LM2940CT-5.0 Linear Voltage Regulator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LM2940CT-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-220-3 through-hole package. This device is classified as Last Time Buy, indicating discontinued production status. 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	1A
Input Voltage (Max)	26V
Voltage Dropout (Max)	1V @ 1A
Package / Case	TO-220-3
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Operating Temperature Range	0°C ~ 125°C
Protection Features	Over Temperature, Reverse Polarity, Short Circuit
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility is determined by the following criteria applied strictly to the provided parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Fixed 5V output voltage
TO-220-3 package configuration
Through-hole mounting type
ROHS3 compliance
Output current rating equal to or greater than 1A
Input voltage maximum of 26V or greater
Protection features including over temperature and reverse polarity

Grouping Logic:

Group 1: Direct Texas Instruments Equivalents — Identical electrical specifications and manufacturer, differing only in packaging designation or lead formation. These parts maintain 100% pin and functional compatibility.

Group 2: Microchip Technology Substitutes — Alternative manufacturer parts meeting or exceeding all electrical parameters. Output current ratings range from 750mA to 5A, accommodating various application requirements while maintaining 5V fixed output and TO-220-3 package compatibility.

Group 3: STMicroelectronics Alternatives — Cross-manufacturer options with comparable electrical performance. Input voltage ratings differ from the primary part, requiring verification against specific application requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Output Voltage	Output Current	Input Voltage (Max)	Dropout Voltage	Package	Mounting Type	Operating Temp	Product Status
LM2940CT-5.0	Texas Instruments	5V	1A	26V	1V @ 1A	TO-220-3	Through Hole	0°C ~ 125°C	Last Time Buy
LM2940CT-5.0/NOPB	Texas Instruments	5V	1A	26V	1V @ 1A	TO-220-3	Through Hole	0°C ~ 125°C	Active
LM2940CT-5.0/LF01	Texas Instruments	5V	1A	26V	1V @ 1A	TO-220-3, Formed Leads	Surface Mount	0°C ~ 125°C	Active
MIC2940A-5.0WT	Microchip Technology	5V	1.25A	26V	0.6V @ 1.25A	TO-220-3	Through Hole	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active
MIC2937A-5.0WT	Microchip Technology	5V	750mA	26V	Not Specified	TO-220-3	Through Hole	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active
MIC29150-5.0WT	Microchip Technology	5V	1.5A	26V	0.6V @ 1.5A	TO-220-3	Through Hole	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active
MIC2920A-5.0WT	Microchip Technology	5V	400mA	26V	0.75V @ 400mA	TO-220-3	Through Hole	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active
MIC29300-5.0WT	Microchip Technology	5V	3A	26V	0.6V @ 3A	TO-220-3	Through Hole	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active
MIC29500-5.0WT	Microchip Technology	5V	5A	26V	0.6V @ 5A	TO-220-3	Through Hole	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active
L4940V5	STMicroelectronics	5V	1.5A	17V	0.9V @ 1.5A	TO-220-3	Through Hole	-40°C ~ 150°C	Active
L4941BV	STMicroelectronics	5V	1A	16V	0.7V @ 1A	TO-220-3	Through Hole	-40°C ~ 150°C	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Tier 1 — Direct Replacement (Recommended for Immediate Substitution):

LM2940CT-5.0/NOPB is the primary direct equivalent. This part maintains identical electrical specifications, package configuration, and manufacturer origin. Active product status ensures long-term availability. Selection of this part requires no circuit redesign or validation.

Tier 2 — Compatible Substitutes (Verified Compatibility Required):

MIC2940A-5.0WT, MIC29150-5.0WT, and MIC29300-5.0WT are Microchip Technology alternatives with output current ratings of 1.25A, 1.5A, and 3A respectively. All three maintain 26V maximum input voltage, TO-220-3 package, and through-hole mounting. These parts are suitable for applications where the original 1A specification provides insufficient margin. Extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 125°C) provides additional environmental coverage compared to the original part (0°C to 125°C).

Tier 3 — Conditional Substitutes (Application-Specific Verification Required):

L4940V5 and L4941BV are STMicroelectronics options with reduced maximum input voltage ratings (17V and 16V respectively, compared to 26V for the primary part). These substitutes are applicable only in applications where input voltage does not exceed the specified maximum. L4941BV provides 1A output current matching the original specification.

MIC2937A-5.0WT and MIC2920A-5.0WT have output current ratings below 1A (750mA and 400mA respectively) and are suitable only for applications with reduced current requirements.

Compliance Verification:

All listed substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, matching the regulatory posture of the original LM2940CT-5.0.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can LM2940CT-5.0/NOPB be used as a direct replacement for LM2940CT-5.0?

A: Yes. LM2940CT-5.0/NOPB is electrically and functionally identical to LM2940CT-5.0. The designation difference reflects packaging and lead treatment specifications only. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between LM2940CT-5.0/LF01 and LM2940CT-5.0?

A: LM2940CT-5.0/LF01 features formed leads for surface mount application, whereas the original part uses standard through-hole leads. Electrical specifications remain identical. PCB layout and mounting method must be adapted accordingly.

Q: Can Microchip MIC2940A-5.0WT replace the Texas Instruments LM2940CT-5.0?

A: Yes, with verification. MIC2940A-5.0WT meets or exceeds all electrical parameters of the original part. Output current is rated at 1.25A versus 1A, providing additional margin. Operating temperature range extends to -40°C, compared to 0°C minimum for the original. Pin configuration and package are identical. No circuit redesign is required.

Q: Why do some substitute parts have lower output current ratings?

A: MIC2937A-5.0WT (750mA) and MIC2920A-5.0WT (400mA) are included as substitutes for applications with reduced current requirements. These parts are not suitable for designs requiring the full 1A specification of the original LM2940CT-5.0.

Q: Are STMicroelectronics L4940V5 and L4941BV suitable replacements?

A: Conditional substitution only. Both parts have maximum input voltage ratings of 17V and 16V respectively, compared to 26V for the LM2940CT-5.0. These parts are applicable only in applications where input voltage remains below the specified maximum. Verify input voltage specifications before selection.

Q: What is the significance of the TO-220-3 package specification?

A: TO-220-3 is a three-terminal through-hole package with standardized pin spacing and mounting hole configuration. All listed substitute parts use this identical package, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility without PCB redesign.

Q: Do all substitute parts provide the same protection features?

A: Protection feature sets vary. The original LM2940CT-5.0 includes over temperature, reverse polarity, and short circuit protection. Microchip alternatives add over current and transient voltage protection. STMicroelectronics parts provide the same core protection set. Verify protection requirements for specific applications.

Q: What is the impact of different quiescent current specifications?

A: Quiescent current (Iq) represents standby power consumption. The original part specifies 15mA. Microchip alternatives range from 300µA to 500µA, and STMicroelectronics parts specify 8mA. Lower quiescent current reduces standby power dissipation in battery-powered applications.

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