onsemi MC7806BT

Overview

MC7806BT from onsemi is a fixed-output +6 V, 1.0 A linear voltage regulator in TO-220 package with internal thermal shutdown, short-circuit current limiting, and safe-area compensation. It delivers stable 6 V output across 5 mA–1.0 A load current with ≤2.0 V dropout at full load, supporting local regulation in industrial power supplies, automotive subsystems, and embedded control boards.

For engineers reviewing the MC7806BT datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page provides verified electrical specs (VO = 5.76–6.24 V @ 25°C, VI ≤ 35 V, RR ≥ 62 dB), thermal performance (R_θJA = 92°C/W), package mapping (TO-220, T suffix), and validated alternatives for design continuity.

Technical Context

The MC7806BT implements a monolithic NPN pass transistor architecture with built-in current-limiting circuitry that reduces short-circuit current as V_CE increases, preventing secondary breakdown. Its feedback loop maintains output stability without external components under standard conditions.

Thermal protection activates at +150°C junction temperature, forcing shutdown until cooldown; recovery is automatic. Dropout behavior is defined by V_I − V_O ≤ 2.0 V at I_O = 1.0 A and T_J = 25°C - a fixed-headroom characteristic typical of legacy 78xx series regulators.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC7806BT uses the industry-standard TO-220 package (Case 221AB, T suffix), with metal tab electrically connected to Pin 2 (Ground). Heatsinking is required for >500 mA continuous operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output linear regulator applications.

Compared with LM7806CT and NCV7806BDT, the MC7806BT offers broader commercial availability, lower cost, and proven long-term supply stability - making it optimal for non-automotive industrial and legacy-replacement applications where ±4% output tolerance is acceptable.

Availability

MC7806BT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, automotive body electronics, and embedded microcontroller boards requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and TO-220 mechanical compatibility.

Supply support for MC7806BT 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

onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The MC7800 series was engineered as a robust, drop-in-compatible family of fixed-output linear regulators targeting cost-sensitive, high-reliability applications where simplicity, thermal resilience, and long-term manufacturability outweigh ultra-low noise or ultra-low dropout requirements.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance of the MC7806BT?

The MC7806BT has a nominal output voltage of +6.0 V with a tolerance of ±4% at T_J = 25°C, meaning the actual output falls between 5.76 V and 6.24 V under standard test conditions. This tolerance expands slightly over temperature and load, remaining within specification across the full operating range per the onsemi datasheet.

Does the MC7806BT require an input bypass capacitor?

Yes - an input bypass capacitor of at least 0.33 µF (tantalum, ceramic, or mylar) is recommended for the MC7806BT when connected via long traces or wires to the power source. This stabilizes the regulator under fast load transients and suppresses high-frequency noise that could otherwise cause oscillation or degraded ripple rejection.

Can the MC7806BT be used without a heatsink?

The MC7806BT can operate without a heatsink only at very low output currents (<200 mA) and ambient temperatures <40°C, given its R_θJA = 92°C/W. At 1.0 A load with 12 V input, power dissipation exceeds 6 W - requiring a heatsink to maintain T_J < 150°C. Thermal derating curves in the datasheet must be consulted for safe operation.

Is the MC7806BT pin-compatible with other 78xx-series regulators?

Yes - the MC7806BT uses the standard 3-pin TO-220 configuration (Input, Ground, Output) shared across the entire 78xx family. This allows direct substitution with other 78xx devices (e.g., MC7805BT, MC7812BT) on the same footprint, provided input voltage, output voltage, and thermal constraints are met for the specific variant.

What protection features does the MC7806BT include?

The MC7806BT integrates three core protection functions: (1) internal short-circuit current limiting (~0.2 A), (2) thermal shutdown at +150°C junction temperature, and (3) safe-area compensation on the output transistor. These features prevent destructive failure during faults and enable automatic recovery once conditions normalize.