KA79M12TU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The KA79M12TU is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by onsemi, designed to provide a fixed negative 12V output at 500mA in a TO-220-3 package. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production support. The part operates across a temperature range of 0°C to 125°C and includes over-temperature and short-circuit protection features.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	KA79M12TU
Manufacturer	onsemi
Output Configuration	Negative
Output Voltage	-12V Fixed
Current Output	500mA
Voltage Dropout (Max)	1.1V @ 500mA
Input Voltage (Max)	-35V
Package / Case	TO-220-3
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 125°C
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the KA79M12TU is determined by the following critical parameters:

Output voltage: -12V fixed (all substitutes must provide identical output voltage)
Package type: TO-220-3 (mechanical and thermal compatibility requirement)
Output current capability: minimum 500mA (substitutes rated at 500mA or higher are acceptable)
Voltage dropout: maximum 1.1V @ 500mA (electrical performance specification)
Input voltage rating: maximum -35V (electrical stress rating)
Protection features: over-temperature and short-circuit protection (functional safety requirement)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on output current rating: 500mA-rated devices (direct current equivalents) and higher-current devices (1A and 1.5A rated, which provide enhanced current capability while maintaining all other electrical specifications).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Output Voltage	Current Output	Voltage Dropout (Max)	Input Voltage (Max)	Package	Operating Temp	Product Status	Protection Features
KA79M12TU	onsemi	-12V	500mA	1.1V @ 500mA	-35V	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	Over Temperature, Short Circuit
MC79M12BTG	onsemi	-12V	500mA	1.1V @ 500mA	-35V	TO-220-3	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	Over Current, Over Temperature
MC7912ACTG	onsemi	-12V	1A	1.3V @ 1A	-35V	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	Over Current, Over Temperature
MC7912BTG	onsemi	-12V	1A	1.3V @ 1A	-35V	TO-220-3	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	Over Current, Over Temperature
MC7912CTG	onsemi	-12V	1A	1.3V @ 1A	-35V	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	Over Current, Over Temperature
L7912ACV	STMicroelectronics	-12V	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A	-35V	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	Over Temperature, Short Circuit
L7912ACV-DG	STMicroelectronics	-12V	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A	-35V	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	Over Temperature, Short Circuit
L7912CV	STMicroelectronics	-12V	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A	-35V	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	Over Temperature, Short Circuit
L7912CV-DG	STMicroelectronics	-12V	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A	-35V	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	Over Temperature, Short Circuit

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For direct replacement of the KA79M12TU in applications requiring exactly 500mA output, the MC79M12BTG is the primary substitute. This part is manufactured by onsemi, maintains identical current and voltage dropout specifications, and is in active production status. The extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 125°C) provides additional thermal margin compared to the original part.

For applications where higher current capacity is acceptable, the MC7912 series (MC7912ACTG, MC7912BTG, MC7912CTG) and L7912 series (L7912ACV, L7912CV, L7912CV-DG) provide 1A and 1.5A output capability respectively, all maintaining the -12V output voltage and TO-220-3 package. These higher-current variants are suitable for designs with current headroom requirements.

The STMicroelectronics L7912 series offers 1.5A output with improved quiescent current performance (3mA versus 6mA in the original KA79M12TU). The L7912CV and L7912CV-DG variants are in active production with high inventory availability.

All recommended substitutes maintain compliance with REACH regulations and EAR99 export classification. RoHS3 compliance is confirmed for all active onsemi and STMicroelectronics alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MC79M12BTG directly replace KA79M12TU in existing designs?

A: Yes. MC79M12BTG provides identical electrical specifications for the 500mA output current requirement, maintains the same -12V output voltage, voltage dropout characteristics, and TO-220-3 package. The extended temperature range (-40°C to 125°C) is a functional improvement over the original 0°C to 125°C range.

Q: What is the difference between MC79M12BTG and MC7912BTG?

A: MC79M12BTG is rated for 500mA output current, while MC7912BTG is rated for 1A output current. Both maintain -12V output voltage and TO-220-3 packaging. Selection depends on the actual current requirement of the application.

Q: Are STMicroelectronics L7912 parts compatible with onsemi KA79M12TU?

A: Yes. L7912 series parts (L7912ACV, L7912CV, L7912CV-DG) provide -12V output in TO-220-3 packages with 1.5A current capability. All maintain the same input voltage rating (-35V max) and operating temperature range (0°C to 125°C). The higher current rating makes these suitable for applications with current margin requirements.

Q: What is the significance of the "-DG" suffix in part numbers like L7912CV-DG?

A: The "-DG" suffix indicates a specific manufacturing designation by STMicroelectronics. Electrically and functionally, L7912CV-DG is equivalent to L7912CV. Both are suitable substitutes for KA79M12TU.

Q: Can I use a 1.5A-rated regulator in place of a 500mA-rated regulator?

A: Yes. Higher current-rated regulators are backward compatible with lower current requirements. The L7912 series (1.5A rated) can replace the KA79M12TU (500mA rated) without functional issues. The application will benefit from additional current headroom and thermal margin.

Q: What is the difference in quiescent current between KA79M12TU and L7912 series?

A: KA79M12TU has a quiescent current of 6mA, while L7912 series parts have 3mA. Lower quiescent current in the L7912 series reduces standby power consumption, which is beneficial in battery-powered or low-power applications.

Q: Are all recommended substitutes RoHS compliant?

A: All active production substitutes (MC79M12BTG, MC7912 series, L7912CV, L7912CV-DG, L7912ACV) are RoHS3 compliant. L7912ACV-DG is obsolete but RoHS3 compliant. The original KA79M12TU is obsolete and RoHS status is not specified.

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