LM2940CS-5.0 Linear Voltage Regulator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LM2940CS-5.0 is a positive fixed linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by Texas Instruments, rated for 5V output at 1A maximum current in a TO-263 (DDPAK-3) surface mount package. This device is classified as Last Time Buy status, indicating limited availability from the original manufacturer. Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary to ensure design continuity, maintain supply chain flexibility, and support long-term production requirements for applications requiring 5V regulated power delivery.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Output Voltage (Fixed)	5V
Maximum Output Current	1A
Maximum Input Voltage	26V
Maximum Dropout Voltage	0.8V @ 1A
Quiescent Current	10 mA
Package Type	TO-263 (DDPAK-3)
Operating Temperature Range	0°C to 125°C
Protection Features	Over Current, Over Temperature, Reverse Polarity, Short Circuit
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the LM2940CS-5.0 are qualified based on the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Output voltage must be fixed at 5V. Maximum input voltage must be 26V or greater. Package must be TO-263 (DDPAK-3) surface mount configuration. Output current capability must meet or exceed 1A. Operating temperature range must support 0°C to 125°C minimum. Protection features must include over current and over temperature protection at minimum. RoHS3 compliance is required.

Substitutes are grouped into two categories: direct equivalents with identical 1A output current rating, and higher-current alternatives with enhanced current delivery capability that maintain full backward compatibility with the original design.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Output Voltage	Output Current	Input Voltage (Max)	Dropout Voltage	Package	Operating Temp	Product Status
LM2940CS-5.0	Texas Instruments	5V	1A	26V	0.8V @ 1A	TO-263-3	0°C to 125°C	Last Time Buy
LM2940CS-5.0/NOPB	Texas Instruments	5V	1A	26V	0.8V @ 1A	TO-263-3	0°C to 125°C	Active
BD50C0AFP2-CE2	Rohm Semiconductor	5V	1A	26.5V	0.5V @ 500mA	TO-263-3F	-40°C to 125°C	Active
MIC2937A-5.0WU	Microchip Technology	5V	750mA	26V	0.75V @ 750mA	TO-263-3	-40°C to 125°C	Active
MIC2937A-5.0WU-TR	Microchip Technology	5V	750mA	26V	0.75V @ 750mA	TO-263-3	-40°C to 125°C	Active
MIC2940A-5.0WU	Microchip Technology	5V	1.25A	26V	0.6V @ 1.25A	TO-263-3	-40°C to 125°C	Active
MIC2940A-5.0WU-TR	Microchip Technology	5V	1.25A	26V	0.6V @ 1.25A	TO-263-3	-40°C to 125°C	Active
MIC29150-5.0WU	Microchip Technology	5V	1.5A	26V	0.6V @ 1.5A	TO-263-3	-40°C to 125°C	Active
MIC29150-5.0WU-TR	Microchip Technology	5V	1.5A	26V	0.6V @ 1.5A	TO-263-3	-40°C to 125°C	Active
MIC29300-5.0WU	Microchip Technology	5V	3A	26V	0.6V @ 3A	TO-263-3	-40°C to 125°C	Active
MIC29300-5.0WU-TR	Microchip Technology	5V	3A	26V	0.6V @ 3A	TO-263-3	-40°C to 125°C	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalent (Recommended Primary Substitute): LM2940CS-5.0/NOPB is the direct equivalent from Texas Instruments with identical electrical specifications and Active product status. This part maintains the original 1A output current rating and 0.8V dropout voltage characteristic. The /NOPB suffix indicates lead-free plating compliance.

Alternative from Rohm Semiconductor: BD50C0AFP2-CE2 provides equivalent functionality with improved dropout voltage performance (0.5V @ 500mA) and extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 125°C). This part includes automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q100) and carries Automotive grade designation, suitable for applications requiring enhanced reliability. Packaging is Tape & Reel format.

Microchip Technology Alternatives: The MIC2940A-5.0WU series offers 1.25A output current with lower dropout voltage (0.6V @ 1.25A) compared to the original specification. MIC29150-5.0WU provides 1.5A output current, and MIC29300-5.0WU delivers 3A output current. All Microchip alternatives support extended temperature range (-40°C to 125°C) and are available in both Tube and Tape & Reel packaging options. These higher-current variants are suitable for designs requiring additional current margin or future load expansion.

Lower-Current Alternative: MIC2937A-5.0WU is rated for 750mA output current and should be selected only when the application load does not exceed 750mA, as it does not meet the 1A minimum requirement of the original specification.

All substitute parts maintain TO-263 package compatibility, RoHS3 compliance, and required protection features (over current and over temperature minimum).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MIC2937A-5.0WU be used as a direct substitute for LM2940CS-5.0?

A: No. MIC2937A-5.0WU is rated for 750mA maximum output current, which is below the 1A specification of the LM2940CS-5.0. This part is suitable only for applications with load current not exceeding 750mA.

Q: What is the difference between Tube and Tape & Reel packaging options?

A: Tube packaging (e.g., LM2940CS-5.0/NOPB, MIC2940A-5.0WU) is suitable for lower-volume applications and manual assembly. Tape & Reel packaging (e.g., MIC2940A-5.0WU-TR, MIC29300-5.0WU-TR) is designed for high-volume automated pick-and-place assembly. Both packaging formats contain identical die and electrical performance; the difference is in handling and assembly methodology.

Q: Are higher-current alternatives (MIC29150, MIC29300) backward compatible with the LM2940CS-5.0 design?

A: Yes. Higher-current alternatives maintain identical 5V output voltage, TO-263 package pinout, and protection features. The increased current rating provides additional design margin and does not affect circuit operation. Pin-for-pin compatibility is maintained across all listed substitutes.

Q: What is the significance of the /NOPB suffix on LM2940CS-5.0/NOPB?

A: The /NOPB suffix indicates "No Plumbum" (lead-free) termination plating, confirming RoHS3 compliance and lead-free solder compatibility for modern manufacturing processes.

Q: Why does BD50C0AFP2-CE2 have a lower dropout voltage than the original LM2940CS-5.0?

A: BD50C0AFP2-CE2 features improved internal circuit design that reduces dropout voltage to 0.5V @ 500mA compared to 0.8V @ 1A in the original. This provides better efficiency in applications with lower input voltage margins.

Q: Can the LM2940CS-5.0 operate below 0°C or above 125°C?

A: The LM2940CS-5.0 is specified for 0°C to 125°C operation. For applications requiring extended temperature range (-40°C to 125°C), select alternatives such as BD50C0AFP2-CE2 or any Microchip MIC29xx series part.

Q: Is automotive qualification required for my application?

A: Automotive qualification (AEC-Q100) is required only for automotive-grade applications. BD50C0AFP2-CE2 carries automotive qualification; other listed parts do not. Verify application requirements before selecting this part.

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