7912ATU
Manufacturer	onsemi
Output Voltage (Fixed)	-12V
Output Current	1A
Input Voltage (Max)	-35V
Voltage Dropout (Max)	2V @ 1A (Typ)
Package / Case	TO-220-3
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 125°C
Protection Features	Over Temperature, Short Circuit
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the KA7912ATU are qualified based on the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Core Substitution Criteria:

Output voltage: -12V fixed
Output configuration: Negative
Package / Case: TO-220-3
Mounting type: Through Hole
Input voltage maximum: -35V
Protection features: Over Temperature and/or Short Circuit

Substitution Groups:

Group 1: Direct 1A Output Equivalents (onsemi MC7912 Series) Parts MC7912ACTG, MC7912BTG, and MC7912CTG provide 1A output current matching the KA7912ATU specification. These parts differ in operating temperature range and product status but maintain identical electrical output characteristics and package configuration.

Group 2: Reduced Output Current Alternative (onsemi MC79M12BTG) The MC79M12BTG provides 500mA output current, which is a reduced-capacity variant. This part is suitable only for applications where the full 1A output is not required.

Group 3: Enhanced Output Current Alternatives (STMicroelectronics L7912 Series) Parts L7912ACV, L7912ACV-DG, L7912CV, and L7912CV-DG provide 1.5A output current, exceeding the KA7912ATU specification. These parts are pin-compatible and functionally superior in current capacity while maintaining the same -12V output voltage and TO-220-3 package.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Output Voltage	Output Current	Voltage Dropout (Max)	Operating Temperature	Product Status	Protection Features
KA7912ATU	onsemi	-12V	1A	2V @ 1A (Typ)	0°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	Over Temperature, Short Circuit
MC7912ACTG	onsemi	-12V	1A	1.3V @ 1A (Typ)	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	Over Current, Over Temperature
MC7912BTG	onsemi	-12V	1A	1.3V @ 1A (Typ)	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	Over Current, Over Temperature
MC7912CTG	onsemi	-12V	1A	1.3V @ 1A (Typ)	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	Over Current, Over Temperature
MC79M12BTG	onsemi	-12V	500mA	1.1V @ 500mA (Typ)	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	Over Current, Over Temperature
L7912ACV	STMicroelectronics	-12V	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A (Typ)	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	Over Temperature, Short Circuit
L7912ACV-DG	STMicroelectronics	-12V	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A (Typ)	0°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	Over Temperature, Short Circuit
L7912CV	STMicroelectronics	-12V	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A (Typ)	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	Over Temperature, Short Circuit
L7912CV-DG	STMicroelectronics	-12V	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A (Typ)	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	Over Temperature, Short Circuit

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (1A Output, Active Status): MC7912BTG and MC7912CTG are the primary substitutes. Both are active products with identical 1A output current and -12V regulation. MC7912BTG extends the operating temperature range to -40°C ~ 125°C, providing additional thermal margin for demanding applications. MC7912CTG maintains the standard 0°C ~ 125°C range. Both feature improved voltage dropout (1.3V vs. 2V) and include over-current protection in addition to over-temperature protection.

For Enhanced Performance (1.5A Output, Active Status): L7912CV and L7912CV-DG from STMicroelectronics provide 1.5A output capacity with superior voltage dropout characteristics (1.1V @ 1A). These parts are fully pin-compatible and suitable for applications requiring higher current headroom. L7912CV-DG has the highest inventory availability (158,850 pcs). Both are RoHS3 compliant and active products.

For Reduced Current Applications (500mA Output): MC79M12BTG is suitable only when application requirements do not exceed 500mA output current. This part offers the widest operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C) among all substitutes.

Compliance Considerations: All substitute parts carry REACH Unaffected status and EAR99 ECCN classification, matching the original KA7912ATU. STMicroelectronics L7912 series parts are RoHS3 compliant. onsemi MC7912 series parts are RoHS3 compliant. Package configuration remains TO-220-3 across all substitutes, ensuring mechanical compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MC7912BTG directly replace KA7912ATU in existing designs? A: Yes. MC7912BTG is pin-compatible, provides the same -12V output at 1A, and operates within the same 0°C ~ 125°C temperature range as the KA7912ATU. The improved voltage dropout (1.3V vs. 2V) and extended temperature capability of the -40°C variant (MC7912BTG) provide additional design margin.

Q: What is the difference between MC7912ACTG, MC7912BTG, and MC7912CTG? A: All three provide 1A output at -12V. MC7912BTG extends the operating temperature range to -40°C ~ 125°C, while MC7912ACTG and MC7912CTG operate at 0°C ~ 125°C. MC7912BTG is recommended for applications requiring wider temperature support.

Q: Can L7912CV replace KA7912ATU? A: Yes. L7912CV is pin-compatible and provides superior specifications: 1.5A output (vs. 1A), lower voltage dropout (1.1V vs. 2V), and active product status. It is suitable for direct replacement with improved performance margin.

Q: Why would I choose MC79M12BTG over other substitutes? A: MC79M12BTG is appropriate only for applications where output current does not exceed 500mA. It offers the widest operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C) among all substitutes but is not suitable for 1A load applications.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant? A: STMicroelectronics L7912 series parts are RoHS3 compliant. onsemi MC7912 series parts are RoHS3 compliant. All parts carry REACH Unaffected status.

Q: What is the package compatibility across all substitutes? A: All substitute parts use TO-220-3 package with through-hole mounting, ensuring mechanical and thermal compatibility with KA7912ATU PCB layouts.

Q: Which substitute has the best inventory availability? A: L7912CV-DG has the highest inventory at 158,850 pcs. L7912CV follows with 75,300 pcs. MC7912BTG has 15,300 pcs available.

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