NJM79L12A Linear Voltage Regulator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The NJM79L12A is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc., designed to provide a fixed negative output of -12V at 100mA. This device is classified as a Power Management (PMIC) component and is packaged in TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) through-hole configuration.

The NJM79L12A is currently listed as obsolete. Due to its discontinued status, identifying functionally equivalent substitute parts is necessary for ongoing design support, maintenance, and new production requirements. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility across critical parameters including output voltage, current capacity, input voltage range, and protection features.

Substiute Parts

NJM79L12A

Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc.In Stock: 2662NJM79L12A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LM79L12ACZ/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1808LM79L12ACZ/NOPB Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

MC79L12ABPG

onsemiIn Stock: 30135MC79L12ABPG Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

MC79L12ACLP

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 5497MC79L12ACLP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

MC79L12ACLPR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1739MC79L12ACLPR Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

MC79L12ACPG

onsemiIn Stock: 22284MC79L12ACPG Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

MC79L12CLP

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 819MC79L12CLP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the NJM79L12A are selected based on strict electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria. The following parameters determine substitution eligibility:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Output voltage: -12V fixed
• Output current capacity: 100mA minimum
• Output configuration: Negative
• Package type: TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) through-hole
• Protection features: Over temperature and short circuit protection

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

• Input voltage maximum: -27V to -35V (all substitutes rated -27V or -35V)
• Quiescent current: 6mA to 6.5mA
• PSRR: 42dB to 64dB @ 120Hz
• Operating temperature range: Wider ranges acceptable
• RoHS compliance: Substitutes may be RoHS3 compliant despite original being non-compliant

All identified substitute parts meet the core electrical requirements and physical packaging specifications necessary for direct functional replacement in TO-92-3 through-hole applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: LM79L12ACZ/NOPB (Texas Instruments)

The LM79L12ACZ/NOPB is the preferred substitute for the obsolete NJM79L12A. This part is currently in active production status, ensuring long-term availability. It maintains full electrical compatibility with -12V fixed output, 100mA current capacity, and -35V maximum input voltage. The LM79L12ACZ/NOPB is RoHS3 compliant, meeting modern environmental and regulatory requirements. Operating temperature range of 0°C to 70°C covers standard industrial applications. PSRR of 52dB @ 120Hz provides adequate noise rejection for most applications.

Secondary Recommendation: MC79L12ABPG (onsemi)

The MC79L12ABPG offers active production status with extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 125°C), providing superior thermal performance compared to the original NJM79L12A. This part maintains -35V maximum input voltage and 100mA output current specifications. RoHS3 compliance is included. The MC79L12ABPG is suitable for applications requiring wider temperature operation or long-term supply chain stability.

Alternative Recommendation: MC79L12ACPG (onsemi)

The MC79L12ACPG is an active production alternative with identical electrical specifications to MC79L12ABPG, including -35V input voltage rating and extended temperature range. This part provides equivalent functionality with established onsemi supply chain support.

Last Time Buy Options: MC79L12ACLP, MC79L12ACLPR, MC79L12CLP (Texas Instruments)

These parts are designated as Last Time Buy status, indicating limited remaining inventory. They are suitable for replacement applications but should not be selected for new long-term designs. Input voltage maximum is -27V, which is acceptable for most applications but represents a reduced input voltage range compared to the original NJM79L12A (-35V). All three parts are RoHS3 compliant and operate across 0°C to 125°C temperature range.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I directly replace NJM79L12A with LM79L12ACZ/NOPB without circuit modifications?

A: Yes. Both parts provide -12V fixed output at 100mA in TO-92-3 through-hole packaging. Electrical specifications are compatible. Pin configuration and functional behavior are identical. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between MC79L12ABPG and MC79L12ACPG?

A: Both parts are manufactured by onsemi and provide identical electrical specifications: -12V output, 100mA current, -35V input maximum, and TO-92-3 packaging. The primary difference is packaging designation (ABPG vs. ACPG). Both are active production parts suitable for new designs.

Q: Why do some substitutes have -27V maximum input voltage instead of -35V?

A: MC79L12ACLP, MC79L12ACLPR, and MC79L12CLP are rated for -27V maximum input voltage. This represents a reduced input voltage range compared to the original NJM79L12A (-35V). These parts remain functionally compatible for applications operating within -27V input limits. Verify your circuit's input voltage requirements before selection.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: All identified substitute parts are RoHS3 compliant. The original NJM79L12A is listed as RoHS non-compliant. If RoHS compliance is a design requirement, any of the substitute parts satisfy this criterion.

Q: What is the difference between LM79L12ACZ/NOPB and the onsemi alternatives?

A: LM79L12ACZ/NOPB (Texas Instruments) operates across 0°C to 70°C temperature range with 52dB PSRR @ 120Hz. MC79L12ABPG and MC79L12ACPG (onsemi) operate across 0°C to 125°C with 42dB PSRR @ 120Hz. The onsemi parts provide wider temperature operation; the Texas Instruments part provides superior noise rejection. Selection depends on application temperature requirements and noise performance needs.

Q: Can I use Last Time Buy parts (MC79L12ACLP, MC79L12ACLPR, MC79L12CLP) for new production?

A: Last Time Buy designation indicates limited remaining inventory from the manufacturer. These parts are not recommended for new long-term production designs. Use active production alternatives (LM79L12ACZ/NOPB, MC79L12ABPG, MC79L12ACPG) for designs requiring sustained component availability.

Q: Is the TO-92-3 package identical across all substitute parts?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) through-hole packaging. Physical dimensions, pin configuration, and mounting characteristics are standardized across all identified alternatives. Direct board-level substitution is supported without mechanical modifications.

Q: What is the significance of PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio)?

A: PSRR measures the regulator's ability to reject noise on the input power supply. Higher PSRR values indicate better noise rejection. The NJM79L12A provides 64dB PSRR @ 120Hz. LM79L12ACZ/NOPB provides 52dB, while onsemi parts provide 42dB. For noise-sensitive applications, LM79L12ACZ/NOPB is preferred. For general applications, all values are acceptable.

Q: Which substitute part has the widest operating temperature range?

A: MC79L12ABPG and MC79L12ACPG both operate across -40°C to 125°C, providing the widest temperature range among all substitutes. The original NJM79L12A operates -40°C to 85°C. These onsemi parts are suitable for extended temperature applications.