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onsemi KA79M15TU
- Part No.:
- KA79M15TU
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
KA79M15TU.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR -15V 500MA TO220-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,998
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Product details
Overview
KA79M15TU from Fairchild Semiconductor is a fixed-output, three-terminal negative voltage regulator delivering -15 V at up to 500 mA output current in a TO-220 package. It integrates internal thermal overload protection, short-circuit current limiting, and safe-area compensation for robust operation in industrial power supplies and analog circuitry requiring stable negative bias rails.
For engineers reviewing the KA79M15TU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page provides verified electrical specifications, thermal performance data, real-world use scenarios, and validated alternative parts for design-in and supply continuity planning.
Technical Context
The KA79M15TU operates as a monolithic linear regulator with fixed -15 V output, designed for medium-current negative rail generation without external pass components. Its internal current limiting activates at ~140 mA short-circuit current and supports peak output of 650 mA under transient conditions.
Thermal management relies on junction-to-case resistance of 5 °C/W and junction-to-air resistance of 65 °C/W, enabling reliable operation across 0 °C to +125 °C ambient with appropriate heatsinking. Dropout voltage remains stable at 1.1 V (typ.) at 500 mA, supporting input voltages down to -17.5 V under full load.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | -15 V ±5% (±0.75 V) over temperature and load - ensures stable bias for op-amps and ADC references |
| Max Output Current | 500 mA continuous - sufficient for dual-rail analog subsystems and small-signal amplifiers |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.1 V (typ.) at 500 mA - allows operation with minimal headroom from -16.1 V input |
| Ripple Rejection | 59 dB (min.) at 120 Hz - suppresses AC line noise in unregulated DC inputs |
| Quiescent Current | 3–6 mA - enables low-noise regulation without excessive standby loss |
| Thermal Resistance θJA | 65 °C/W - requires heatsink for >250 mA continuous operation at 70 °C ambient |
| Output Voltage Drift | -1.0 mV/°C - predictable thermal coefficient simplifies system-level offset compensation |
Pinout & Package
KA79M15TU is housed in a TO-220 package with standard 3-pin configuration: Pin 1 = Ground, Pin 2 = Input (negative), Pin 3 = Output (more negative). The metal tab is electrically connected to Pin 2 (Input) and serves as primary thermal path.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ground | Reference node for output voltage regulation; must be low-impedance connection to system common |
| 2 | Input | Negative input terminal; connects to unregulated negative supply (e.g., rectified -23 V); tab is tied to this pin |
| 3 | Output | Regulated -15 V output; requires 0.33 µF tantalum input and 0.1 µF ceramic output capacitor per datasheet stability requirements |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internal thermal shutdown | Protects device during sustained overload or inadequate heatsinking without external circuitry |
| Short-circuit current limiting | Limits fault current to ~140 mA, preventing damage during output-to-ground shorts |
| No external components required | Stable regulation achieved with only two recommended capacitors - reduces BOM count and layout complexity |
| Safe-area compensation | Prevents secondary breakdown of output transistor under high-voltage/high-current transients |
| Fixed -15 V output tolerance | ±5% over full operating range ensures compatibility with legacy -15 V logic and analog systems |
Applications
| Industrial Analog Signal Conditioning | Legacy Op-Amp Power Supply |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing clean, stable negative supply to instrumentation amplifiers and precision ADC drivers in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Negative voltage regulator supplying -15 V rail for dual-supply op-amps and reference buffers. Use Value: Low output drift (-1.0 mV/°C) and 59 dB ripple rejection maintain signal integrity in noisy factory environments. | Use Scenario: Replacing aging discrete regulators in legacy test equipment requiring exact -15 V compliance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Direct drop-in replacement for obsolete LM7915 variants in existing PCB designs. Use Value: Identical TO-220 footprint and pinout enable zero-layout change upgrade with improved thermal margin. |
| DC Motor Driver Bias Supply | Audio Preamp Negative Rail |
Use Scenario: Generating isolated -15 V bias for gate drivers and level-shifters in H-bridge motor control boards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated negative rail generator decoupled from main power stage switching noise. Use Value: Internal short-circuit limiting protects against driver-stage shoot-through faults without external fusing. | Use Scenario: Powering discrete JFET-input preamplifier stages in professional audio mixing consoles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise (-9 µV RMS) negative supply minimizing audible hum and intermodulation distortion. Use Value: 0.33 µF input capacitor requirement ensures stability with low-ESR tantalum, critical for audio-grade PSRR. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative voltage regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM7915CT | Same -15 V output, identical TO-220 package, but higher quiescent current (6.5 mA typ.) and lower ripple rejection (50 dB min.) | Less suitable for low-power or high-PSRR applications; compatible in legacy designs where thermal margin is ample | Select LM7915CT only when cross-referencing legacy National Semiconductor designs with no thermal derating constraints |
| MC7915BT | Higher dropout (1.3 V typ.), wider output tolerance (±10%), and no guaranteed safe-area compensation per datasheet | Requires higher minimum input voltage (-16.3 V) and offers reduced fault robustness in transient-heavy environments | Prefer MC7915BT only if sourcing from ON Semiconductor's long-life program and thermal design accommodates higher dropout |
Compared with LM7915CT and MC7915BT, KA79M15TU delivers superior thermal safety margin (5 °C/W θJC vs. 6–8 °C/W), tighter output tolerance (±5% vs. ±10%), and guaranteed safe-area compensation - making it optimal for new industrial designs demanding reliability under variable load and temperature.
Availability
KA79M15TU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, test equipment, and analog signal chain applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for KA79M15TU 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
Fairchild Semiconductor was a leading designer of power management, analog, and discrete semiconductors before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016. Known for rugged, application-optimized ICs.
The KA79MXX series was developed specifically for industrial and instrumentation applications requiring reliable, fixed-negative voltage regulation with integrated protection - targeting cost-sensitive, high-reliability power subsystems.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for KA79M15TU?
The KA79M15TU supports a maximum input voltage of -30 V for -15 V output operation, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Exceeding -30 V risks permanent damage due to internal transistor breakdown. For reliable long-term operation, keep input within -17.5 V to -30 V per the Electrical Characteristics section.
Does KA79M15TU require external capacitors for stability?
Yes, KA79M15TU requires a 0.33 µF solid tantalum capacitor between Input and Ground, and a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor between Output and Ground, as specified in the Typical Applications section. These values ensure phase margin and prevent oscillation - aluminum electrolytic may substitute the input cap but must be ≥25 µF.
Is KA79M15TU pin-compatible with LM7915?
Yes, KA79M15TU is pin-compatible with LM7915 in TO-220 packages: Pin 1 = Ground, Pin 2 = Input, Pin 3 = Output. Both share identical mechanical dimensions and terminal assignments, enabling direct replacement in legacy designs without PCB modification.
What thermal considerations apply when using KA79M15TU at 500 mA?
At 500 mA output and 1.1 V dropout, KA79M15TU dissipates ~0.55 W. With θJA = 65 °C/W, junction temperature rise exceeds 35 °C above ambient - requiring a heatsink for continuous operation above 25 °C ambient. Use of the metal tab (connected to Pin 2) as thermal interface is mandatory.
Can KA79M15TU be used in adjustable configurations?
No, KA79M15TU is a fixed-output regulator and does not support adjustable operation. Its internal feedback network is trimmed to deliver precisely -15 V; attempting external resistor networks will not yield stable or accurate output and may compromise protection features. For adjustable negative regulation, consider the LM337 family instead.
KA79M15TU Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Negative
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- -35V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -15V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 1.1V @ 500mA
- Current - Output:
- 500mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 6 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 59dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Temperature, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220-3
KA79M15TU FAQ
1.How can I place an order for KA79M15TU through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for KA79M15TU 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 KA79M15TU reliable?
The price and inventory of KA79M15TU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for KA79M15TU is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for KA79M15TU?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for KA79M15TU transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for KA79M15TU?
KA79M15TU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your KA79M15TU 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 KA79M15TU?
For technical support, including KA79M15TU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your KA79M15TU requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that KA79M15TU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All KA79M15TU 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 KA79M15TU meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of KA79M15TU?
All KA79M15TU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with KA79M15TU, 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 KA79M15TU part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for KA79M15TU:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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