KA7912TU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The KA7912TU is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by onsemi, designed to provide a fixed negative 12V output at 1A 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 KA7912TU serves applications requiring negative voltage regulation with thermal and short-circuit protection in through-hole mounting configurations.

Key Parameters

Parameter	KA7912TU
Manufacturer	onsemi
Output Configuration	Negative
Output Type	Fixed
Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed)	-12V
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
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the KA7912TU is determined by the following critical parameters:

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

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Substitutes (onsemi MC7912 Series): Parts maintaining identical electrical specifications and package format with active product status and improved performance characteristics.

Cross-Manufacturer Substitutes (STMicroelectronics L7912 and Texas Instruments LM7912): Parts meeting or exceeding the KA7912TU electrical requirements with compatible packaging, offering higher current capability or improved quiescent current performance.

Reduced Current Substitutes (onsemi MC79M12BTG): Parts with lower output current (500mA) suitable only for applications not requiring full 1A output.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Output Current	Voltage Dropout (Max)	Operating Temp	Product Status	PSRR (120Hz)	Current - Quiescent (Iq)
KA7912TU	onsemi	1A	2V @ 1A (Typ)	0°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	60dB	6 mA
MC7912CTG	onsemi	1A	1.3V @ 1A (Typ)	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	61dB	—
MC7912ACTG	onsemi	1A	1.3V @ 1A (Typ)	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	61dB	—
MC7912BTG	onsemi	1A	1.3V @ 1A (Typ)	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	61dB	—
MC79M12BTG	onsemi	500mA	1.1V @ 500mA (Typ)	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	60dB	—
L7912ACV	STMicroelectronics	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A (Typ)	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	60dB	3 mA
L7912ACV-DG	STMicroelectronics	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A (Typ)	0°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	60dB	3 mA
L7912CV	STMicroelectronics	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A (Typ)	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	60dB	3 mA
L7912CV-DG	STMicroelectronics	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A (Typ)	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	60dB	3 mA
LM7912CT/NOPB	Texas Instruments	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	70dB	1.5 mA

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation - onsemi MC7912BTG: This part provides direct functional equivalence to the KA7912TU with active product status, improved voltage dropout performance (1.3V vs 2V), and extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 125°C). RoHS3 compliance and identical TO-220-3 packaging ensure seamless integration.

Secondary Recommendation - STMicroelectronics L7912CV-DG or L7912CV: These parts exceed KA7912TU specifications with 1.5A output current capability, lower voltage dropout (1.1V), and reduced quiescent current (3mA vs 6mA). Active product status and RoHS3 compliance support long-term availability. L7912CV-DG is currently in active production with highest inventory levels.

Alternative - Texas Instruments LM7912CT/NOPB: This part offers superior PSRR performance (70dB vs 60dB) and lowest quiescent current (1.5mA), with 1.5A output capability. Active product status and RoHS3 compliance provide design continuity.

Not Recommended for Direct Substitution - onsemi MC79M12BTG: This part provides only 500mA output current and is suitable only for applications where the full 1A capability of the KA7912TU is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MC7912CTG directly replace KA7912TU? A: Yes. MC7912CTG maintains identical output voltage (-12V), output current (1A), and TO-220-3 package format. It offers improved voltage dropout (1.3V vs 2V) and active product status, making it a direct substitute.

Q: What is the difference between MC7912ACTG, MC7912CTG, and MC7912BTG? A: All three are onsemi MC7912 variants with identical electrical specifications (1A output, -12V fixed). MC7912BTG extends the operating temperature range to -40°C to 125°C, compared to 0°C to 125°C for the other variants. Selection depends on application temperature requirements.

Q: Why would I choose L7912CV over MC7912BTG? A: L7912CV provides higher output current (1.5A vs 1A), lower voltage dropout (1.1V vs 1.3V), and reduced quiescent current (3mA vs unspecified). These improvements benefit applications with higher current demands or stricter power efficiency requirements. Both are active products with RoHS3 compliance.

Q: Is MC79M12BTG a suitable substitute? A: MC79M12BTG is not recommended as a direct substitute because it provides only 500mA output current, insufficient for applications requiring the full 1A capability of the KA7912TU. Use this part only if your application current requirement is 500mA or less.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant? A: All active substitute parts listed (MC7912CTG, MC7912ACTG, MC7912BTG, MC79M12BTG, L7912ACV, L7912CV, L7912CV-DG, LM7912CT/NOPB) are RoHS3 compliant. The obsolete parts (KA7912TU, L7912ACV-DG) are not RoHS3 compliant.

Q: Can I use a 1.5A rated part in place of a 1A rated part? A: Yes. A higher current-rated regulator (1.5A) can safely replace a lower-rated part (1A) in the same application. The regulator will operate within its safe operating area. This is a conservative design practice.

Q: What is the significance of voltage dropout rating? A: Voltage dropout determines the minimum input voltage required to maintain regulation at the specified output current. Lower dropout (1.1V vs 2V) allows operation with lower input voltages or provides better performance in applications with limited input voltage headroom.

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