Texas Instruments LM79L12ACMX
- Part No.:
- LM79L12ACMX
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
LM79L12ACMX.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR -12V 100MA 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,400
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Product details
Overview
LM79L12ACMX from Texas Instruments is a fixed-output, 3-terminal negative voltage regulator delivering −12 V at up to 100 mA, with ±5% output voltage error over load, line, and temperature. It features internal short-circuit, thermal, and safe operating area protection, and requires only a 0.1 μF output capacitor for stability - used in dual-rail analog power supplies and industrial control subsystems.
For engineers reviewing the LM79L12ACMX datasheet, LM79L12ACMX pinout, LM79L12ACMX application, or LM79L12ACMX equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specifications, SOIC-8 package details, thermal performance data, and real-world design guidance for low-noise negative rail generation.
Technical Context
The LM79L12ACMX implements a monolithic bipolar linear regulator architecture with built-in current limiting, thermal shutdown, and SOA protection. Its −12 V output is trimmed at wafer level to ensure ≤±5% initial accuracy across 0°C to +70°C ambient.
It achieves 0.07% line regulation (ΔVOUT/VIN) and 0.01% load regulation (ΔVOUT/mA), with 45 mV typical output voltage deviation across 1–100 mA load and input range of −14.5 V to −27 V. Ripple rejection exceeds 50 dB at 120 Hz.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | −12.0 V ±5% (guaranteed over 1–100 mA, 0°C to +70°C, VIN = −14.5 V to −27 V) |
| Output Current | 100 mA maximum continuous (thermal-limited; θJA = 180°C/W in SOIC-8 still air) |
| Line Regulation | ≤0.07% ΔVOUT/V (ensures stable −12 V despite ±2.5 V input variation) |
| Load Regulation | ≤0.01% ΔVOUT/mA (maintains <±1 mV drift from 1 mA to 100 mA load) |
| Ripple Rejection | ≥50 dB at 120 Hz (rejects >99% of AC ripple from unregulated negative supply) |
| Quiescent Current | 2–6 mA (low bias draw enables efficient operation in battery-backed or standby systems) |
| Dropout Voltage | Typically 1.7 V at 100 mA (requires VIN ≤ −13.7 V to sustain regulated −12 V output) |
Pinout & Package
LM79L12ACMX is housed in an 8-pin SOIC (D) package, 3.91 mm wide, 4.9 mm long, 1.75 mm max height, RoHS-compliant with Sn lead finish and MSL Level-1 rating. Pins 4 and 8 are NC (no internal connection).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (VIN) | Negative Input | Accepts unregulated negative input (−14.5 V to −27 V); connects to bulk capacitance near source |
| 2 (GND) | Ground Reference | Common return for load and regulator feedback; must be low-impedance path to system ground plane |
| 3 (VOUT) | Negative Output | Delivers regulated −12 V; requires ≥0.1 μF ceramic or 1 μF aluminum electrolytic capacitor for stability |
| 4 (NC) | No Connection | Not bonded internally; must remain unconnected on PCB |
| 5–7 (NC) | No Connection | Pins 5, 6, 7 are NC per TI package drawing D0008A; no routing or copper fill required |
| 8 (NC) | No Connection | Not bonded internally; must remain unconnected on PCB |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fixed −12 V output | Eliminates external resistor network; reduces BOM count and layout sensitivity in dual-supply designs |
| 0.1 μF output capacitor stability | Enables compact, low-ESR ceramic capacitor use - avoids large electrolytics and improves transient response |
| Internal thermal shutdown | Prevents junction temperature exceeding +125°C during overload or poor heatsinking - no external sensor needed |
| Safe operating area (SOA) protection | Automatically limits power dissipation during high-VIN/low-VOUT conditions - prevents output transistor failure |
| Short-circuit current limit | Clamps peak output current to ~150 mA independent of temperature - protects against sustained fault conditions |
Applications
| Industrial Analog Signal Conditioning | Dual-Rail Op-Amp Power Supply |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing clean, stable negative rail for precision instrumentation amplifiers in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Negative voltage regulator supplying −12 V to op-amp dual supplies alongside LM78L12ACMX. Use Value: ±5% output accuracy and 50 dB ripple rejection maintain <0.1% gain error and <−80 dB THD in 16-bit ADC front-ends. |
Use Scenario: Generating matched ±12 V rails for rail-to-rail op-amps in audio preamplifier stages. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired with LM78L12ACMX to establish symmetrical supply for low-noise signal processing. Use Value: 0.01% load regulation ensures <±0.12 mV shift across full 100 mA load swing - critical for DC-coupled gain blocks. |
| Embedded Control System Bias Supply | Legacy Industrial Equipment Retrofit |
Use Scenario: Powering microcontroller analog peripherals (ADC reference, DAC output buffers) in factory automation controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated −12 V source isolating sensitive analog circuitry from noisy digital domains. Use Value: 2–6 mA quiescent current minimizes standby power draw while maintaining fast turn-on (<10 µs) for wake-on-event operation. |
Use Scenario: Replacing obsolete LM79L12ACZ in aging test equipment requiring TO-92 footprint compatibility. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in SOIC-8 replacement with identical electrical specs and improved thermal margin vs. TO-92. Use Value: 180°C/W θJA allows 2× higher continuous power vs. TO-92 (232°C/W) without heatsink - extends field life in convection-cooled chassis. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM79L12ACZ/NOPB | TO-92 (LP) 3-pin package; θJA = 232°C/W; same −12 V spec, ±5% tolerance, 100 mA rating | Through-hole mounting; lower power handling due to higher thermal resistance; legacy board compatibility | Select when replacing older through-hole designs or where manual assembly is preferred |
| LM79L12ACM/NOPB | SOIC-8 (D) package, identical to LM79L12ACMX but supplied in tube (95 pcs) vs. tape-and-reel (2500 pcs) | Same electrical and thermal performance; differs only in packaging format and reel logistics | Select for prototyping or low-volume builds where tube packaging simplifies hand-soldering or small-batch reflow |
Compared with LM79L12ACZ/NOPB, LM79L12ACMX offers superior thermal management in surface-mount layouts; compared with LM79L12ACM/NOPB, it delivers identical performance with optimized logistics for automated SMT production - making LM79L12ACMX the preferred choice for volume manufacturing of new designs.
Availability
LM79L12ACMX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, analog signal conditioning circuits, and dual-rail power supply designs requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for LM79L12ACMX includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management ICs, with decades of expertise in linear regulator reliability and thermal design.
The LM79LXXAC series was engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained industrial and instrumentation applications requiring robust fixed-negative regulation - emphasizing simplicity, protection integrity, and consistent parametric performance across temperature and load.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for stable operation of LM79L12ACMX?
The LM79L12ACMX requires a minimum input voltage of −14.5 V at 40 mA load and −14.6 V at 100 mA load to maintain line regulation, per Electrical Characteristics table. This corresponds to a typical dropout voltage of ~1.7 V. Operating below this threshold risks output sag or regulation loss, especially under full load or elevated temperature.
Can LM79L12ACMX be used in place of LM79L12ACZ/NOPB on a through-hole PCB?
No - LM79L12ACMX uses an 8-pin SOIC (D) package and is not mechanically compatible with the 3-pin TO-92 footprint of LM79L12ACZ/NOPB. While electrically identical, substitution requires PCB redesign. For drop-in replacement, LM79L12ACZ/NOPB or LM79L12ACZ/LFT4.B must be used.
Does LM79L12ACMX require an input capacitor?
The LM79L12ACMX datasheet does not mandate an input capacitor for stability, but recommends a 0.33 μF ceramic capacitor close to pins 1 and 2 if the regulator is located >6 inches from the main filter capacitor. This suppresses high-frequency noise and improves transient immunity without affecting regulation.
What is the thermal resistance (θJA) of LM79L12ACMX in its SOIC-8 package?
The LM79L12ACMX has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) of 180°C/W in still air, as specified for the SOIC-8 (D) package. This value assumes standard JEDEC 2-layer board layout; adding copper pour or airflow reduces effective θJA, enabling higher continuous output current before thermal shutdown.
Is LM79L12ACMX pin-compatible with other LM79LXXAC variants like LM79L05ACMX?
Yes - all LM79LXXAC variants (LM79L05ACMX, LM79L12ACMX, LM79L15ACMX) share identical SOIC-8 (D) pinout: Pin 1 = VIN, Pin 2 = GND, Pin 3 = VOUT, Pins 4–8 = NC. This allows shared PCB footprints across −5 V, −12 V, and −15 V versions, simplifying inventory and design reuse.
LM79L12ACMX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Not For New Designs
- Output Configuration:
- Negative
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- -35V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -12V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 100mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 6 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 52dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Temperature, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
LM79L12ACMX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM79L12ACMX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM79L12ACMX on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for LM79L12ACMX reliable?
The price and inventory of LM79L12ACMX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM79L12ACMX is usually 5 days.
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LM79L12ACMX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM79L12ACMX order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for LM79L12ACMX?
For technical support, including LM79L12ACMX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM79L12ACMX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM79L12ACMX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM79L12ACMX products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that LM79L12ACMX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM79L12ACMX?
All LM79L12ACMX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM79L12ACMX, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The LM79L12ACMX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM79L12ACMX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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