LM2937ESX-5.0 Linear Voltage Regulator — Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LM2937ESX-5.0 is a linear voltage regulator IC from Texas Instruments, providing positive fixed 5V output at 500mA in a TO-263 (DDPAK-3) surface mount package. This device is classified as Last Time Buy, indicating discontinued production. Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements for applications utilizing this regulator topology.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Output Voltage (Fixed)	5V
Output Current	500mA
Input Voltage (Max)	26V
Voltage Dropout (Max)	1V @ 500mA
Quiescent Current	10mA
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C to 125°C
Package Type	TO-263-4 (D2PAK, 3 Leads + Tab)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Protection Features	Mirror-Image Insertion, Over Temperature, Short Circuit, Transient Voltage
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility is determined by the following critical parameters:

Output voltage matching at 5V fixed
Output current capability equal to or exceeding 500mA
Input voltage rating of 26V or higher
Operating temperature range of -40°C to 125°C or broader
Surface mount package compatibility (TO-263 family)
RoHS3 compliance

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Parametric Equivalents: Parts with identical electrical specifications and packaging, differing only in product status or packaging format (Cut Tape vs. Tape & Reel).

Manufacturer Recommended Substitutes: Parts with enhanced specifications (higher current output, improved dropout voltage, or additional protection features) that maintain full backward compatibility while offering performance advantages.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Output Voltage	Output Current	Input Voltage (Max)	Dropout Voltage (Max)	Quiescent Current	Package	Product Status
LM2937ESX-5.0	Texas Instruments	5V	500mA	26V	1V @ 500mA	10mA	TO-263-4	Last Time Buy
LM2937ESX-5.0/NOPB	Texas Instruments	5V	500mA	26V	1V @ 500mA	10mA	TO-263-4	Active
MIC5237-5.0YU	Microchip Technology	5V	500mA	16V	0.7V @ 500mA	—	TO-263-4	Active
MIC5237-5.0YU-TR	Microchip Technology	5V	500mA	16V	0.7V @ 500mA	—	TO-263-4	Active
MIC2937A-5.0WU	Microchip Technology	5V	750mA	26V	—	TO-263-4	Active
MIC2937A-5.0WU-TR	Microchip Technology	5V	750mA	26V	0.75V @ 750mA	300µA	TO-263-4	Active
MIC29150-5.0WU	Microchip Technology	5V	1.5A	26V	0.6V @ 1.5A	—	TO-263-4	Active
MIC29150-5.0WU-TR	Microchip Technology	5V	1.5A	26V	0.6V @ 1.5A	—	TO-263-4	Active
MIC29300-5.0WU	Microchip Technology	5V	3A	26V	0.6V @ 3A	—	TO-263-4	Active
MIC29300-5.0WU-TR	Microchip Technology	5V	3A	26V	0.6V @ 3A	—	TO-263-4	Active
MC7805ABD2TR4G	onsemi	5V	1A	35V	2V @ 1A (Typ)	6mA	TO-263-3	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Parametric Equivalent (Preferred for Last Time Buy Mitigation):

LM2937ESX-5.0/NOPB is the direct equivalent from Texas Instruments with identical electrical specifications and Active product status. This part maintains full design compatibility and is the primary recommendation for immediate substitution.

Microchip Technology MIC5237-5.0YU / MIC5237-5.0YU-TR:

These parts provide identical 500mA output current and 5V fixed output with improved dropout voltage (0.7V vs. 1V). Input voltage rating is 16V, which is lower than the original 26V specification. Selection of this substitute requires verification that input voltage in the application does not exceed 16V. Both Tube and Tape & Reel packaging options are available.

Microchip Technology MIC2937A Series (750mA Output):

MIC2937A-5.0WU and MIC2937A-5.0WU-TR offer 50% higher output current (750mA) while maintaining 26V input rating and TO-263-4 package compatibility. These parts are suitable for applications requiring additional current margin or future design scaling.

Microchip Technology MIC29150 Series (1.5A Output):

MIC29150-5.0WU and MIC29150-5.0WU-TR provide 3× output current capability (1.5A) with improved dropout voltage (0.6V @ 1.5A). These parts support higher power applications while maintaining full backward compatibility.

Microchip Technology MIC29300 Series (3A Output):

MIC29300-5.0WU and MIC29300-5.0WU-TR deliver 6× output current (3A) with 0.6V dropout voltage. These parts are suitable for high-current applications and offer the greatest performance headroom.

onsemi MC7805ABD2TR4G:

This part provides 1A output current with higher input voltage rating (35V) but uses TO-263-3 package (2 Leads + Tab vs. 3 Leads + Tab). Package pinout differences require PCB layout verification before selection. Quiescent current is lower (6mA vs. 10mA).

All recommended substitutes maintain RoHS3 compliance and -40°C to 125°C operating temperature range.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use MIC5237-5.0YU as a direct replacement for LM2937ESX-5.0?

A: MIC5237-5.0YU is electrically compatible for 500mA applications with identical output voltage and current. However, its maximum input voltage is 16V compared to the original 26V. Substitution is valid only if your application input voltage does not exceed 16V. The improved dropout voltage (0.7V vs. 1V) provides a performance advantage.

Q: What is the difference between MIC2937A-5.0WU and MIC2937A-5.0WU-TR?

A: Both parts are identical electrically. The difference is packaging format: WU denotes Tube packaging, while WU-TR denotes Tape & Reel format. Selection depends on your assembly process requirements and volume.

Q: Can I use MIC29300-5.0WU-TR instead of LM2937ESX-5.0?

A: Yes. MIC29300-5.0WU-TR provides 3A output current, which exceeds the 500mA requirement. It maintains 5V fixed output, 26V input rating, TO-263-4 package compatibility, and -40°C to 125°C operating range. This substitution is valid for all applications using the original part and provides significant current margin for future design modifications.

Q: Why does MC7805ABD2TR4G show TO-263-3 package instead of TO-263-4?

A: MC7805ABD2TR4G uses a 2-lead + tab configuration (TO-263-3) versus the 3-lead + tab configuration (TO-263-4) of the original part. While both are TO-263 family packages in the same physical form factor, the pinout differs. PCB layout and schematic verification is required before substitution.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed maintain RoHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status, matching the environmental compliance profile of the original LM2937ESX-5.0.

Q: Which substitute offers the best dropout voltage performance?

A: MIC29150 and MIC29300 series parts offer 0.6V dropout voltage at their rated currents, compared to 1V for the original part. MIC5237 series offers 0.7V dropout. Lower dropout voltage reduces power dissipation and improves regulation under low input voltage conditions.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message