onsemi MC79L05ABP

Overview

MC79L05ABP from ON Semiconductor is a three-terminal, fixed-output −5.0 V negative voltage regulator delivering up to 100 mA output current with ±4% output voltage tolerance (−4.8 V to −5.2 V), 1.7 V dropout voltage at 40 mA, and integrated thermal shutdown and short-circuit current limiting. It operates across −40°C to +125°C and is used for on-card regulation in industrial control interfaces and legacy analog signal conditioning circuits requiring stable negative bias.

For engineers reviewing the MC79L05ABP datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page delivers verified package mapping (TO-92, Case 29), confirmed electrical behavior under load and line variation, real-world thermal limits, and validated alternative options for design continuity and supply resilience.

Technical Context

The MC79L05ABP implements a monolithic bipolar linear regulator architecture with internal bandgap reference, error amplifier, pass transistor, and protection circuitry. Its fixed −5.0 V output is trimmed during wafer test and stabilized by internal compensation-no external capacitors required for basic operation, though 0.33 µF input and 0.1 µF output bypassing are recommended for stability under long-trace or high-capacitive-load conditions.

Thermal overload protection activates at +150°C junction temperature, and current limiting restricts peak output to ~150 mA under short-circuit conditions. Input voltage range spans −30 V (for −5 V version), with ripple rejection of 41–49 dB at 120 Hz and output noise of 40 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC79L05ABP is supplied in TO-92 plastic package (Case 29, P suffix), with straight or bent leads, Pb-free finish, and 2000-unit tape-and-reel shipping (MC79L05ABPRAG). Package dimensions conform to JEDEC TO-226 standard: 4.45–5.20 mm height, 4.32–5.33 mm width, 3.18–4.19 mm thickness.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative fixed-voltage regulation applications.

Compared with LM79L05ACZ and MC79L05ACPG, the MC79L05ABP uniquely supports −40°C operation and automotive-grade reliability testing, making it the only option among the three qualified for harsh-environment deployment without derating or additional thermal margin planning.

Availability

MC79L05ABP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor signal conditioning, legacy RS-232 interface biasing, and automotive body control module sub-regulation requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MC79L05ABP 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

ON Semiconductor (now onsemi) is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power management, analog, sensor, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The MC79L00A Series was designed to provide rugged, low-cost, fixed negative voltage regulation for space-constrained PCBs in cost-sensitive and thermally demanding applications - particularly where thermal shutdown and current limiting are essential for field reliability.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for MC79L05ABP?

The MC79L05ABP has a maximum input voltage rating of −30 V DC under normal operating conditions at TA = +25°C. This rating applies specifically to the −5 V version and is defined in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Exceeding −30 V risks permanent device damage, even momentarily. The regulator must be operated within this limit across its full −40°C to +125°C junction temperature range.

Does MC79L05ABP require external capacitors to function?

The MC79L05ABP is internally compensated and can operate without external capacitors in basic applications. However, ON Semiconductor recommends a 0.33 µF input capacitor (tantalum or ceramic) when the regulator is located more than ~10 cm from the main filter capacitor, and a 0.1 µF output capacitor to improve transient response and ensure stability under varying load conditions - both specified in the Applications Information section of the datasheet.

What is the output voltage tolerance of MC79L05ABP over temperature and load?

The MC79L05ABP guarantees an output voltage of −4.8 V to −5.2 V (±4%) at TJ = +25°C with IO = 40 mA. Over the full operating temperature range (−40°C to +125°C) and load range (1.0 mA to 100 mA), the output remains within −4.75 V to −5.25 V per the Electrical Characteristics table - verified by production testing and documented in Rev. 10 of the MC79L00/D datasheet.

Is MC79L05ABP pin-compatible with other regulators in the MC79L00A family?

Yes - all MC79L00A Series devices, including MC79L05ABP, MC79L12ABP, and MC79L15ABP, share identical TO-92 pinout: Pin 1 = Ground, Pin 2 = Input, Pin 3 = Output. This allows direct substitution between voltage variants in the same package without PCB changes, provided input voltage and thermal constraints are re-evaluated for the new output voltage.

What thermal resistance values apply to MC79L05ABP in TO-92 package?

In the TO-92 (Case 29) package, the MC79L05ABP has a thermal resistance of RJA = 160°C/W and RJC = 83°C/W at TA = +25°C, as specified in the Maximum Ratings table. These values assume standard PCB mounting with no heatsink; actual RJA will vary based on copper area and airflow. Derating curves in Figure 8 show maximum power dissipation drops to ~300 mW at +70°C ambient.