PTN78000WAZT Low-Profile Power Module: Sourcing & Selection Guide
Learn how to source and select the PTN78000WAZT low-profile SIP power module vs WAH, HAH, and AAH siblings. Includes package differences, key specs, and distributor tips.
Last updated: May 2026
Bottom Line: The PTN78000WAZT is a compact, low-profile (2.5 mm maximum body height) variant of Texas Instruments' PTN78000 series—a non-isolated, wide-input DC/DC switching regulator accepting 7–36 V input and delivering an adjustable positive output from 3 V up to 30 V at up to 1 A continuous. Compared with the standard SIP siblings (WAH, HAH, AAH), the WAZT's reduced height makes it the correct choice when PCB-to-chassis or board-to-board clearance is constrained. Three key sourcing considerations: confirm the full WAZT suffix before ordering to avoid receiving the taller WAH; verify real-time stock across multiple distributors; and request competitive pricing through FindMyChip's 200+ verified distributor network for faster 24-hour quote turnaround.
What Is the PTN78000WAZT?
The PTN78000WAZT is Texas Instruments' low-profile, SIP-packaged variant within the PTN78000 power-module family. It is a non-isolated, adjustable step-down (buck) switching regulator built to operate from a wide 7–36 V input rail. A single external resistor sets the output voltage from approximately 3 V to 30 V (below input), and maximum output current is 1 A continuous. The part number suffix WAZT designates the compact SIP housing with a 2.5 mm maximum body height, contrasting with the taller DIP-style PTN78000WAH through-hole variant.
The PTN78000 series integrates the power MOSFET, inductor, and control circuitry into a single module, dramatically reducing external component count. Engineers typically need only an input capacitor, an output capacitor, and a single resistor for voltage setting. This high integration level is why the family sees strong design-in activity in industrial controls, telecom line cards, and distributed power architectures where board space is at a premium. TI designed the WAZT specifically for "on-board" applications with tight vertical clearances—rack-mount servers, panel PCs, and compact PLCs being typical examples.
PTN78000WAZT vs PTN78000WAH: Understanding the Package Differences
Understanding the package suffix is essential before sourcing any PTN78000 variant. The WAH and WAZT are electrically equivalent but mechanically distinct:
| Attribute | PTN78000WAZT | PTN78000WAH |
|---|---|---|
| Package style | SIP, low-profile | SIP, standard height |
| Max body height | 2.5 mm | ~10.2 mm |
| Pin pitch | 2.54 mm | 2.54 mm |
| Number of pins | 5 | 5 |
| Input voltage | 7–36 V | 7–36 V |
| Output current | 1 A | 1 A |
| Output voltage (adj) | 3–30 V | 3–30 V |
| Operating temperature | –40 °C to +85 °C | –40 °C to +85 °C |
| RoHS compliant | Yes | Yes |
The WAZT's 2.5 mm body height is the defining differentiator. In chassis-mounted boards or densely stacked cards, a full-height DIP module can violate mechanical clearances or interfere with heatsinks; the WAZT resolves this without requiring a redesign of the power circuit. If your board was already laid out for the WAH footprint, note that a direct swap is not a drop-in replacement—the PCB silkscreen keep-out area must be re-evaluated because the WAZT's pin height from the PCB surface is also lower, which affects retention and hand-soldering jigs.
PTN78000WAZT vs PTN78000HAH and PTN78000AAH
The HAH and AAH variants differ from the WAZT on two additional axes: input voltage window and output polarity.
| Parameter | WAZT | HAH | AAH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input voltage range | 7–36 V | 7–36 V | 7–36 V |
| Output polarity | Positive | Positive | Negative |
| Output voltage range | 3–30 V adj | ~11.85–22 V adj | –15 to –3 V adj |
| Package height | 2.5 mm (low-profile) | Standard SIP DIP | Standard SIP DIP |
| Typical application | Wide positive rail, space-constrained | Narrow positive window | Dual-supply negative rail |
Choose the AAH only when your design requires a negative output voltage (for example –5 V or –12 V for op-amp dual-supply rails). The HAH suits designs where the output must track a narrower positive window within the 36 V input bus and the board has standard vertical clearance. The WAZT is the correct pick when you need a positive adjustable output across a broad input range and need the lowest possible mechanical profile. For standard-height boards with no clearance constraints, the PTN78000WAH is typically easier to find in spot-market inventory.
Key Selection Parameters for the PTN78000WAZT
Input Voltage Range
The PTN78000WAZT operates from 7 V to 36 V, making it suitable for 12 V, 24 V, and 28 V bus architectures commonly used in industrial and telecom equipment. Always allow at least 1–2 V of headroom above the desired output voltage plus the module's minimum dropout (typically ~1.5–2 V under full load). For a 3.3 V output from a 5 V bus, the PTN78000 family is not appropriate—the minimum input is 7 V; consider an LDO or a different buck controller with a lower minimum input voltage.
Output Voltage Adjustment
A single external resistor (typically in the 1 kΩ to 100 kΩ range depending on the target voltage) programs the output. TI's PTN78000 datasheet provides a complete resistor selection table with nominal values for common output voltages (3.3 V, 5 V, 12 V, 15 V, etc.). Use standard E96 series 1% tolerance resistors to keep output accuracy within ±1.5%. Output voltage trim precision matters in distributed power systems where downstream regulators track a reference rail.
Output Current and Thermal Derating
The rated continuous output current is 1 A at 25 °C ambient with 200 LFM airflow. TI specifies derating above 50 °C: at 85 °C ambient with no airflow, the safe deliverable current can fall to approximately 0.6–0.7 A. Plan thermal margins accordingly—add copper pours around the module's GND pins to improve heat spreading, and consider a small aluminum heatsink clip on boards running continuously at high load in elevated ambient temperatures.
Package Height and Mechanical Clearance
At 2.5 mm max body height, the WAZT clears most stacked-board configurations in 1U and 2U rack equipment. Verify your PCB-to-chassis or PCB-to-heatsink distance in your mechanical CAD before finalizing the bill of materials. The through-hole SIP pins extend below the PCB, so total installed height includes the PCB thickness (typically 1.6 mm) plus the protruding pin length—confirm all dimensions against TI's mechanical drawing in the official datasheet.
Operating Temperature Range and Environment
The –40 °C to +85 °C industrial temperature range covers most enclosed-equipment designs without additional heating or derating. For outdoor or extreme-environment deployments where ambient regularly exceeds 85 °C, or for vibration-intensive applications, consider mounting options carefully—the SIP lead form provides some mechanical compliance but is not as robust as a surface-mount module under severe shock loading. The PTN78000 series is not AEC-Q100 qualified and should not be specified for automotive safety applications.
Switching Frequency and EMI Compliance
The PTN78000 family operates at a fixed internal switching frequency (approximately 200–300 kHz depending on operating point—verify the exact figure in the datasheet for your specific configuration). At this frequency, a simple π-filter on the input line (10 µF ceramic + 10 µH common-mode choke + 10 µF ceramic) is typically sufficient to meet CISPR 22 Class B conducted emissions limits in industrial enclosures. For designs requiring CE or FCC Class B mark, budget for EMI testing early in the design cycle with the WAZT installed at typical operating conditions.
Recommended Products
The following parts are sourced from FindMyChip's verified distributor database and represent the complete PTN78000 family:
| Part Number | Manufacturer | Package | Output Voltage | Best For | FindMyChip Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTN78000WAZT | Texas Instruments | SIP Low-Profile (2.5 mm) | 3–30 V adj | Space-constrained positive rail, wide 7–36 V input | View Stock |
| PTN78000WAH | Texas Instruments | SIP Standard Height | 3–30 V adj | Standard clearance positive rail, wide 7–36 V input | View Stock |
| PTN78000HAH | Texas Instruments | SIP Standard DIP | ~11.85–22 V adj | Narrower positive output window | View Stock |
| PTN78000AAH | Texas Instruments | SIP Standard DIP | –15 to –3 V adj | Negative rail generation for dual-supply designs | View Stock |
Selection Decision Flowchart
Use this decision tree to identify the right PTN78000 variant for your design:
Do you need a negative output voltage (e.g., –5 V, –12 V)?
- Yes → Choose PTN78000AAH
- No → Continue to step 2
Must your output voltage fall strictly between 11.85 V and 22 V?
- Yes → PTN78000HAH may suit; verify input/output margins in the datasheet
- No (need full 3–30 V adjustability) → Continue to step 3
Is your PCB vertical clearance above the board surface less than ~6 mm?
- Yes → PTN78000WAZT (2.5 mm max body, low-profile SIP)
- No → PTN78000WAH (standard SIP height, easier to find at spot-market distributors)
Is your input bus voltage confirmed between 7 V and 36 V?
- Yes → The selected variant is electrically suitable; confirm thermal and mechanical constraints
- No (< 7 V) → The PTN78000 family is not appropriate; select a dedicated LDO or a buck regulator with lower minimum input such as the TPS62 series
How to Source the PTN78000WAZT
The WAZT is an active, production part from Texas Instruments, but it sees lower stocking volumes than the WAH variant at mainstream franchised distributors. The following strategy maximizes your sourcing success rate:
Step 1 — Check real-time stock across distributors. Use FindMyChip's component search to scan 200+ authorized and independent distributors simultaneously. Enter the exact MPN "PTN78000WAZT" with strict matching enabled to avoid cross-shipping a WAH.
Step 2 — Submit an RFQ for volumes above 25 units. For prototyping quantities, on-the-shelf stock is usually available from at least one franchised distributor. For production runs, request a formal quote via FindMyChip's RFQ portal to receive competitive pricing from multiple distributors within 24 hours—helpful in markets where the WAZT is periodically constrained.
Step 3 — Verify the package code before checkout. Distributor ordering codes sometimes differ from TI's standard MPN by an internal suffix or additional region code. Always confirm that the datasheet package drawing (SIP, 2.5 mm height) matches your PCB footprint before placing the order, especially when sourcing from independent distributors.
Step 4 — Anti-counterfeit verification. FindMyChip applies a 5-point authentication check on all sourced components. For power modules, additionally inspect date-code consistency—the PTN78000WAZT has been in production since the early 2000s, so date codes ranging from 2010 onward are reasonable for genuine stock. Reject parts with worn, re-marked, or blurry laser markings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is the PTN78000WAZT pin-compatible with the PTN78000WAH?
The WAZT and WAH share the same 5-pin SIP footprint and 2.54 mm pin pitch, and both are electrically equivalent (same input range, output range, and current rating). They are not mechanical drop-in substitutes because the body height differs significantly (2.5 mm vs. approximately 10.2 mm). Before treating them as interchangeable, verify that your PCB-to-clearance allows the taller WAH, or that your mechanical jig accommodates the shorter WAZT. Always check TI's package outline drawings in the respective datasheets before substituting.
Q2: What external components does the PTN78000WAZT require?
The PTN78000WAZT is a fully integrated power module—the inductor, MOSFET, and control IC are internal. The minimum external BOM is: one input bulk capacitor (47–100 µF electrolytic recommended), one output capacitor (100–330 µF electrolytic or 22 µF ceramic), and one resistor (value selected from TI's voltage-programming table) to set the output voltage. No compensation components, gate drivers, or bootstrap capacitors are needed, which makes the PTN78000WAZT significantly simpler to design in than a discrete buck regulator.
Q3: Can the PTN78000WAZT be used in automotive designs?
No. The PTN78000WAZT is not AEC-Q100 qualified and has not been tested to automotive stress levels (temperature cycling, vibration, humidity per AEC-Q100 Grade 1 or 2). For automotive power supply design, use a TI device from the automotive-grade portfolio, such as the LM53635-Q1 buck converter or a comparable AEC-Q100 certified part from TI's automotive power management line.
Q4: What is the typical lead time and pricing for PTN78000WAZT?
From franchised stocking distributors, off-the-shelf availability is common for quantities under 100 pieces, often at unit prices in the $8–$15 range depending on volume and distributor. For production quantities above 500 pieces, standard factory lead time from TI is typically 12–16 weeks in a normal supply environment. Use FindMyChip's RFQ service for real-time lead-time data and competitive pricing across multiple distributor quotes simultaneously.
Q5: How does PTN78000WAZT efficiency compare to a discrete buck design?
The PTN78000WAZT achieves approximately 85–92% conversion efficiency at typical load conditions (500 mA output, 24 V input, 5 V output), which is competitive with discrete designs of comparable BOM complexity. Because the switching frequency and inductor value are fixed internally by TI, you cannot optimize them for a specific application as you would with a discrete controller. The trade-off is a dramatically reduced external component count, smaller total board area, and a shorter design-cycle—appropriate for industrial, telecom, and embedded computing applications where engineering time is a primary constraint.
Conclusion
The PTN78000WAZT is the correct Texas Instruments power module choice when your design demands a low-profile SIP package (2.5 mm body) with wide 7–36 V input capability and a positive adjustable output from 3 V to 30 V at 1 A. Its reduced height differentiates it clearly from the electrically equivalent WAH, the narrower-output HAH, and the negative-polarity AAH.
To source the PTN78000WAZT efficiently:
- Search for real-time stock across 200+ verified distributors using FindMyChip's component search
- Submit a quote request for production volumes to receive competitive pricing within 24 hours
- Always confirm the exact package suffix (WAZT vs WAH) before checkout to avoid mechanical incompatibility
FindMyChip's anti-counterfeit verification and direct access to Shenzhen's IC distribution network make it particularly well suited for sourcing lower-volume TI power module variants like the WAZT, where spot-market availability can vary significantly from quarter to quarter.