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onsemi MC7906CT
- Part No.:
- MC7906CT
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
MC7906CT.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR -6V 1A TO220AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,019
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Product details
Overview
MC7906CT from onsemi is a fixed-output negative linear voltage regulator delivering −6.0 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 stable output across input voltages from −8.0 V to −21 V with ≤120 mV load regulation (5–1500 mA) and ≤10 mV line regulation under specified conditions.
For engineers reviewing the MC7906CT datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its TO-220 package with heatsink-connected Pin 2, dropout voltage of 1.3 V at 1.0 A, −6.0 V ±4% output tolerance, and suitability for dual-rail op-amp supplies, MECL logic, and legacy analog systems requiring robust negative rail regulation.
Technical Context
The MC7906CT implements a monolithic PNP pass transistor architecture with integrated biasing networks and protection circuitry. Its safe-area compensation dynamically reduces short-circuit current as VCE increases, preventing second breakdown during fault conditions.
Thermal shutdown activates at +150°C junction temperature, and internal current limiting holds peak output current to ≤1.8 A under sustained overload. The device operates over 0°C to +125°C junction temperature range and exhibits −1.0 mV/°C average temperature coefficient of output voltage.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | −6.0 V nominal, −5.75 V to −6.25 V over temperature and load (ensures compatibility with −6 V logic and analog rails) |
| Output Current | 1.0 A continuous (supports medium-power analog circuits without external boost transistors) |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.3 V at 1.0 A (requires minimum −7.3 V input for regulated −6.0 V output) |
| Line Regulation | ≤10 mV (for −9.0 V to −13 V input variation at 500 mA, critical for ripple-sensitive analog stages) |
| Load Regulation | ≤13 mV (5–1500 mA load change, ensures stable biasing in variable-current applications) |
| Ripple Rejection | 65 dB at 120 Hz (attenuates transformer-derived AC ripple in linear power supplies) |
| Thermal Resistance | Junction-to-case 5.0 °C/W (enables ≥15 W dissipation with modest heatsinking) |
Pinout & Package
MC7906CT is supplied in TO-220 package (Case 221AB), with heatsink surface electrically connected to Pin 2. Mounting screw contact must be isolated from PCB ground unless intentional grounding is required.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Ground | Reference node for output voltage; connects to system common ground plane |
| Pin 2 | Input | Negative input supply terminal; internally connected to heatsink tab |
| Pin 3 | Output | Regulated −6.0 V source; requires 1.0 µF output capacitor for stability |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external components required | Enables compact, low-BOM-cost power rail generation without feedback resistors or compensation networks |
| Internal thermal overload protection | Automatically disables output above +150°C junction temperature, preventing permanent damage during transient overloads |
| Internal short-circuit current limiting | Clamps output current to ≤1.8 A, allowing safe operation into hard shorts without external fusing |
| Output transistor safe-area compensation | Dynamically reduces short-circuit current as VCE rises, avoiding secondary breakdown in high-VIN−VOUT scenarios |
| Pb-free lead finish (G-suffix) | Complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU; compatible with standard SnPb and lead-free reflow profiles |
Applications
| Operational Amplifier Dual Supply | MECL Logic Power Rail |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Bipolar op-amp circuits requiring symmetric ±15 V or ±12 V rails, where MC7906CT pairs with MC7806CT or similar positive regulators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides stable negative supply rail; referenced directly to system ground with no sensing leads. Use Value: Eliminates need for charge-pump or switching converters in noise-sensitive analog signal chains, preserving PSRR and minimizing switching artifacts. | Use Scenario: Negative power distribution for emitter-coupled logic families operating at −5.2 V or −6.0 V, such as older ECL 10K/100K systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supplies precise, low-noise negative bias to ECL gate inputs and termination networks. Use Value: Maintains tight voltage tolerance (±4%) and fast transient response to support sub-nanosecond edge rates without rail collapse. |
| Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning | Legacy Analog Test Equipment |
Use Scenario: Powering precision instrumentation amplifiers, ADC drivers, and 4–20 mA loop transmitters requiring clean negative reference rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Delivers low-noise (45 µV RMS, 10 Hz–100 kHz), well-regulated −6.0 V for analog front-end biasing. Use Value: Ripple rejection of 65 dB at 120 Hz suppresses mains-borne interference, improving effective resolution in 16-bit+ data acquisition systems. | Use Scenario: Replacement power supply component in vintage oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and calibration standards where original −6 V regulators have failed. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Direct drop-in replacement for obsolete MC7906C variants in through-hole PCBs with TO-220 footprints. Use Value: Matches original thermal and electrical behavior-including 5.0 °C/W θJC and 1.3 V dropout-ensuring identical heatsink sizing and load transient performance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM337T | Adjustable output (−1.25 V to −37 V); requires two external resistors; higher quiescent current (5.5 mA vs. 4.3 mA) | Used where programmable or non-standard negative voltages (e.g., −7.5 V, −9.1 V) are needed | Select LM337T only when output voltage flexibility outweighs BOM simplicity and tighter tolerance of MC7906CT |
| MC7906CD2TR4G | D2PAK package (Case 936); same electrical specs; lower thermal resistance to PCB (θJA = 70 °C/W vs. 65 °C/W for TO-220) | Suitable for automated SMT assembly and higher-density layouts where through-hole TO-220 is impractical | Choose MC7906CD2TR4G for volume production with reflow soldering; retain MC7906CT for prototyping or legacy through-hole designs |
Compared with LM337T and MC7906CD2TR4G, the MC7906CT offers optimal balance of fixed −6.0 V accuracy, TO-220 mechanical compatibility, and proven reliability in field-deployed industrial equipment-without design compromises from adjustability overhead or SMT process constraints.
Availability
MC7906CT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor signal conditioning, operational amplifier dual supplies, and legacy analog test equipment requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MC7906CT 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, sensors, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.
The MC7900 Series was designed specifically to provide rugged, drop-in negative complements to the MC7800 positive regulator family-targeting legacy analog systems, dual-rail instrumentation, and MECL logic where simplicity, reliability, and thermal resilience are prioritized over efficiency or switching noise.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for the MC7906CT?
The MC7906CT supports a maximum input voltage of −35 V DC for output voltages between −5.0 V and −18 V, and −40 V DC for −24 V output variants. For the MC7906CT specifically (−6.0 V output), the absolute maximum input voltage is −35 V DC. Exceeding this risks permanent damage due to junction breakdown, even with thermal protection active.
Does the MC7906CT require input and output capacitors for stable operation?
Yes, the MC7906CT requires a 0.33 µF input capacitor when located more than a few inches from the main power supply filter, and a 1.0 µF output capacitor is recommended to improve transient response and ensure stability under all load conditions. These values are specified in the official onsemi datasheet and validated across temperature and load ranges.
Can the MC7906CT be used in parallel to increase output current?
No, the MC7906CT is not designed for direct parallel operation due to mismatch in output voltage tolerances (±4%) and lack of current-sharing control. Attempting parallel connection may cause unequal current distribution, thermal runaway, and premature failure. For >1.0 A requirements, use a single higher-current regulator or implement an external pass transistor boost configuration per Figure 9 in the datasheet.
What is the thermal resistance and heatsink requirement for full 1.0 A operation of the MC7906CT?
The MC7906CT has a junction-to-case thermal resistance (θJC) of 5.0 °C/W. To sustain 1.0 A at −6.0 V output with −12 V input (7.2 W dissipation), a heatsink with θSA ≤ 10.8 °C/W is required to keep junction temperature below +150°C at +50°C ambient. This assumes proper mounting torque and thermal interface material per onsemi's TO-220 mechanical guidelines.
Is the MC7906CT pin-compatible with other MC7900 series regulators like MC7912CT or MC7915CT?
Yes, all MC7900 series TO-220 devices-including MC7906CT, MC7912CT, and MC7915CT-share identical pinout (Pin 1: Ground, Pin 2: Input, Pin 3: Output) and mechanical footprint. They differ only in output voltage and associated electrical parameters (e.g., max input voltage, dropout, ripple rejection), enabling direct substitution in existing layouts when voltage requirements change.
MC7906CT 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):
- -6V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 1.3V @ 1A (Typ)
- Current - Output:
- 1A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- -
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 65dB (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
MC7906CT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC7906CT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC7906CT 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 MC7906CT reliable?
The price and inventory of MC7906CT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC7906CT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC7906CT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC7906CT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC7906CT?
MC7906CT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC7906CT 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 MC7906CT?
For technical support, including MC7906CT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC7906CT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC7906CT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC7906CT 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 MC7906CT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC7906CT?
All MC7906CT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC7906CT, 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 MC7906CT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC7906CT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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