Is there a pin-compatible replacement for MG78L05N3?

Yes, both SE8650K1-HF and SE8550K2-HF are pin-compatible replacements. They share the same SOT89-3 package and pinout (1-GND, 2-VIN, 3-VOUT) and can be used as drop-in electrical upgrades.

What risks should I check before replacing MG78L05N3?

Before replacing, you must verify the pinout, as some parts with the same package have different pin assignments. Also check the package footprint, especially for variants like SOT89-3(B). Finally, review secondary electrical specs like quiescent current and PSRR if they are critical to your design.

MG78L05N3 Alternatives, Datasheet & Cross Reference | Megain

Find pin-compatible and functional alternatives for the Megain MG78L05N3, a 5V, 120mA linear voltage regulator in a SOT89-3 package. Review key parameter differences before substitution.

AI replacement insight

Package riskhigh

Some alternatives are in different packages (e.g., SOT23-3) or variants (SOT89-3(B)), requiring layout changes or footprint verification.

Electrical riskmedium

While most candidates are upgrades, secondary parameters like quiescent current or PSRR may differ and should be checked for sensitive applications.

Can it be replaced directly?

Yes, SE8650K1-HF and SE8550K2-HF are pin-compatible replacements for the MG78L05N3 with improved electrical specifications.

Best replacement path

SE8650K1-HF from SEAWARD is the best replacement path, offering a pin-compatible upgrade with higher current and a wider input voltage range.

Main risk

The main risk is selecting a part with an incompatible pinout, such as ME6239A50PG, which has the same package but will not function correctly without board changes.

Recommended alternatives

Pin-compatible upgrade with higher current (200mA) and wider input voltage range (up to 80V).

View details

Alternative comparison matrix

Feature / factor	MG78L05N3	SE8650K1-HF	SE8550K2-HF	GM7350TB	Compatibility / risk
Package	SOT89-3	SOT89-3	SOT-89	SOT89-3(B)	SOT89-3 / SOT-89 / SOT89-3(B) — Package matches.; SE8550K2-HF: Package matches (SOT-89 is equivalent to SOT89-3).; GM7350TB: Package variant SOT89-3(B) may have minor mechanical differences. Verify footprint.
Pinout	1:GND, 2:VIN, 3:VOUT	Verified (1:GND, 2:VIN, 3:VOUT)	Verified (1:GND, 2:VIN, 3:VOUT)	Verified (1:GND, 2:VIN, 3:VOUT)	Verified (1:GND, 2:VIN, 3:VOUT) — Pinout matches target.; SE8550K2-HF: Pinout matches target.; GM7350TB: Pinout is functionally identical.
Current	120 mA	200 mA	250 mA	200 mA	200 mA / 250 mA — Higher output current provides more margin.; SE8550K2-HF: Significantly higher output current.; GM7350TB: Higher output current.
Voltage	7V to 30V	6V to 80V	6V to 35V	4.5V to 40V	6V to 80V / 6V to 35V / 4.5V to 40V — Wider input voltage range.; SE8550K2-HF: Wider input voltage range.; GM7350TB: Wider input voltage range.

Application & sourcing insights

Questions & answers

The best alternative is SE8650K1-HF. It is pin-compatible with the MG78L05N3 and offers superior performance, including higher output current (200mA vs 120mA) and a much wider input voltage range (up to 80V vs 30V).