onsemi MC7905ACT
- Part No.:
- MC7905ACT
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
MC7905ACT.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR -5V 1A TO220AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,233
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Product details
Overview
MC7905ACT from onsemi is a fixed-output negative voltage regulator delivering −5.0 V 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 requires no external components for basic regulation and maintains ±2% output voltage tolerance over 0°C to +125°C junction temperature.
For engineers reviewing the MC7905ACT datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection factors include dropout voltage (1.3 V at 1.0 A), ripple rejection (70 dB at 120 Hz), output noise (40 µV RMS), thermal resistance (θJC = 5.0°C/W), and TO−220 package compatibility with standard heatsinking.
Technical Context
The MC7905ACT implements a monolithic PNP pass transistor architecture with integrated bandgap reference, error amplifier, and protection circuitry. Its safe-area compensation dynamically reduces short-circuit current as VCE increases, preventing second breakdown during fault conditions.
Line regulation is specified at 2.0–7.0 mV across −7.5 V ≤ VI ≤ −25 V input range, while load regulation holds within 4.0–9.0 mV for 5.0 mA ≤ IO ≤ 1.0 A - both measured at constant junction temperature to isolate thermal drift effects.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | −5.0 V nominal, −4.80 V to −5.20 V over full operating range - ensures stable bias for op-amp dual supplies and analog signal chains. |
| Output Current | 1.0 A continuous - supports medium-power analog subsystems without external boost transistors. |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.3 V at 1.0 A - mandates minimum −6.3 V input for regulated −5.0 V output under full load. |
| Ripple Rejection | 70 dB at 120 Hz - suppresses rectified AC ripple in linear power supply front-ends. |
| Thermal Resistance (Junction-to-Case) | 5.0°C/W - enables 15 W max power dissipation with adequate heatsink interface. |
| Output Noise | 40 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz) - suitable for low-noise analog circuits including sensor interfaces and precision references. |
| Operating Junction Temp | 0°C to +125°C - qualified for industrial ambient environments without derating. |
Pinout & Package
MC7905ACT is housed in a TO−220 (Case 221AB) package with heatsink surface electrically connected to Pin 2 (Input). The three-terminal configuration supports standard through-hole mounting and mechanical heatsinking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Ground | Reference node for output voltage; must be tied to system common ground - no separate sense line. |
| Pin 2 | Input | Negative input voltage terminal; also serves as heatsink mounting surface - requires low-thermal-resistance interface. |
| Pin 3 | Output | Regulated −5.0 V source; bypass capacitor (≥0.33 µF) recommended for stability with long input traces. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external components required | Self-contained regulation with internal reference, error amp, and pass transistor - eliminates BOM cost and layout complexity for basic designs. |
| Internal thermal overload protection | Automatic shutdown at +150°C junction temperature - prevents permanent damage during sustained overloads or inadequate heatsinking. |
| Safe-area compensated output transistor | Dynamic current limiting that scales inversely with VCE - avoids destructive SOA violations during output shorts or high-differential-voltage faults. |
| 2% output voltage tolerance | Tight initial accuracy (−4.9 V to −5.1 V at +25°C) - reduces need for post-regulation trimming in precision analog systems. |
| Pb-free lead finish (G-suffix) | RoHS-compliant termination compatible with lead-free reflow profiles - meets global environmental compliance requirements. |
Applications
| Operational Amplifier Dual Supply | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering ±15 V op-amp rails from split transformer windings or center-tapped rectifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Negative rail regulator providing stable −5.0 V bias for low-noise instrumentation amplifiers and ADC drivers. Use Value: 40 µV RMS output noise and 70 dB ripple rejection preserve SNR in 16-bit+ data acquisition systems. | Use Scenario: Biasing bridge-based pressure/temperature sensors and powering associated signal-conditioning circuitry. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local negative supply for transimpedance amplifiers and precision voltage references requiring clean, low-drift rails. Use Value: ±2% output tolerance and −1.0 mV/°C tempco ensure <0.5% full-scale error drift over 0–70°C ambient range. |
| Legacy TTL/MECL Logic Support | Embedded Microcontroller Peripherals |
Use Scenario: Generating −5.2 V for older MECL-10K logic families requiring tightly regulated negative VEE. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed negative voltage source meeting MECL system specifications for gate bias and termination. Use Value: −5.0 V nominal output with −4.95 V min at −5.45 V max satisfies MECL-10K VEE tolerance (−5.2 V ±0.2 V). | Use Scenario: Supplying isolated analog peripherals (DACs, comparators, EEPROM) in microcontroller-based PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated negative rail generator decoupled from noisy digital VCC domains. Use Value: Internal short-circuit limiting and thermal shutdown protect against latch-up-induced faults in mixed-signal PCBs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative voltage regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM7905CT | Same −5.0 V output, but wider output tolerance (±4%) and higher dropout (2.0 V); no safe-area compensation. | Acceptable for non-critical industrial controls where thermal robustness is secondary to cost. | Select LM7905CT only if design tolerates looser regulation and lacks sustained fault exposure. |
| MC7905CD2TR4G | D2PAK (TO-263) package with identical electrical specs; θJA = 70°C/W vs. 65°C/W for TO-220; same 2% tolerance. | Better suited for automated SMT assembly and higher-density layouts where thermal mass is managed via PCB copper. | Choose MC7905CD2TR4G when surface-mount manufacturing or improved thermal coupling to PCB is prioritized. |
Compared with LM7905CT, MC7905ACT offers tighter regulation and superior fault resilience; versus MC7905CD2TR4G, it provides lower thermal resistance in through-hole configurations and simplified mechanical heatsinking.
Availability
MC7905ACT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, analog test equipment, and embedded sensor modules requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MC7905ACT 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 sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.
The MC7900 Series was designed specifically to provide rugged, drop-in complementary negative regulators for legacy and new designs using the MC7800 positive regulator family - targeting reliability-critical analog power rails.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for the MC7905ACT?
The MC7905ACT supports a maximum input voltage of −35 V DC for output voltages between −5.0 V and −18 V. This rating ensures safe operation with typical unregulated transformer-rectifier supplies feeding −5 V rails, provided input ripple does not exceed the −35 V limit during peak negative excursions.
Does the MC7905ACT require input and output capacitors for stable operation?
Yes - while the MC7905ACT functions without external capacitors under ideal lab conditions, onsemi recommends a 0.33 µF input bypass capacitor (tantalum or low-ESR ceramic) and a 1.0 µF output capacitor for stability, especially with long input traces or large load capacitance. These values prevent oscillation and improve transient response per Figure 8 in the datasheet.
Can the MC7905ACT be used as a constant current source?
Yes - the MC7905ACT can be configured as a constant current source by connecting a resistor between output and ground, leveraging its regulated −5.0 V reference. As shown in Figure 8, output current approximates IO ≈ 5.0 V / R + IIB, where IIB is ~4.4 mA quiescent bias current. This topology delivers precise, temperature-stable current for LED bias or sensor excitation.
What thermal performance can be expected from the MC7905ACT in a TO−220 package?
The MC7905ACT has θJC = 5.0°C/W and θJA = 65°C/W (no heatsink). With a standard 15°C/W heatsink, junction temperature rise is ~20°C at 1.0 A load (PD ≈ 1.3 W), well below the +150°C shutdown threshold. Derating begins above 75°C ambient unless heatsink thermal interface resistance is minimized.
How does the MC7905ACT's safe-area compensation improve reliability compared to basic regulators?
The MC7905ACT's safe-area compensation actively reduces short-circuit current as the pass transistor's VCE increases - preventing operation beyond the device's safe operating area (SOA) during output faults. This avoids second breakdown failure modes common in unprotected regulators, making MC7905ACT significantly more robust in industrial environments with frequent load transients or wiring faults.
MC7905ACT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Negative
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- -35V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 1.3V @ 1A (Typ)
- Current - Output:
- 1A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- -
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 70dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Current, Over Temperature
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
MC7905ACT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC7905ACT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC7905ACT 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 MC7905ACT reliable?
The price and inventory of MC7905ACT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC7905ACT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC7905ACT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC7905ACT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC7905ACT?
MC7905ACT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC7905ACT 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 MC7905ACT?
For technical support, including MC7905ACT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC7905ACT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC7905ACT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC7905ACT 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 MC7905ACT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC7905ACT?
All MC7905ACT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC7905ACT, 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 MC7905ACT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC7905ACT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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