MC7905ACT Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MC7905ACT is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by onsemi, designed to provide a fixed negative -5V output at 1A current capacity in a TO-220-3 package. This device is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design support and procurement.

The MC7905ACT serves applications requiring negative voltage regulation with moderate current demands. Its obsolete status requires engineers to evaluate active alternatives that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility while meeting current compliance standards.

Substiute Parts

MC7905ACT

onsemiIn Stock: 2019MC7905ACT Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MC7905BTG

onsemiIn Stock: 2072MC7905BTG Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

MC7905CTG

onsemiIn Stock: 4068MC7905CTG Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

UA7905CKCS

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 3018UA7905CKCS Datasheet

DirectRFQ

L7905ACV

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 11263L7905ACV Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

L7905CV

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 88829L7905CV Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

LM7905CT/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1338LM7905CT/NOPB Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

UA7905CKCSE3

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 990UA7905CKCSE3 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

UA79M05CKCS

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1856UA79M05CKCS Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MC7905ACT is determined by the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Requirements:

• Output voltage: -5V (fixed)
• Output current capacity: minimum 1A
• Input voltage rating: minimum -35V
• Package type: TO-220-3 (mechanical and thermal compatibility)
• Mounting type: Through Hole

Substitution Categories:

Category 1: Direct onsemi Replacements (Same Manufacturer) MC7905BTG and MC7905CTG are onsemi products with identical electrical specifications to the MC7905ACT. Both maintain -5V output, 1A current capacity, and TO-220-3 packaging. MC7905CTG is currently active with higher inventory availability, while MC7905BTG extends the operating temperature range to -40°C ~ 125°C.

Category 2: Higher Current Capacity Alternatives L7905ACV, L7905CV, UA7905CKCS, LM7905CT/NOPB, and UA7905CKCSE3 provide 1.5A output current capacity, exceeding the MC7905ACT requirement. These parts maintain -5V output and TO-220-3 packaging, offering enhanced current headroom for applications with variable load conditions.

Category 3: Reduced Current Capacity Alternative UA79M05CKCS provides 500mA output current, which is below the MC7905ACT specification and suitable only for applications with reduced current requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: MC7905CTG

MC7905CTG is the preferred direct replacement for MC7905ACT. It maintains identical electrical specifications (1A output, -5V fixed, -35V input maximum, 70dB PSRR) and identical operating temperature range (0°C ~ 125°C). MC7905CTG is currently active with 4000 units in stock and achieves ROHS3 compliance, addressing the RoHS non-compliance limitation of the obsolete MC7905ACT. This part requires no circuit redesign and provides the most direct substitution path.

Secondary Recommendation: MC7905BTG

MC7905BTG offers identical electrical performance to MC7905ACT with extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C). This part is suitable for applications requiring low-temperature operation beyond the original 0°C minimum. MC7905BTG is active with 1980 units in stock and achieves ROHS3 compliance.

Alternative for Enhanced Current Capacity: L7905CV

L7905CV (STMicroelectronics) provides 1.5A output current capacity with -35V input rating, matching the MC7905ACT input voltage specification. This part is active with 88791 units in stock and achieves ROHS3 compliance. The increased current capacity provides design margin for applications with variable or future load growth. Voltage dropout increases marginally to 1.4V @ 1A, and PSRR decreases to 60dB, which may impact noise-sensitive applications.

Alternative for Enhanced Current Capacity: LM7905CT/NOPB

LM7905CT/NOPB (Texas Instruments) provides 1.5A output current with improved PSRR (66dB) and lower dropout voltage (1.1V @ 1A). However, input voltage rating is limited to -25V, which is 10V below the MC7905ACT specification. This part is suitable only for applications with input voltage requirements not exceeding -25V. LM7905CT/NOPB is active with 1238 units in stock and achieves ROHS3 compliance.

Not Recommended: UA79M05CKCS

UA79M05CKCS provides only 500mA output current, which is insufficient for applications requiring the full 1A capacity of the MC7905ACT. This part is suitable only for redesigned applications with reduced current requirements.

Not Recommended: Texas Instruments Last Time Buy Parts

UA7905CKCS and UA7905CKCSE3 are designated Last Time Buy, indicating discontinued production. While currently available, these parts should not be selected for new designs or long-term production requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MC7905BTG directly replace MC7905ACT in existing designs?

A: Yes. MC7905BTG maintains identical electrical specifications and TO-220-3 packaging. The extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C) is a superset of the MC7905ACT range (0°C ~ 125°C), ensuring compatibility. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between MC7905CTG and MC7905BTG?

A: Both parts provide identical electrical performance. The primary difference is operating temperature range: MC7905CTG operates 0°C ~ 125°C (matching MC7905ACT), while MC7905BTG extends to -40°C ~ 125°C. MC7905CTG has higher inventory availability (4000 units vs. 1980 units).

Q: Can L7905CV replace MC7905ACT in a 1A application?

A: Yes, with design considerations. L7905CV provides 1.5A capacity, exceeding the 1A requirement. However, input voltage rating is -35V (matching MC7905ACT), but voltage dropout increases from 1.3V to 1.4V and PSRR decreases from 70dB to 60dB. These differences are acceptable for most applications but may impact noise-sensitive circuits.

Q: Why do Texas Instruments parts have lower input voltage ratings (-25V vs. -35V)?

A: Texas Instruments LM7905 and UA7905 series are rated for -25V maximum input, while onsemi MC7905 and STMicroelectronics L7905 series are rated for -35V. Applications requiring input voltages between -25V and -35V must use onsemi or STMicroelectronics alternatives.

Q: Is RoHS compliance mandatory for my application?

A: RoHS compliance is determined by application requirements and regional regulations. MC7905ACT is RoHS non-compliant. All recommended substitutes (MC7905CTG, MC7905BTG, L7905CV, LM7905CT/NOPB) achieve ROHS3 compliance, meeting current environmental standards.

Q: What is the significance of "Last Time Buy" status?

A: Last Time Buy indicates the manufacturer has discontinued production and will not accept new orders after a specified date. Parts with this designation (UA7905CKCS, UA7905CKCSE3) should not be selected for new designs or applications requiring long-term component availability.

Q: Can I use a higher current-rated part (1.5A) in place of a 1A part?

A: Yes. Higher current capacity provides design margin and does not create compatibility issues. The regulator will supply only the current demanded by the circuit. However, verify that input voltage ratings meet your application requirements, as some 1.5A alternatives have lower input voltage specifications.