onsemi MC7905.2CTG

Overview

MC7905.2CTG from onsemi is a fixed-output negative voltage regulator delivering −5.2 V nominal output at up to 1.0 A, featuring internal thermal shutdown, short-circuit current limiting, and safe-area compensation for rugged operation in industrial power supplies. It uses TO−220 package with heatsink-connected pin 2 and requires no external components for basic regulation.

For engineers reviewing the MC7905.2CTG datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its −5.2 V output tolerance (±0.25 V over temperature), 1.3 V dropout at 1.0 A, 68 dB ripple rejection at 120 Hz, and compatibility with standard dual-rail op-amp supply designs requiring stable negative bias.

Technical Context

The MC7905.2CTG implements a monolithic bipolar pass transistor architecture with integrated protection circuitry: thermal overload shutdown triggers at +150°C junction temperature, short-circuit current limit is internally set, and safe-area compensation dynamically reduces output current under high V_CE stress. Its design targets fixed-voltage negative rail generation where input ripple and load transients must be suppressed without external compensation.

Unlike adjustable regulators, it employs a trimmed resistor network to fix output voltage at −5.2 V (typical) with ±0.25 V variation across 0°C to +125°C junction temperature and 5 mA–1.0 A load range. Input bias current remains ≤8.0 mA, enabling low-quiescent-current operation in battery-backed systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC7905.2CTG uses the TO−220 (Case 221AB) package with heatsink surface electrically connected to Pin 2. Pin 1 is Ground, Pin 2 is Input (VI), and Pin 3 is Output (VO). The metal tab serves as both mechanical heatsink interface and electrical connection to the input node.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative voltage regulator applications.

Compared with MC7905CTG and LM7905CT, the MC7905.2CTG provides a purpose-built −5.2 V output for MECL systems, superior ripple rejection at 68 dB, and lower 1.3 V dropout - making it optimal for noise-sensitive analog and high-speed digital applications demanding precise negative bias.

Availability

MC7905.2CTG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor signal conditioning, operational amplifier dual supply, embedded control board auxiliary rail, and legacy TTL/MECL logic power applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MC7905.2CTG 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 manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, and sensor solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The MC7900 Series was designed specifically to complement the MC7800 positive regulator family, providing matched negative voltage regulation for dual-rail analog and logic systems - with emphasis on ruggedness, thermal reliability, and minimal external component count.

FAQ

What is the nominal output voltage of the MC7905.2CTG?

The MC7905.2CTG has a nominal output voltage of −5.2 V, with a specified range of −4.95 V to −5.45 V across 0°C to +125°C junction temperature and 5 mA to 1.0 A load current. This precise −5.2 V output makes it suitable for MECL logic families and other applications requiring tighter negative voltage tolerance than standard −5.0 V regulators like the MC7905CTG.

Does the MC7905.2CTG require external capacitors for stability?

The MC7905.2CTG does not require external capacitors for basic regulation, but an input bypass capacitor (≥0.33 µF) is recommended if the regulator is located far from the power supply filter or driving large capacitive loads. An output capacitor (≥1.0 µF) improves transient response and stability - especially critical in op-amp supply applications where load step changes occur.

What protection features are built into the MC7905.2CTG?

The MC7905.2CTG integrates three key protection features: internal thermal overload shutdown (triggering at +150°C junction temperature), short-circuit current limiting to prevent damage during output faults, and safe-area compensation that reduces output current under high voltage stress to avoid second breakdown of the pass transistor - all without external components.

Can the MC7905.2CTG be used as a constant current source?

Yes, the MC7905.2CTG can be configured as a constant current source by connecting a resistor between output and load, leveraging its fixed −5.2 V reference. The output current approximates I_O ≈ 5.2 V / R + I_IB, where I_IB is the typical 4.3 mA input bias current. This configuration is documented in Figure 8 of the MC7900 Series datasheet for applications like LED bias or sensor excitation.

What is the maximum input voltage rating for the MC7905.2CTG?

The MC7905.2CTG has a maximum input voltage rating of −35 V DC for output voltages between −5.0 V and −18 V, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Exceeding this voltage risks permanent device damage. For −24 V output variants, the limit increases to −40 V, but MC7905.2CTG must remain within the −35 V limit regardless of load condition.