LM2937IMP-2.5 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LM2937IMP-2.5 is a linear voltage regulator IC from Texas Instruments designed for positive fixed 2.5V output applications with 500mA current capacity in SOT-223-4 surface mount packaging. This part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. The device provides mirror-image insertion protection, over-temperature protection, short-circuit protection, and transient voltage protection suitable for power management applications requiring fixed 2.5V regulation.

Substiute Parts

LM2937IMP-2.5

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 380386LM2937IMP-2.5 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LM2937IMP-2.5/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1372LM2937IMP-2.5/NOPB Datasheet

DirectRFQ

LM2937IMPX-2.5/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 8225LM2937IMPX-2.5/NOPB Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

MC78M12CTG

onsemiIn Stock: 5728MC78M12CTG Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MCP1804T-2502I/DB

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 5476MCP1804T-2502I/DB Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MIC5239-2.5YS

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 7871MIC5239-2.5YS Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MIC5239-2.5YS-TR

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1140MIC5239-2.5YS-TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TC1262-2.5VDB

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 4094TC1262-2.5VDB Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TC1262-2.5VDBTR

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 37382TC1262-2.5VDBTR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the LM2937IMP-2.5 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Output voltage fixed at 2.5V
• Output current capability of 500mA minimum
• Input voltage maximum rating of 26V or higher
• Surface mount SOT-223 package compatibility
• Operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C minimum
• Protection features including over-temperature and short-circuit protection

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct manufacturer equivalents from Texas Instruments with identical specifications and packaging, and parametric equivalents from alternative manufacturers (Microchip Technology) that meet or exceed the electrical and mechanical requirements while maintaining functional compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For direct replacement with identical electrical and mechanical specifications, select LM2937IMP-2.5/NOPB or LM2937IMPX-2.5/NOPB from Texas Instruments. Both parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance and maintain the original 500mA output current and 26V maximum input voltage rating. The primary difference is packaging format: LM2937IMP-2.5/NOPB is supplied in Cut Tape and Digi-Reel format, while LM2937IMPX-2.5/NOPB is supplied in Tape & Reel format.

For applications where input voltage does not exceed 6V, TC1262-2.5VDBTR from Microchip Technology provides an active, ROHS3-compliant alternative with improved dropout voltage performance (0.65V vs. 1V) and lower quiescent current (130 µA vs. 10 mA). This part is available in high inventory quantities.

For applications requiring maximum input voltage tolerance above 26V, MIC5239-2.5YS or MIC5239-2.5YS-TR from Microchip Technology support 30V maximum input with superior dropout voltage characteristics (0.35V typical) and significantly lower quiescent current (45 µA). Both are ROHS3 compliant and active products.

MCP1804T-2502I/DB from Microchip Technology is suitable only for applications requiring 100mA or less output current and should not be selected for 500mA applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can LM2937IMP-2.5/NOPB directly replace the obsolete LM2937IMP-2.5?

A: Yes. LM2937IMP-2.5/NOPB is the direct active equivalent with identical electrical specifications, output voltage, output current, input voltage rating, and package type. The only difference is RoHS compliance status (ROHS3 Compliant vs. non-compliant).

Q: What is the difference between LM2937IMP-2.5/NOPB and LM2937IMPX-2.5/NOPB?

A: Both parts have identical electrical specifications and are from Texas Instruments. The difference is packaging format: LM2937IMP-2.5/NOPB is supplied in Cut Tape and Digi-Reel format, while LM2937IMPX-2.5/NOPB is supplied in Tape & Reel format. Select based on your assembly process requirements.

Q: Can I use MIC5239-2.5YS instead of LM2937IMP-2.5?

A: Yes, if your circuit design allows. MIC5239-2.5YS meets the 2.5V output and 500mA current requirements with superior performance characteristics (lower dropout voltage and quiescent current). However, verify that your PCB layout and thermal design accommodate the SOT-223-3 package variant and that the Enable control feature does not conflict with your application.

Q: Why is TC1262-2.5VDBTR not suitable for all applications?

A: TC1262-2.5VDBTR has a maximum input voltage rating of 6V, compared to 26V for the LM2937IMP-2.5. Use this part only in applications where input voltage does not exceed 6V. For higher input voltages, select LM2937IMP-2.5/NOPB or MIC5239-2.5YS series.

Q: What is the significance of the SOT-223-3 vs. SOT-223-4 package difference?

A: The LM2937IMP-2.5 uses SOT-223-4 (4-pin package), while most Microchip alternatives use SOT-223-3 (3-pin package). Both are surface mount packages with similar footprints, but PCB layout and schematic connections differ. Verify your design supports the selected package configuration before substitution.

Q: Is MCP1804T-2502I/DB a suitable substitute?

A: No, for applications requiring 500mA output current. MCP1804T-2502I/DB is rated for only 100mA maximum output current. This part is suitable only for lower-current applications and should not be selected as a direct replacement for the LM2937IMP-2.5.