STMicroelectronics L7815ABV-DG

Overview

L7815ABV-DG from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal positive linear voltage regulator delivering a fixed 15 V output with up to 1.5 A continuous current, ±2 % output voltage tolerance (A version), thermal overload protection, short-circuit protection, and safe operating area (SOA) protection. It operates across –40 °C to +125 °C junction temperature range and is used for local on-card regulation in industrial power supplies and embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the L7815ABV-DG datasheet, L7815ABV-DG pinout, L7815ABV-DG application, or L7815ABV-DG equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed extended-temperature operation, dropout voltage of 2 V at 1 A, load regulation ≤100 mV over 5 mA–1 A, supply voltage rejection of 58 dB at 120 Hz, and TO-220FP package thermal resistance (R_thJC = 5 °C/W).

Technical Context

The L7815ABV-DG implements a monolithic silicon-based series pass transistor architecture with internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and SOA protection-enabling robust operation without external protection circuitry. Its feedback loop maintains regulation under varying line (VI = 17.5–30 V) and load (IO = 5 mA–1.5 A) conditions while sustaining stable output despite input ripple.

Designed as a fixed-output linear regulator, it requires only two external capacitors (CI = 0.33 µF, CO = 0.1 µF) for stability and noise suppression. The device does not support adjustable output but achieves low output noise (10 µV/√Hz, 10 Hz–100 kHz) and low output resistance (19 mΩ at 1 kHz), making it suitable for noise-sensitive analog subsystems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Supplied in TO-220FP package (3-pin, vertical mounting, isolated tab), featuring integrated heat sink interface and creepage/clearance optimized for industrial safety standards.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output linear regulator applications.

Compared with LM7815CDT/NOPB, L7815ABV-DG adds guaranteed operation down to –40 °C and tighter initial tolerance; versus MC7815BDTG, it delivers superior load regulation (≤100 mV vs. ≤200 mV) and lower output drift (–1 mV/°C), making it preferred for precision analog and wide-temperature industrial use.

Availability

L7815ABV-DG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, embedded control units, test & measurement equipment, and legacy instrumentation requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for L7815ABV-DG 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, specializing in power management, microcontrollers, and analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The L78 series is ST's flagship family of three-terminal positive linear regulators, engineered for ruggedness, ease of use, and broad compatibility in industrial power conversion and local regulation applications.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for stable 15 V output at 1.5 A?

The L7815ABV-DG requires a minimum input voltage of 17 V to maintain regulation at 1.5 A, based on its 2 V dropout voltage specification at 1 A (derated to ~2.1 V at 1.5 A). For reliable operation across temperature and process variation, ST recommends VI ≥ 17.5 V per datasheet Table 8, with absolute maximum VI = 35 V for VO = 15 V.

Does L7815ABV-DG require external capacitors, and what values are recommended?

Yes - a 0.33 µF ceramic capacitor is required between input and ground, and a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor between output and ground. These values are specified in ST's DS0422 test circuits for stability and transient response. Larger bulk capacitance (e.g., 10–100 µF electrolytic) may be added in parallel for improved low-frequency ripple rejection, but the ceramic values are mandatory.

How does thermal performance differ between TO-220FP and standard TO-220 packages?

The TO-220FP package used in L7815ABV-DG has identical R_thJC = 5 °C/W as standard TO-220, but features a fully isolated metal tab (no electrical connection to pin 2), enabling direct heatsink mounting without insulating washers. Its footprint and hole pattern match TO-220, ensuring mechanical compatibility while improving safety in high-isolation systems.

Can L7815ABV-DG be used in adjustable configurations with external resistors?

No - L7815ABV-DG is a fixed-output device with internal resistor network setting 15 V. While the broader L78xx series can be adapted for adjustable output using external components (per application note AN233), this specific variant lacks the ADJ pin and internal topology required; only dedicated L78Lxx or L78Mxx variants support such configurations.