L79M05TL-E Linear Voltage Regulator - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The L79M05TL-E is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by onsemi, designed to provide a fixed negative 5V output at 500mA. This through-hole component operates across a temperature range of -30°C to 80°C and includes integrated over-current and over-temperature protection. The part is currently classified as obsolete, making identification of equivalent and substitute components essential for ongoing system support and new design implementations.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	L79M05TL-E
Manufacturer	onsemi
Output Configuration	Negative
Output Type	Fixed
Voltage - Output (Fixed)	-5V
Current - Output	500mA
Voltage - Input (Max)	-20V
PSRR (120Hz)	50dB
Protection Features	Over Current, Over Temperature
Operating Temperature	-30°C ~ 80°C
Package / Case	TO-251-3 Short Leads, IPak, TO-251AA
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the L79M05TL-E is determined by the following critical parameters:

Output voltage specification: -5V fixed negative output
Output current capability: minimum 500mA
Input voltage tolerance: maximum -20V or greater
Package compatibility: TO-251-3 or equivalent through-hole mounting
Protection features: over-current and over-temperature protection
Operating temperature range: -30°C to 80°C or wider

Two substitute categories are identified:

Similar Manufacturer Part (Higher Current Rating): LM120H-5.0/NOPB from Texas Instruments exceeds the output current specification (1.5A vs. 500mA) and extends the input voltage range (-25V vs. -20V), making it suitable for applications requiring higher current capacity. However, the package differs (TO-39-3 vs. TO-251-3).

Parametric Equivalent (Same Specifications): L79M05TL-E from Sanyo provides identical electrical specifications and package configuration, serving as a direct parametric replacement.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	L79M05TL-E (onsemi)	LM120H-5.0/NOPB (Texas Instruments)	L79M05TL-E (Sanyo)
Output Configuration	Negative	Negative	Negative
Output Type	Fixed	Fixed	Fixed
Voltage - Output (Fixed)	-5V	-5V	-5V
Current - Output	500mA	1.5A	500mA
Voltage - Input (Max)	-20V	-25V	-20V
PSRR (120Hz)	50dB	64dB	50dB
Protection Features	Over Current, Over Temperature	Over Temperature	Over Current, Over Temperature
Operating Temperature	-30°C ~ 80°C	-55°C ~ 150°C	-30°C ~ 80°C
Package / Case	TO-251-3 Short Leads, IPak, TO-251AA	TO-205AD, TO-39-3 Metal Can	TO-251-3 Short Leads, IPak, TO-251AA
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement: The Sanyo L79M05TL-E provides identical electrical and mechanical specifications with active product status, making it the preferred choice for applications requiring exact parametric equivalence and package compatibility.

For Higher Current Applications: The Texas Instruments LM120H-5.0/NOPB offers superior current capacity (1.5A), extended input voltage range (-25V), and wider operating temperature range (-55°C to 150°C). This part is suitable for applications where the original 500mA specification is insufficient. Package redesign is required due to TO-39-3 metal can configuration versus the original TO-251-3 package.

Compliance Considerations: The Sanyo equivalent maintains REACH Unaffected status consistent with the original part. The Texas Instruments substitute is ROHS3 compliant, providing additional environmental compliance for new designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LM120H-5.0/NOPB be used as a direct drop-in replacement for the L79M05TL-E?

A: No. While both parts provide -5V fixed negative output, the LM120H-5.0/NOPB uses a TO-39-3 metal can package versus the L79M05TL-E TO-251-3 package. PCB layout and mounting modifications are required. The higher current rating (1.5A vs. 500mA) is compatible with applications designed for 500mA, but the package change necessitates circuit board redesign.

Q: Is the Sanyo L79M05TL-E a true equivalent to the onsemi L79M05TL-E?

A: Yes. The Sanyo variant matches all critical electrical parameters: -5V output, 500mA current, -20V maximum input voltage, identical protection features, and matching TO-251-3 package configuration. Both parts operate across -30°C to 80°C. This represents a parametric equivalent suitable for direct substitution.

Q: What are the key differences between the two substitute options?

A: The Sanyo L79M05TL-E is a parametric equivalent with identical specifications and package. The Texas Instruments LM120H-5.0/NOPB provides higher current capacity (1.5A), extended input voltage tolerance (-25V), superior PSRR (64dB vs. 50dB), and wider operating temperature range (-55°C to 150°C), but requires package redesign due to TO-39-3 configuration.

Q: Which substitute should be selected for new designs?

A: Selection depends on application requirements. For designs matching the original 500mA specification with TO-251-3 package constraints, use the Sanyo L79M05TL-E. For applications requiring higher current capacity or extended temperature range, the Texas Instruments LM120H-5.0/NOPB is suitable with appropriate PCB layout modifications for the TO-39-3 package.

Q: Are there any protection feature differences between substitutes?

A: The Sanyo L79M05TL-E maintains identical protection features (over-current and over-temperature). The Texas Instruments LM120H-5.0/NOPB includes over-temperature protection only, without integrated over-current protection. Applications relying on over-current protection must implement external protection when using the Texas Instruments part.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message