KA7912TSTU Linear Voltage Regulator IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The KA7912TSTU is a negative fixed linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by onsemi, rated for -12V output at 1A maximum current in a TO-220-3 package. This device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The part operates across a 0°C to 125°C temperature range and includes over-temperature and short-circuit protection features.

Key Parameters

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

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the KA7912TSTU is determined by the following critical parameters:

Output voltage: -12V fixed
Output current capability: minimum 1A
Package: TO-220-3 through-hole
Input voltage rating: -35V maximum
Protection features: Over-temperature and short-circuit protection
Operating temperature range: 0°C to 125°C minimum

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on output current capacity:

Category 1: Full Current Equivalents (1A or greater) Parts with 1A or higher output current rating that directly replace the KA7912TSTU in applications requiring the full 1A specification.

Category 2: Reduced Current Substitutes (500mA) Parts with 500mA output current rating suitable only for applications with lower current requirements than the original 1A specification.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Output Voltage	Output Current	Voltage Dropout (Max)	Operating Temp	Product Status	RoHS Status
KA7912TSTU	onsemi	-12V	1A	2V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	Not Specified
MC7912ACTG	onsemi	-12V	1A	1.3V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MC7912BTG	onsemi	-12V	1A	1.3V @ 1A	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MC7912CTG	onsemi	-12V	1A	1.3V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MC79M12BTG	onsemi	-12V	500mA	1.1V @ 500mA	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
L7912ACV	STMicroelectronics	-12V	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
L7912ACV-DG	STMicroelectronics	-12V	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
L7912CV	STMicroelectronics	-12V	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
L7912CV-DG	STMicroelectronics	-12V	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
LM7912CT/NOPB	Texas Instruments	-12V	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Direct Replacement - 1A Output)

MC7912ACTG, MC7912BTG, and MC7912CTG from onsemi are direct functional equivalents with identical -12V output and 1A current rating. All three are active products with ROHS3 compliance. MC7912BTG offers extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 125°C) compared to the original KA7912TSTU specification. These parts feature improved voltage dropout characteristics (1.3V versus 2V) and enhanced protection with over-current capability in addition to over-temperature protection.

Alternative Substitutes (Higher Current Capability - 1.5A Output)

L7912CV, L7912CV-DG, L7912ACV, and LM7912CT/NOPB provide 1.5A output current capability, exceeding the original 1A requirement. These parts are suitable for applications where additional current headroom is beneficial. L7912CV and L7912CV-DG from STMicroelectronics maintain the highest inventory availability. LM7912CT/NOPB from Texas Instruments offers superior PSRR performance (70dB versus 60dB) and lower quiescent current (1.5mA versus 6mA in the original part).

Reduced Current Substitute (500mA Output)

MC79M12BTG is suitable only for applications with maximum current requirements of 500mA or less. This part is not appropriate for designs requiring the full 1A specification of the KA7912TSTU.

Compliance Considerations

All active substitute parts listed carry ROHS3 compliance certification. The original KA7912TSTU does not specify RoHS status. For new designs or production requiring RoHS compliance, any of the active substitute parts satisfy this requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MC7912ACTG directly replace KA7912TSTU in existing designs?

A: Yes. MC7912ACTG matches the -12V output voltage, 1A current rating, and TO-220-3 package. Both operate across 0°C to 125°C. The MC7912ACTG features lower voltage dropout (1.3V versus 2V), which may improve circuit performance. Verify that your PCB layout and thermal design accommodate the onsemi part specifications.

Q: What is the difference between MC7912BTG and MC7912ACTG?

A: Both parts are onsemi MC7912 variants with identical electrical specifications (-12V, 1A, 1.3V dropout). The primary difference is operating temperature range: MC7912BTG operates from -40°C to 125°C, while MC7912ACTG operates from 0°C to 125°C. Select MC7912BTG for applications requiring extended low-temperature operation.

Q: Can L7912CV replace KA7912TSTU?

A: Yes, with considerations. L7912CV provides -12V output in TO-220-3 package with 1.5A current capability, exceeding the 1A requirement. Voltage dropout is lower (1.1V versus 2V). The higher current rating and improved performance characteristics make this a suitable substitute. Verify thermal management is adequate for your application.

Q: Why would I choose LM7912CT/NOPB over other substitutes?

A: LM7912CT/NOPB from Texas Instruments offers superior noise performance (70dB PSRR versus 60dB in most alternatives) and lower quiescent current (1.5mA versus 3-6mA). These characteristics benefit low-noise analog circuits and battery-powered applications. The 1.5A output current provides additional design margin.

Q: Is MC79M12BTG suitable for my 1A application?

A: No. MC79M12BTG is rated for 500mA maximum output current, which is insufficient for applications requiring 1A. Use this part only in designs with maximum current requirements of 500mA or less.

Q: What packaging considerations apply to these substitutes?

A: All substitute parts use TO-220-3 through-hole package, matching the KA7912TSTU footprint. PCB layout and thermal design remain compatible. Verify lead spacing and mounting hole alignment with your existing design documentation.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: All active substitute parts listed (MC7912ACTG, MC7912BTG, MC7912CTG, MC79M12BTG, L7912ACV, L7912CV, L7912CV-DG, LM7912CT/NOPB) carry ROHS3 compliance certification. The original KA7912TSTU does not specify RoHS status. For new designs requiring RoHS compliance, select from the active substitute parts.

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