onsemi KA7915

Overview

KA7915 from ON Semiconductor is a fixed-output, three-terminal negative voltage regulator delivering −15 V at up to 1 A output current, featuring internal thermal overload protection, short-circuit protection, and safe operating area compensation. It operates across 0°C to +125°C and is used in industrial power supplies, dual-rail analog circuits, and legacy embedded systems requiring stable negative bias.

For engineers reviewing the KA7915 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page provides verified technical context, package mapping, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options for negative 15 V regulation in TO-220-based designs.

Technical Context

The KA7915 implements a monolithic bipolar linear regulator architecture with built-in current limiting, thermal shutdown, and SOA compensation. Its feedback network fixes the output at −15.0 V ±2% (KA7915ATU variant) with dropout voltage of 2 V at 1 A load.

It requires input voltage between −18 V and −30 V for full-load operation and delivers ripple rejection of 54–60 dB at 120 Hz. Output noise is 250 μV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz), and line/load regulation are specified at ≤150 mV under defined test conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

KA7915ATU is housed in a TO-220 package (JEDEC variation AB) with standard 3-lead configuration and metal tab electrically connected to the GND terminal. The package supports vertical mounting with heatsink interface via the tab.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM7915CT and KA7915TU, the KA7915ATU offers superior output voltage accuracy (±2%), making it preferred for precision analog systems where rail stability directly impacts measurement fidelity or signal integrity.

Availability

KA7915 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, analog signal conditioning circuits, and legacy embedded control systems requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for KA7915 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 (formerly Fairchild Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier specializing in power management, analog, sensor, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The KA79XX series was designed specifically for robust, low-cost negative voltage regulation in industrial and legacy equipment - emphasizing thermal resilience, fault protection, and direct compatibility with classic 79xx design practices.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance of the KA7915ATU?

The KA7915ATU has a guaranteed output voltage tolerance of ±2% at +25°C, delivering −15.0 V within −14.7 V to −15.3 V. This tighter tolerance versus standard KA7915TU (±4%) makes KA7915ATU suitable for precision analog applications where rail accuracy affects measurement linearity or offset error. The KA7915ATU maintains this specification across its full operating temperature range (0°C to +125°C) under defined load and input conditions.

Can KA7915ATU replace LM7915 in existing designs?

Yes, KA7915ATU is a direct functional and pin-compatible replacement for LM7915 in most applications, sharing the same TO-220 package, pinout (GND-Input-Output), and −15 V output. However, KA7915ATU offers ±2% tolerance versus LM7915's ±4%, and slightly improved load regulation (≤150 mV vs. ≤300 mV). No PCB changes are required, but verify thermal margin since KA7915ATU may draw marginally less quiescent current.

What is the minimum input voltage required for KA7915ATU to regulate at full 1 A?

The KA7915ATU requires a minimum input voltage of −17.5 V to maintain −15.0 V output at 1 A load, based on its 2 V dropout voltage specification at TJ = +25°C. For reliable operation across temperature and line variations, the recommended input range is −18 V to −30 V. Below −17.5 V, the device enters dropout and output voltage drops linearly with input.

Does KA7915ATU require external capacitors, and what values are recommended?

Yes, KA7915ATU requires both input and output capacitors for stability and transient response. A minimum 2.2 μF solid tantalum capacitor is required at the input (CI), placed close to the device; aluminum electrolytic capacitors must be ≥22 μF. A minimum 1 μF capacitor is required at the output (CO); ceramic or tantalum types are acceptable. These values prevent oscillation and improve ripple rejection per the manufacturer's application guidance.

How does KA7915ATU handle short-circuit conditions?

KA7915ATU features internal short-circuit current limiting that clamps output current to approximately 300 mA when the output is shorted to ground, regardless of input voltage (up to −35 V). This protects both the regulator and upstream supply. Combined with thermal shutdown, this allows indefinite short-circuit survival under proper heatsinking - a key reliability feature for industrial deployments where fault conditions may persist.