onsemi MC78L12ABPRP
- Part No.:
- MC78L12ABPRP
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
MC78L12ABPRP.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 12V 100MA TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,591
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Product details
Overview
MC78L12ABPRP from onsemi is a 12 V, 100 mA positive linear voltage regulator in TO-92 package with internal short-circuit and thermal overload protection. It delivers stable output under input voltages up to 35 V, requires no external components for basic operation, and supports industrial temperature range (−40°C to +125°C). It is commonly used in low-power sensor interfaces, microcontroller power rails, and legacy analog circuitry.
For engineers reviewing the MC78L12ABPRP datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include dropout voltage (1.7 V typ), load regulation (20 mV max over 1–100 mA), ripple rejection (37–42 dB), thermal resistance (200°C/W in TO-92), and Pb-free TO-92 packaging compatibility with through-hole assembly.
Technical Context
The MC78L12ABPRP implements a monolithic series pass transistor architecture with built-in current limiting and thermal shutdown. Its fixed 12 V output is trimmed at the die level and stabilized via internal feedback without external resistors. The regulator operates in continuous conduction mode and maintains regulation as long as input remains ≥13.7 V (12 V + 1.7 V dropout) across its full operating temperature and load range.
It features low quiescent current (4.2–6.5 mA typ), moderate output noise (80 µV typ, 10 Hz–100 kHz), and line regulation of 120 mV max over 14.5–27 V input. Input bias current variation is tightly controlled (<1.5 mA change over specified VI and IO ranges), ensuring predictable power budgeting in battery-sensitive designs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 12 V ±0.5 V (min/max at TJ = +25°C); ensures compatibility with 12 V logic and analog subsystems requiring tight tolerance |
| Max Output Current | 100 mA continuous; sufficient for powering small MCUs, op-amps, or sensors without heatsinking in TO-92 |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.7 V typical at 40 mA; defines minimum headroom needed between input and regulated output |
| Ripple Rejection | 37–42 dB at 120 Hz; attenuates AC ripple from unregulated DC supplies by ~70–85× |
| Thermal Resistance | 200°C/W (Junction-to-Ambient, TO-92); limits max power dissipation to 625 mW at TA = 25°C |
| Operating Temp | −40°C to +125°C; qualified for automotive under-hood and industrial control environments |
| Input Voltage Range | Up to 35 V (12 V version); supports wide-input industrial supplies while maintaining safe margin below absolute max (40 V) |
Pinout & Package
MC78L12ABPRP uses the standard TO-92 (Case 029) plastic package with straight leads and Pb-free finish. Pin 1 is Output, Pin 2 is Ground, Pin 3 is Input - verified per datasheet Figure 1 and ordering information table.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Output (VOUT) | Regulated 12 V supply node; connects directly to load; must be decoupled locally with 0.1 µF capacitor for transient response |
| 2 | Ground (GND) | Common reference for input and output; requires low-impedance connection to PCB ground plane to avoid regulation error |
| 3 | Input (VIN) | Unregulated DC input; must exceed 13.7 V minimum under worst-case load/temperature to maintain regulation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Short-Circuit Protection | Limits output current to safe levels during fault conditions, preventing damage without external fusing |
| Thermal Overload Shutdown | Automatically disables output when junction temperature exceeds ~150°C, enabling self-recovery after cooldown |
| No External Components Required | Operates stably with only optional input (0.33 µF) and output (0.1 µF) capacitors - reduces BOM count and board space |
| Pb-Free TO-92 Packaging | Complies with RoHS; compatible with standard through-hole reflow and wave soldering processes |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified Variant Available | NCV78L12A variant meets automotive stress testing requirements; MC78L12ABPRP is industrial-grade but shares core design |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Interface | Legacy Microcontroller Power |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering analog-output temperature or pressure sensors in factory automation PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides clean, stable 12 V bias to sensor excitation circuitry and signal-conditioning op-amps. Use Value: Maintains sensor accuracy by minimizing output drift caused by supply ripple or load-induced voltage sag (≤20 mV load regulation). | Use Scenario: Supplying 12 V to older 8-bit microcontrollers (e.g., PIC16F, 8051 derivatives) in maintenance-critical embedded controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary local regulator converting unregulated 15–24 V system rail to MCU core and I/O voltage. Use Value: Ensures reliable reset behavior and ADC reference stability via low-noise (80 µV) output and robust thermal protection during extended operation. |
| Low-Power Analog Front-End | Point-of-Load Regulation in Legacy Systems |
Use Scenario: Generating 12 V for precision instrumentation amplifiers and DAC buffers in portable test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local post-regulation stage following a higher-efficiency switching pre-regulator. Use Value: Delivers low-noise, low-drift supply essential for <12-bit measurement accuracy; dropout allows efficient use of intermediate bus voltages. | Use Scenario: Replacing failed regulators on aging industrial control boards where footprint and pinout must match original design. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Direct drop-in replacement for obsolete 78L12 variants due to identical TO-92 pinout and electrical specs. Use Value: Enables repair and lifecycle extension without PCB redesign; Pb-free compliance supports modern manufacturing requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar linear regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC78L12ACPREG | Same TO-92 package, same 12 V output, but rated for 0°C to +125°C (vs. −40°C to +125°C for MC78L12ABPRP) | Suitable for commercial/industrial indoor applications; not qualified for extended cold environments | Select MC78L12ABPRP when operation below 0°C is required; choose MC78L12ACPREG for cost-sensitive non-automotive designs with ambient >0°C |
| LM78L12ACZ | Pin-compatible TO-92 device, but lower ripple rejection (35 dB typ), higher dropout (2.0 V min), and no AEC-Q100 option | Acceptable for non-critical consumer electronics; lacks thermal robustness and automotive qualification path | Prefer MC78L12ABPRP for designs needing guaranteed −40°C startup, tighter line/load regulation, or automotive traceability |
Compared with MC78L12ACPREG and LM78L12ACZ, the MC78L12ABPRP offers wider temperature qualification, superior ripple rejection, and lower dropout - making it the preferred choice for ruggedized industrial and automotive-adjacent systems where reliability across environmental extremes is mandatory.
Availability
MC78L12ABPRP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, legacy microcontroller power rails, and low-power analog front-ends requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for MC78L12ABPRP 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 focused on energy-efficient electronics, delivering silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and IoT applications.
The MC78L00A Series - including MC78L12ABPRP - was designed as a cost-effective, robust linear regulator family for general-purpose fixed-voltage regulation in space- and reliability-constrained systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage for MC78L12ABPRP?
The absolute maximum input voltage for MC78L12ABPRP is 35 Vdc for the 12 V version, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Operation above this level risks permanent damage. For reliable regulation, input should remain ≥13.7 V (12 V + 1.7 V dropout) under all load and temperature conditions. Derating is recommended for sustained high-temperature operation.
Does MC78L12ABPRP require input and output capacitors?
MC78L12ABPRP does not require external capacitors for basic stability, but input bypassing (≥0.33 µF) is recommended when connected via long traces to the power source, and output capacitance (≥0.1 µF) improves transient response. These values are specified in the Standard Application diagram and Applications Information section of the MC78L00A Series datasheet.
Is MC78L12ABPRP pin-compatible with other 78L12 variants?
Yes, MC78L12ABPRP uses the standard TO-92 pinout: Pin 1 = Output, Pin 2 = Ground, Pin 3 = Input - matching all industry-standard 78L12 devices in the same package. This enables direct replacement in existing designs without PCB modification, provided thermal and electrical requirements are met.
What is the thermal shutdown threshold for MC78L12ABPRP?
The MC78L12ABPRP activates thermal shutdown at approximately 150°C junction temperature, as stated in the Absolute Maximum Ratings. Once triggered, the device disables output until junction temperature falls sufficiently for automatic recovery. This protects against sustained overload or inadequate heatsinking in TO-92 packages.
How does MC78L12ABPRP compare to switching regulators in efficiency?
MC78L12ABPRP is a linear regulator and inherently less efficient than switching alternatives - especially with large input-output differentials - because excess voltage is dissipated as heat. However, it offers ultra-low noise, zero EMI, and simplicity. Use MC78L12ABPRP where low noise, small size, and design simplicity outweigh efficiency concerns, such as in signal-chain or low-current applications.
MC78L12ABPRP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- 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):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 100mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 6.5 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 42dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Temperature, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92 (TO-226)
MC78L12ABPRP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC78L12ABPRP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC78L12ABPRP 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 MC78L12ABPRP reliable?
The price and inventory of MC78L12ABPRP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC78L12ABPRP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC78L12ABPRP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC78L12ABPRP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC78L12ABPRP?
MC78L12ABPRP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC78L12ABPRP 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 MC78L12ABPRP?
For technical support, including MC78L12ABPRP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC78L12ABPRP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC78L12ABPRP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC78L12ABPRP 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 MC78L12ABPRP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC78L12ABPRP?
All MC78L12ABPRP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC78L12ABPRP, 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 MC78L12ABPRP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC78L12ABPRP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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