onsemi MC78M06CDTG

Overview

MC78M06CDTG from onsemi is a 500 mA, 6.0 V fixed-output linear voltage regulator in DPAK-3 (TO-252) package, featuring internal thermal shutdown, short-circuit current limiting, and safe-area compensation for rugged local regulation. It delivers stable 6.0 V output across 5.0 mA–500 mA load, with ±2.5% initial accuracy at 25°C and dropout voltage of 2.0 V, widely used in industrial power supplies and embedded control modules.

For engineers reviewing the MC78M06CDTG datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include output voltage tolerance (±2.5%), thermal performance under 500 mA continuous load, input voltage range (8.0–21 V), ripple rejection (59 dB min), and compatibility with standard DPAK PCB footprints and heatsinking practices.

Technical Context

The MC78M06CDTG implements a monolithic three-terminal series pass regulator architecture with built-in protection circuitry: thermal overload shutdown activates at +150°C junction temperature, short-circuit current limit holds peak output at ~350 mA, and safe-area compensation dynamically reduces short-circuit current as pass transistor V_CE increases. Its design targets local board-level regulation where simplicity and reliability outweigh efficiency concerns.

It operates without external components for basic applications but benefits from ≥0.33 µF input bypass capacitance when connected via long traces or driving large capacitive loads. The device exhibits typical output noise of 45 µV_RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz) and maintains regulation over −40°C to +125°C ambient when properly heatsinked.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DPAK-3 (TO-252) package with exposed thermal pad (pin 2 connected to GND), 6.10 mm × 6.54 mm footprint, 2.28 mm height, and 2.29 mm lead pitch. Designed for surface-mount assembly and efficient PCB copper heatsinking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC78M06CDTG, the MC78M06BDTRKG extends temperature range without altering footprint or performance, while NCV78M06BDTRKG adds automotive qualification-both retain 6.0 V output, 500 mA capability, and DPAK-3 thermal design, enabling drop-in upgrades where environmental or compliance requirements tighten.

Availability

MC78M06CDTG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, embedded sensor systems, and legacy equipment repair requiring stable component supply with consistent DPAK-3 packaging and RoHS compliance.

Supply support for MC78M06CDTG 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, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The MC78Mxx series was designed as a cost-optimized, rugged 500 mA fixed-output linear regulator family for local voltage regulation in space-constrained, thermally demanding environments-emphasizing protection integrity over efficiency.

FAQ

What is the guaranteed output voltage tolerance for MC78M06CDTG over temperature?

The MC78M06CDTG guarantees output voltage within ±2.5% of 6.0 V across its full operating temperature range of 0°C to +125°C, with tighter ±2.0% typical variation at 25°C per datasheet Table 3. This tolerance ensures reliable operation for 6 V logic and analog circuits without external trimming.

Can MC78M06CDTG operate without an input bypass capacitor?

Yes, MC78M06CDTG can operate without an input bypass capacitor in low-noise, low-impedance environments-but it is strongly recommended to use ≥0.33 µF tantalum or ceramic capacitor directly across pins 1 and 2 when input traces exceed 2 inches or when driving >10 µF output capacitance, to prevent oscillation and ensure stability per datasheet Application Information section.

What is the maximum power dissipation of MC78M06CDTG in free air?

In free-air conditions (no heatsink), the MC78M06CDTG's maximum power dissipation is internally limited by thermal shutdown, with a junction-to-air thermal resistance (θ_JA) of 92°C/W for the DPAK-3 package. At 25°C ambient, this allows ~0.8 W before shutdown-equivalent to ~133 mA at 6 V output with 12 V input (6 V dropout).

Does MC78M06CDTG support adjustable output voltages?

No, MC78M06CDTG is a fixed 6.0 V output regulator and does not support adjustment. For variable outputs, onsemi offers the LM317 adjustable regulator or the MC78M00A series with external resistor dividers-but MC78M06CDTG's internal feedback network is trimmed and unmodifiable.

How does the short-circuit protection in MC78M06CDTG behave during sustained fault conditions?

Under sustained short-circuit, MC78M06CDTG limits output current to ~350 mA (typical) while maintaining regulation until junction temperature reaches +150°C, at which point thermal shutdown activates. After cooling below threshold, it auto-recovers-providing robust fault resilience without latch-up or manual reset.