STMicroelectronics L7815ACV

Overview

L7815ACV from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal positive linear voltage regulator delivering a fixed +15 V output with up to 1.5 A continuous current, thermal overload and short-circuit protection, and ±2 % output voltage tolerance at 25 °C - used for local regulation in industrial power supplies, motor control logic rails, and embedded system auxiliary supplies.

For engineers reviewing the L7815ACV datasheet, L7815ACV pinout, L7815ACV application, or L7815ACV equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage (2 V @ 1 A), load regulation (≤100 mV over 5 mA–1 A), supply voltage rejection (58 dB @ 120 Hz), junction temperature range (0 to 125 °C), and TO-220 package thermal resistance (R_thJA = 50 °C/W).

Technical Context

The L7815ACV implements a monolithic series-pass regulator architecture with internal current limiting, safe operating area (SOA) protection, and thermal shutdown circuitry. It operates without external components for basic regulation but supports adjustable output via external resistors or current boosting with external transistors.

Designed for fixed-voltage operation, it maintains regulation across input voltages from 17.5 V to 30 V (for 1 A load) and requires minimum 5 mA load current. Its 2 V dropout enables use with modest input headroom, while 10 µV/√Hz output noise and 19 mΩ output resistance support stable analog and digital rail generation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Supplied in TO-220 package (3-pin, vertical mounting, metal tab connected to Pin 2), with standard pinout: Pin 1 = Input, Pin 2 = Ground, Pin 3 = Output. The metal tab is electrically connected to ground and serves as primary heat path.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed positive voltage regulator applications.

Compared with LM7815CT and MC7815ACT, the L7815ACV offers superior initial accuracy and lower thermal resistance in TO-220, making it optimal for space-constrained industrial designs demanding stable 15 V rails with minimal derating.

Availability

L7815ACV is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, motor drive logic subsystems, test equipment auxiliary supplies, and legacy instrumentation requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for L7815ACV 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 belongs to ST's legacy linear regulator product line, engineered for rugged, cost-effective local DC-DC conversion in harsh environments where simplicity, reliability, and thermal resilience are prioritized over efficiency.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for regulation at full 1.5 A load?

The L7815ACV requires a minimum input voltage of 17.5 V to maintain 15 V output regulation at 1.5 A load and 25 °C junction temperature, based on its 2 V dropout specification. At higher temperatures or with reduced heatsinking, input voltage margin should be increased to prevent thermal shutdown.

Can L7815ACV be used in parallel to increase output current?

No - the L7815ACV lacks built-in current-sharing capability and should not be paralleled without external ballast resistors or active current-balancing circuitry. Doing so risks thermal runaway due to mismatched output voltages and unequal current distribution between devices.

Is an input capacitor required, and what value is recommended?

Yes - a minimum 0.33 µF ceramic capacitor is required between Pin 1 (Input) and Pin 2 (Ground), placed within 1 cm of the device. This stabilizes the regulator against input impedance variations and suppresses high-frequency noise from upstream sources like switch-mode supplies.

Does L7815ACV require a heatsink for 1 A continuous operation?

Yes - at 1 A output with 25 V input (10 W dissipation), the TO-220 package's R_thJA of 50 °C/W would raise junction temperature by ~500 °C above ambient without heatsinking. A heatsink reducing R_thJA to ≤20 °C/W is required to keep T_J ≤125 °C at 25 °C ambient.