SPX2940U-L-5-0 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SPX2940U-L-5-0 is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., designed to deliver a fixed 5V output at 1A maximum current in a TO-220-3 through-hole package. This device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The regulator features integrated protection against overcurrent, overtemperature, reverse polarity, short circuit, and transient voltage conditions, with a maximum input voltage of 16V and dropout voltage of 0.55V at full load.

Substiute Parts

SPX2940U-L-5-0

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 15336SPX2940U-L-5-0 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SPX3940AM3-L-5-0/TR

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 2224SPX3940AM3-L-5-0/TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LM2940CT-5.0/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 20937LM2940CT-5.0/NOPB Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LM2940T-5.0/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 25460LM2940T-5.0/NOPB Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MIC29310-5.0WT

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1539MIC29310-5.0WT Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MIC2940A-5.0WT

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 9432MIC2940A-5.0WT Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the SPX2940U-L-5-0 is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Output Voltage: Must be fixed at 5V
• Output Current Capability: Minimum 1A (higher ratings acceptable)
• Input Voltage Range: Maximum input voltage of 16V or higher
• Package Type: TO-220-3 through-hole for direct PCB compatibility
• Mounting Type: Through-hole configuration
• Protection Features: Minimum requirement of overcurrent and overtemperature protection
• Operating Temperature: Support for -40°C ~ 125°C range preferred

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct package replacements (TO-220-3 through-hole) and alternative package options (surface mount). All listed substitutes maintain the 5V fixed output and 1A minimum current capability required for functional equivalence.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Package Replacement (TO-220-3 Through-Hole):

LM2940T-5.0/NOPB and LM2940CT-5.0/NOPB from Texas Instruments are the primary recommended substitutes for through-hole applications. Both devices are active products with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. LM2940T-5.0/NOPB supports the full -40°C ~ 125°C operating temperature range matching the original specification, while LM2940CT-5.0/NOPB operates from 0°C ~ 125°C. Both accept higher maximum input voltage (26V vs. 16V), providing greater design margin.

MIC2940A-5.0WT from Microchip Technology offers enhanced current capability (1.25A vs. 1A) with improved dropout voltage (0.6V @ 1.25A) and full temperature range support (-40°C ~ 125°C). This part is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected.

MIC29310-5.0WT provides significantly higher current capacity (3A) in the same TO-220-3 package, suitable for applications requiring increased output current. This part is ROHS3 compliant but operates from 0°C ~ 125°C.

Alternative Package Option (Surface Mount):

SPX3940AM3-L-5-0/TR from MaxLinear, Inc. is the manufacturer's active replacement in SOT-223-3 surface-mount package. It maintains identical electrical specifications to the original part (5V output, 1A current, 0.55V dropout, -40°C ~ 125°C range) and is RoHS compliant. This option is suitable for new PCB designs utilizing surface-mount technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use LM2940T-5.0/NOPB as a direct replacement for SPX2940U-L-5-0?

A: Yes. Both devices deliver 5V at 1A in TO-220-3 through-hole packages. The LM2940T-5.0/NOPB accepts higher input voltage (26V maximum) and operates across the same temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C). The dropout voltage is slightly higher (1V vs. 0.55V), which may require thermal consideration in power-limited applications.

Q: What is the difference between LM2940T-5.0/NOPB and LM2940CT-5.0/NOPB?

A: Both are Texas Instruments 5V/1A regulators in TO-220-3 packages with identical electrical performance. The primary difference is operating temperature range: LM2940T-5.0/NOPB supports -40°C ~ 125°C, while LM2940CT-5.0/NOPB operates from 0°C ~ 125°C. Select based on your application's minimum operating temperature requirement.

Q: Why would I choose MIC2940A-5.0WT over other substitutes?

A: MIC2940A-5.0WT provides higher output current (1.25A vs. 1A) with lower dropout voltage (0.6V @ 1.25A vs. 1V), making it suitable for applications approaching the 1A limit or requiring improved thermal performance. It maintains the full -40°C ~ 125°C temperature range and is pin-compatible in TO-220-3 packages.

Q: Is MIC29310-5.0WT a suitable substitute?

A: MIC29310-5.0WT is functionally compatible but provides 3A output current, significantly exceeding the 1A requirement. Use this part only if your application requires higher current capacity. Note that it operates from 0°C ~ 125°C, not the full -40°C range of the original.

Q: Can I use SPX3940AM3-L-5-0/TR as a replacement?

A: SPX3940AM3-L-5-0/TR is electrically equivalent but uses SOT-223-3 surface-mount packaging instead of TO-220-3 through-hole. It requires PCB redesign and is suitable only for new designs utilizing surface-mount assembly. Existing through-hole PCBs cannot accommodate this package without layout modification.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are RoHS3 compliant. The original SPX2940U-L-5-0 does not specify RoHS status due to its obsolete classification.

Q: What protection features do the substitute parts provide?

A: All substitutes include overcurrent and overtemperature protection. LM2940 series devices add reverse polarity and short circuit protection. MIC2940A and MIC29310 include reverse polarity protection. Verify specific protection requirements for your application.