onsemi MC79M12CDTG
- Part No.:
- MC79M12CDTG
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-252-3, DPAK (2 Leads + Tab), SC-63
- Datasheet:
-
MC79M12CDTG.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR -12V 500MA DPAK
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,053
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
MC79M12CDTG from onsemi is a fixed-output, 500 mA negative voltage regulator delivering −12 V with ±4% output tolerance, operating across 0 °C to +125 °C junction temperature range, featuring internal thermal shutdown, short-circuit current limiting, and safe-area compensation for rugged operation in industrial power supplies and analog subsystems.
For engineers reviewing the MC79M12CDTG datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page provides verified technical context, package mapping, real-world use scenarios, and validated alternative options for stable negative rail generation in embedded and industrial designs.
Technical Context
The MC79M12CDTG implements a monolithic bipolar linear regulator architecture with integrated pass transistor, error amplifier, reference, and protection circuitry. It requires no external components for basic regulation and maintains regulation with input voltages as low as −14.5 V (min) under load.
Its DPAK-3 (Case 369C) surface-mount package enables compact PCB layout while supporting up to 0.5 A continuous output current when properly heatsinked. Thermal resistance is specified at θJA = 92 °C/W (free-air) and θJC = 6.0 °C/W, enabling predictable thermal design in constrained environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | −12 V nominal, −11.4 V to −12.6 V over full operating conditions - ensures stable negative bias for op-amps, sensors, and legacy analog ICs. |
| Output Current | 500 mA maximum - supports moderate-power analog stages and mixed-signal subsystems without external boost. |
| Input Voltage Range | −14.5 V to −30 V - accommodates standard −15 V or −24 V supply rails with sufficient headroom for ripple and dropout. |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.1 V typical at 500 mA - defines minimum VI–VO differential required to sustain regulation; critical for low-headroom designs. |
| Line Regulation | ≤ 5.0 mV (typical) over −14.5 V ≤ VI ≤ −30 V - indicates minimal output drift due to input variation, essential for precision analog references. |
| Load Regulation | ≤ 240 mV (max) over 5 mA to 500 mA - quantifies output stability across full load range, directly impacting system accuracy under dynamic loads. |
| Ripple Rejection | 60 dB typical at 120 Hz - suppresses AC ripple from rectified supplies, preserving signal integrity in sensitive analog circuits. |
Pinout & Package
DPAK-3 (Case 369C) surface-mount package with gull-wing leads, 6.10 mm × 6.54 mm footprint, 2.28 mm height, and Pb-free finish (G suffix). Designed for automated assembly and thermal performance on 2 oz. copper PCBs.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ground | Reference node for both input and output; must be low-impedance and shared between input and output capacitors. |
| 2 | Input | Negative input terminal; accepts unregulated negative DC supply; requires ≥1.1 V more negative than output to maintain regulation. |
| 3 | Output | Regulated −12 V output; connects to load and output capacitor (1.0 µF recommended for stability). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external components required | Enables minimal BOM count and board space usage - ideal for cost-sensitive and space-constrained industrial modules. |
| Internal thermal overload protection | Automatically shuts down above safe junction temperature (TJ > 150 °C), preventing permanent damage during transient overloads or poor heatsinking. |
| Internal short-circuit current limiting | Limits output current to safe levels during fault conditions, protecting both regulator and downstream circuitry without external fusing. |
| Safe-area compensated output transistor | Guarantees SOA compliance under simultaneous high-voltage and high-current stress, eliminating need for external SOA protection networks. |
| Pb-free DPAK-3 package | Meets RoHS requirements and supports lead-free reflow profiles; marked with "G" suffix per onsemi marking convention. |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply | Op-Amp Bias Rail |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Generating stable −12 V rail for dual-supply operational amplifiers in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and sensor signal conditioning modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Negative voltage regulator providing clean, low-noise bias for precision analog front-ends. Use Value: Maintains output regulation within ±4% across 0–125 °C and 5–500 mA load, ensuring consistent op-amp common-mode range and offset performance. |
Use Scenario: Supplying symmetrical ±12 V rails for audio preamplifiers and instrumentation amplifiers in test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed negative regulator paired with MC78M12C for complementary rail generation. Use Value: Delivers 500 mA output with 60 dB ripple rejection at 120 Hz, minimizing hum and noise coupling into high-gain analog paths. |
| Legacy Analog Interface | Embedded Control Module |
Use Scenario: Powering legacy RS-232 transceivers (e.g., MAX232 variants) requiring −12 V for level-shifting in industrial gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Negative voltage source meeting RS-232 voltage specification margins under varying load conditions. Use Value: Sustains −12 V output with ≤240 mV load regulation across 5–500 mA, ensuring reliable driver output swing even during burst data transmission. |
Use Scenario: Providing regulated −12 V to microcontroller I/O buffers, ADC reference sections, and isolated communication interfaces in smart sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact, thermally robust negative rail generator for space-limited embedded modules. Use Value: DPAK-3 package enables high-density layout while internal thermal protection ensures reliability in sealed enclosures with limited airflow. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM7912CDT | Same −12 V output, but wider line regulation (±100 mV max), higher dropout (1.3 V typ), and TO-220 package only - no DPAK option. | Requires through-hole assembly and larger heatsinking; less suitable for high-density SMT production. | Select LM7912CDT only if TO-220 mounting and legacy compatibility outweigh SMT advantages of MC79M12CDTG. |
| MC79M12BDTRKG | Identical DPAK-3 package and electrical specs, but rated for −40 °C to +125 °C extended temperature range (vs. 0 °C to +125 °C for MC79M12CDTG). | Suitable for automotive under-hood or outdoor industrial deployments where sub-zero startup is required. | Choose MC79M12BDTRKG when extended temperature operation is mandatory; otherwise, MC79M12CDTG offers optimal cost/performance for commercial/industrial ambient use. |
Compared with LM7912CDT, MC79M12CDTG offers superior SMT integration and tighter line regulation; compared with MC79M12BDTRKG, it trades extended temperature capability for lower cost and same footprint - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, ambient-temperature industrial control applications.
Availability
MC79M12CDTG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, analog signal conditioning, RS-232 interface modules, and embedded control systems requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for MC79M12CDTG 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, and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.
The MC79M12CDTG belongs to the MC79M00 series of three-terminal negative regulators, designed specifically for robust, low-cost, fixed-voltage negative rail generation in industrial and commercial electronics where reliability and thermal resilience are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for MC79M12CDTG?
The MC79M12CDTG has a maximum input voltage rating of −35 Vdc, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Exceeding this voltage risks permanent device damage, regardless of duration or duty cycle. Designers must ensure input filtering and transient suppression keep the applied voltage within this limit under all operating and fault conditions.
Does MC79M12CDTG require input and output capacitors for stable operation?
Yes, MC79M12CDTG requires a 0.33 µF input capacitor (Cin) if located appreciable distance from the main supply filter, and a 1.0 µF output capacitor (Co) to ensure stability and improve transient response. These values are explicitly recommended in the Standard Application diagram of the datasheet and are critical for maintaining regulation under dynamic load changes.
Is MC79M12CDTG pin-compatible with other regulators in the MC79M00 series?
Yes, all MC79M00 series regulators-including MC79M05, MC79M08, MC79M12, and MC79M15-share identical DPAK-3 pinout (Pin 1: Ground, Pin 2: Input, Pin 3: Output) and package dimensions. This allows direct substitution across output voltages without PCB layout changes, provided input voltage headroom and thermal design accommodate the specific variant's requirements.
What is the thermal resistance of MC79M12CDTG in free-air conditions?
The MC79M12CDTG has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) of 92 °C/W under free-air mounting conditions, as defined for the DPAK-3 (Case 369C) package. This value assumes no added heatsinking; actual thermal performance improves significantly with copper pour area, as shown in Figure 1 of the datasheet.
Can MC79M12CDTG be used in automotive applications?
The MC79M12CDTG is rated for 0 °C to +125 °C operating junction temperature, making it suitable for under-dash or cabin-mounted automotive electronics but not for under-hood applications requiring −40 °C startup. For extended temperature automotive use, the MC79M12BDTRKG (−40 °C to +125 °C) is the appropriate qualified variant.
MC79M12CDTG Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-252-3, DPAK (2 Leads + Tab), SC-63
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Negative
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- -35V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -12V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 1.1V @ 500mA (Typ)
- Current - Output:
- 500mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- -
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 60dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Current, Over Temperature
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DPAK
MC79M12CDTG FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC79M12CDTG through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC79M12CDTG 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 MC79M12CDTG reliable?
The price and inventory of MC79M12CDTG are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC79M12CDTG is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC79M12CDTG?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC79M12CDTG transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC79M12CDTG?
MC79M12CDTG orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC79M12CDTG 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 MC79M12CDTG?
For technical support, including MC79M12CDTG datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC79M12CDTG requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC79M12CDTG is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC79M12CDTG 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 MC79M12CDTG meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC79M12CDTG?
All MC79M12CDTG units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC79M12CDTG, 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 MC79M12CDTG part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC79M12CDTG:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MC79M12CDTG Tags

-
MIC5504-1.8YM5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5504-3.3YM5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5365-3.0YC5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5365-1.8YC5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5365-2.5YC5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5365-3.3YC5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5365-3.3YD5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5317-3.3YM5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
TLV1117LV33DCYR
Texas Instruments

-
MIC5317-3.3YMT-TZ
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5528-3.3YMT-TR
Microchip Technology

-
TLV75801PDRVR
Texas Instruments
Tech Hub
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…

