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onsemi MC7812ACT
- Part No.:
- MC7812ACT
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
MC7812ACT.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 12V 1A TO220AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,095
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Product details
Overview
MC7812ACT from onsemi is a fixed-output +12 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 12 V output across 5 mA–1.0 A load, requires no external components for basic operation, and is used in industrial power supplies, embedded control boards, and local on-card regulation where input ripple and thermal management are controlled.
For engineers reviewing the MC7812ACT datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page provides verified electrical specs (VO = 11.5–12.5 V @ 25°C, dropout = 2.0 V, ripple rejection = 60 dB), thermal limits (TJ = +150°C), package dimensions (TO-220, 3-lead), and real-world substitution guidance - all aligned to onsemi's MC7800/D Rev. 29 datasheet.
Technical Context
The MC7812ACT implements a monolithic series pass transistor architecture with built-in protection circuitry: thermal overload detection triggers shutdown before junction temperature exceeds +150°C, while short-circuit current limiting holds peak output at 0.2 A under Vin = 35 V. Safe-area compensation dynamically reduces short-circuit current as VI–VO increases, preventing second breakdown.
It operates with a minimum input-to-output differential of 2.0 V at 1.0 A and maintains output stability without mandatory output capacitance - though a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor improves transient response. Input bypassing with ≥0.33 µF is recommended when trace inductance exceeds ~5 cm.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 12.0 V nominal; 11.5–12.5 V over temperature and load (5 mA–1.0 A) - ensures ±4.2% regulation for 12 V logic and analog rails |
| Output Current | 1.0 A continuous; 2.2 A peak - supports mid-power microcontroller systems and sensor interfaces without external boost |
| Dropout Voltage | 2.0 V at 1.0 A and TJ = 25°C - mandates minimum 14 V input for reliable 12 V output under full load |
| Ripple Rejection | 60 dB at 120 Hz (Vin = 15–25 V) - attenuates 1 Vpp input ripple to ≤10 mVpp at output, critical for noise-sensitive analog stages |
| Quiescent Current | 3.4–6.0 mA - enables low standby power in always-on industrial controllers |
| Thermal Shutdown | Activates at TJ = +150°C - protects against sustained overload or inadequate heatsinking in enclosed enclosures |
| Short-Circuit Limit | 0.2 A at TA = 25°C - limits fault energy during wiring errors or PCB shorts, reducing fire risk |
Pinout & Package
MC7812ACT uses the standard TO-220 package (Case 221AB), with the metal tab electrically connected to Pin 2 (Ground). Heatsinking is required for >500 mA continuous operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Input | Unregulated DC input; must exceed 14 V for full 1.0 A output; connect ≥0.33 µF bypass capacitor here |
| Pin 2 | Ground | Common reference for input and output; metal tab is internally tied to this pin - isolate heatsink if floating ground required |
| Pin 3 | Output | Regulated +12 V supply; optional 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor improves load transient response |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external components required | Enables drop-in 12 V regulation in space-constrained designs without feedback resistors or compensation networks |
| Internal thermal shutdown | Prevents permanent damage during ambient overheating or insufficient heatsinking - auto-recovery upon cooldown |
| Safe-area compensated pass transistor | Reduces short-circuit current as VI–VO rises, avoiding destructive SOA violations during overvoltage faults |
| 1.5% output tolerance option (MC7812AB) | Supports tighter 12 V rail requirements for precision ADC references or op-amp biasing without post-regulation trimming |
| Pb-free and RoHS-compliant | Meets global environmental compliance for industrial and automotive production without leaded solder concerns |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Module | Automotive Body Control Unit |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering isolated digital I/O drivers and analog sensor signal conditioning circuits in DIN-rail mounted programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 12 V local regulator supplying isolated RS-485 transceivers, optocoupler LEDs, and 12-bit DACs. Use Value: Delivers clean, thermally robust 12 V from 24 V bus with built-in short-circuit protection - eliminates need for discrete current limiting on each I/O channel. |
Use Scenario: Providing regulated 12 V to interior lighting drivers, window lift motor controllers, and door lock actuators in 12 V vehicle architectures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary regulator downstream of main DC/DC converter, powering low-power MCU peripherals and CAN transceiver bias rails. Use Value: Withstands load dump transients up to 35 V input and shuts down safely during motor stall faults - meets ISO 7637-2 pulse 5a immunity requirements. |
| Embedded Medical Sensor Hub | Test & Measurement Bench Supply |
|
Use Scenario: Powering low-noise instrumentation amplifiers, thermistor bridges, and Bluetooth LE radio modules in portable patient monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise 12 V source for analog front-end signal chain, decoupled from noisy digital subsystems. Use Value: 10 µV/V output noise and 60 dB ripple rejection ensure <100 µV RMS output ripple - preserves 16-bit ADC ENOB in battery-powered devices. |
Use Scenario: Serving as a benchtop adjustable lab supply core (with external resistor network) or fixed 12 V output for calibrating multimeters and oscilloscopes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable, high-current 12 V reference stage in modular power supply designs with foldback current limiting. Use Value: Peak 2.2 A capability allows brief overloads during probe contact testing; thermal shutdown prevents operator hazard during accidental shorts. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output linear regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM7812CT | Same 12 V output, 1.0 A rating, TO-220 package; but higher quiescent current (4.8–8.0 mA) and lower ripple rejection (55 dB @ 120 Hz) | Lacks AEC-Q100 qualification; not recommended for automotive environments with extended temperature cycling | Select LM7812CT only for cost-sensitive non-automotive prototypes where ripple sensitivity is low |
| NCV7812BD2T | Automotive-grade variant with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (-40°C to +125°C), tighter VO tolerance (±2%), and enhanced ESD protection (HBM 2 kV) | Designed for under-hood engine control modules; includes PPAP documentation support and lot traceability | Choose NCV7812BD2T for production automotive systems requiring zero-defect reliability and audit-ready compliance |
Compared with LM7812CT, MC7812ACT offers superior ripple rejection and lower quiescent current for noise-critical industrial sensors; versus NCV7812BD2T, it trades automotive qualification for lower unit cost in commercial-grade control panels.
Availability
MC7812ACT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical instrumentation, and test equipment requiring stable component supply with consistent TO-220 mechanical form factor and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for MC7812ACT 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 is a global semiconductor supplier delivering energy-efficient silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and IoT applications - with leadership in power management, analog, and sensing technologies.
The MC7800 series was designed as a robust, pin-compatible family of fixed-output linear regulators targeting cost-sensitive, high-reliability embedded power applications where simplicity, thermal resilience, and protection integration are prioritized over ultra-low dropout or switching efficiency.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage for MC7812ACT?
The absolute maximum input voltage for MC7812ACT is 35 V DC, as specified in the Maximum Ratings table. Operation above 35 V risks permanent damage due to junction breakdown. For reliable 1.0 A output, input should be maintained between 14.8 V and 27 V per the Electrical Characteristics section - ensuring sufficient headroom while staying within safe power dissipation limits.
Does MC7812ACT require an input capacitor?
Yes, MC7812ACT requires a minimum 0.33 µF input bypass capacitor when located more than ~5 cm from the main power supply filter, as stated in the Applications Information section. This capacitor - preferably tantalum or low-ESR ceramic - suppresses high-frequency noise and prevents oscillation caused by trace inductance. Omission may cause instability under dynamic load conditions.
Can MC7812ACT be used in automotive applications?
MC7812ACT is not AEC-Q100 qualified and is not recommended for automotive under-hood or safety-critical systems. While it operates over –40°C to +125°C junction range, its qualification level is commercial/industrial. For automotive use, onsemi specifies the NCV7812AB or NCV7812BD2T variants, which include PPAP support, enhanced ESD ratings, and full AEC-Q100 Grade 1 validation.
What is the thermal resistance of MC7812ACT in TO-220 package?
MC7812ACT in TO-220 package (Case 221AB) has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (RJC) of 5.0°C/W and junction-to-ambient resistance (RJA) of 65°C/W with standard 1 in² copper pad. These values assume proper mounting to an aluminum heatsink using thermal compound - exceeding 1.0 A continuous output without heatsinking will trigger thermal shutdown within seconds.
How does MC7812ACT handle short-circuit conditions?
MC7812ACT limits short-circuit output current to 0.2 A at 25°C ambient, as confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table. This limit decreases with rising junction temperature and increasing VI–VO differential due to safe-area compensation. The device remains latched in current-limit mode until the fault clears and junction temperature drops below the thermal shutdown hysteresis threshold (~135°C).
MC7812ACT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 35V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 12V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 2V @ 1A (Typ)
- Current - Output:
- 1A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 6 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 60dB (1kHz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Temperature, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
MC7812ACT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC7812ACT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC7812ACT 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 MC7812ACT reliable?
The price and inventory of MC7812ACT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC7812ACT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC7812ACT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC7812ACT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC7812ACT?
MC7812ACT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC7812ACT 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 MC7812ACT?
For technical support, including MC7812ACT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC7812ACT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC7812ACT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC7812ACT 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 MC7812ACT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC7812ACT?
All MC7812ACT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC7812ACT, 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 MC7812ACT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC7812ACT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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