onsemi MC78M12BDTRK
- Part No.:
- MC78M12BDTRK
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-252-3, DPAK (2 Leads + Tab), SC-63
- Datasheet:
-
MC78M12BDTRK.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 12V 500MA DPAK
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,103
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Product details
Overview
MC78M12BDTRK from onsemi is a 500 mA, 12 V fixed-output linear voltage regulator in DPAK-3 (TO-252) package with ±4% output voltage tolerance at TJ = 25°C, internal thermal shutdown, short-circuit current limiting, and safe-area compensation for rugged local board-level regulation in industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the MC78M12BDTRK datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page delivers verified specifications, validated pin functions, real-world use cases in automotive and embedded systems, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented technical and application differences.
Technical Context
The MC78M12BDTRK implements a monolithic three-terminal series pass regulator architecture with built-in protection circuitry: thermal overload shutdown triggers at +150°C junction temperature, short-circuit current limit holds peak output at 350 mA under VI = 35 V, and safe-area compensation dynamically reduces short-circuit current as VIN–VOUT increases to prevent pass transistor failure.
It operates across −40°C to +125°C ambient temperature range, requires no external components for basic operation, and maintains 12 V output with ≤240 mV load regulation (5–500 mA) and ≤8 mV line regulation (14.5–30 V input), making it suitable for unregulated DC input rails in cost-sensitive, space-constrained designs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 12 V nominal, 11.4–12.6 V over full load (5–350 mA) and input (14.5–27 V) range at TJ = 25°C |
| Max Output Current | 500 mA continuous with adequate heatsinking; peak current up to 700 mA for short durations |
| Droput Voltage | 2.0 V typical at TJ = 25°C - requires minimum 14 V input for stable 12 V output |
| Ripple Rejection | 55 dB min at 120 Hz, IO = 100 mA - suppresses low-frequency AC ripple from rectified supplies |
| Quiescent Current | 3.2–6.0 mA typical - contributes directly to system standby power loss |
| Thermal Shutdown | Activates at TJ ≥ +150°C - protects device during overload or poor heatsinking conditions |
| Short-Circuit Limit | 350 mA typical at TJ = 25°C - prevents destructive current flow during output faults |
Pinout & Package
DPAK-3 (TO-252) surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad connected to Pin 2 (GND); heatsink surface electrically tied to ground terminal for optimal thermal performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Input | Unregulated DC input supply connection; must be ≥14 V for proper regulation |
| Pin 2 | Ground | Common reference and thermal path; exposed pad electrically and thermally connected to this pin |
| Pin 3 | Output | Stable 12 V regulated output; bypass capacitor recommended at this node for transient stability |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external components required | Enables minimal BOM count and PCB footprint - only input/output capacitors needed for stability |
| Internal thermal overload protection | Automatically disables output above +150°C junction temperature, resuming operation after cooldown |
| Internal short-circuit current limiting | Clamps fault current to ~350 mA, preventing damage during sustained output shorts |
| Safe-area compensated pass transistor | Reduces short-circuit current as VIN–VOUT rises - avoids second breakdown in high-differential-voltage faults |
| Pb-free DPAK-3 package | RoHS-compliant 6.10 × 6.54 mm surface-mount outline with integrated thermal pad for efficient heat transfer |
Applications
| Industrial Control Power Supply | Automotive Body Control Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Local 12 V rail generation from vehicle battery (9–16 V) or industrial 24 V bus with wide input transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary linear regulator delivering clean, protected 12 V to microcontrollers, sensors, and interface ICs. Use Value: ±4% output tolerance and 55 dB ripple rejection ensure reliable MCU operation despite engine cranking dips and alternator noise. | Use Scenario: Powering door lock actuators, window lift drivers, and interior lighting logic in BCM assemblies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-voltage local regulator supplying 12 V to discrete driver stages and CAN transceivers. Use Value: −40°C to +125°C operating range and AEC-Q100-aligned qualification (via NCV variant family) support under-hood and cabin deployment. |
| Point-of-Load Regulation for Legacy Systems | Test & Measurement Equipment Bias Rail |
Use Scenario: Replacing aging 7812 TO-220 regulators on legacy industrial PLC I/O cards with space-constrained layouts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in functional replacement providing same 12 V output in smaller DPAK footprint. Use Value: Identical electrical behavior to MC78M12C/AB variants enables direct PCB redesign without circuit revalidation. | Use Scenario: Generating low-noise 12 V bias for op-amp front-ends and ADC reference circuits in portable bench instruments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-drift, low-noise analog supply rail with 75 µV RMS output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz). Use Value: 0.3 mV/°C average temperature coefficient minimizes drift-induced measurement error across operating temperature range. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar linear voltage regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC78M12CDTRKG | ±2% output tolerance (vs. ±4% for MC78M12BDTRK); 0°C to +125°C temp range (vs. −40°C to +125°C) | Suitable for commercial-grade applications where tighter regulation is prioritized over extended cold-start capability | Select when higher accuracy is critical and ambient temperature stays above 0°C |
| NCV78M12BDTRKG | Identical electrical specs and −40°C to +125°C range; AEC-Q100 qualified and PPAP capable | Required for automotive production programs needing certified reliability and change control | Choose for automotive OEM or Tier-1 designs requiring formal qualification documentation |
Compared with MC78M12CDTRKG, MC78M12BDTRK trades ±2% accuracy for wider temperature coverage; compared with NCV78M12BDTRKG, it lacks AEC-Q100 certification but shares identical electrical behavior and thermal performance - enabling prototyping before automotive qualification.
Availability
MC78M12BDTRK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, automotive body electronics, and test equipment requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term sourcing.
Supply support for MC78M12BDTRK 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, sensor, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.
The MC78Mxx series was designed as a robust, drop-in upgrade to legacy 78xx regulators - delivering 500 mA output in compact DPAK/TO-220 packages with enhanced thermal protection and automotive-grade variants.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for MC78M12BDTRK?
The absolute maximum input voltage for MC78M12BDTRK is 40 Vdc, as specified in the Maximum Ratings table. Operation above 35 Vdc is not recommended for sustained use due to increased power dissipation and thermal stress. For reliable 12 V output, input should remain within 14.5–27 Vdc per electrical characteristics testing conditions.
Does MC78M12BDTRK require input and output capacitors?
MC78M12BDTRK does not require external capacitors for basic regulation, but an input bypass capacitor (≥0.33 µF tantalum or ceramic) is strongly recommended when connected via long traces or high-impedance sources, and an output capacitor (≥0.1 µF) improves transient response. These values are specified in the Applications Information section of the datasheet.
What is the thermal resistance junction-to-case for MC78M12BDTRK?
The thermal resistance junction-to-case (θJC) for MC78M12BDTRK in its DPAK-3 package is 5.0°C/W, as stated in the Maximum Ratings table. This value assumes proper soldering of the exposed thermal pad to a sufficient copper area on the PCB - inadequate thermal land design will degrade actual thermal performance.
Can MC78M12BDTRK be used in automotive applications?
MC78M12BDTRK itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified, but it belongs to the same platform as the NCV78M12BDTRKG - an automotive-grade variant with identical electrical specs and −40°C to +125°C operation. For production automotive use, NCV78M12BDTRKG is the qualified part; MC78M12BDTRK serves well for prototyping and non-safety-critical subsystems.
What is the dropout voltage of MC78M12BDTRK at full load?
The dropout voltage of MC78M12BDTRK is 2.0 V typical at TJ = 25°C and IO = 500 mA. This means the input must be at least 14.0 V to maintain regulation at full rated output current - below this differential, output voltage collapses nonlinearly and regulation is lost.
MC78M12BDTRK Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-252-3, DPAK (2 Leads + Tab), SC-63
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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:
- 500mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- -
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 80dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Temperature, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DPAK
MC78M12BDTRK FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC78M12BDTRK through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC78M12BDTRK 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 MC78M12BDTRK reliable?
The price and inventory of MC78M12BDTRK are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC78M12BDTRK is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC78M12BDTRK?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC78M12BDTRK transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC78M12BDTRK?
MC78M12BDTRK orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC78M12BDTRK 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 MC78M12BDTRK?
For technical support, including MC78M12BDTRK datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC78M12BDTRK requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC78M12BDTRK is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC78M12BDTRK 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 MC78M12BDTRK meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC78M12BDTRK?
All MC78M12BDTRK units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC78M12BDTRK, 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 MC78M12BDTRK part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC78M12BDTRK:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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