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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Power Management (PMIC) > Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators

STMicroelectronics L78M15ABV-DG

Name: L78M15ABV-DG
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: L78M15ABV-DG
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: L78M15ABV-DG

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators

Package:: TO-220-3

Datasheet:: L78M15ABV-DG.pdf

Description:: IC REG LINEAR 15V 500MA TO220

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:1,506

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Product details

Overview

L78M15ABV-DG from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal positive fixed-voltage linear regulator delivering 15 V ±2 % output at up to 500 mA, featuring thermal overload protection, short-circuit protection, and safe operating area (SOA) compensation for robust local on-card power regulation in industrial control and embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the L78M15ABV-DG datasheet, L78M15ABV-DG pinout, L78M15ABV-DG application, or L78M15ABV-DG equivalent, this device is selected for stable 15 V supply generation where extended temperature operation (–40 °C to 125 °C), low quiescent current (6 mA), and high line/load regulation performance are required.

Technical Context

This regulator employs an internal NPN pass transistor with integrated current limiting, thermal shutdown, and SOA protection-ensuring fault resilience without external components. Its architecture supports local regulation by eliminating long-trace distribution losses and enables adjustable output configurations via external resistors when used beyond fixed-voltage mode.

Designed for DC input voltages up to 35 V (for VO = 15 V), it maintains regulation across –40 °C to 125 °C junction temperature range (AB grade), with 2 V dropout voltage and 54 dB supply voltage rejection at 120 Hz under 300 mA load-critical for noise-sensitive analog subsystems.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Output Voltage	15 V ±2 % (14.4–15.6 V over full load/temperature range); ensures compatibility with 15 V logic and analog rails requiring tight tolerance.
Max Output Current	500 mA continuous; sufficient for powering microcontrollers, op-amps, and sensor interfaces in compact industrial modules.
Dropout Voltage	2 V at TJ = 25 °C; allows operation with VI ≥ 17 V, enabling use with unregulated 24 V bus after basic filtering.
Supply Rejection	54 dB at 120 Hz, 300 mA load; suppresses ripple from switching pre-regulators or noisy AC/DC supplies.
Quiescent Current	6 mA typical; minimizes standby power loss in battery-backed or energy-conscious applications.
Operating Temp	–40 °C to +125 °C junction; certified for under-hood automotive modules and industrial PLC I/O stages.
Noise Voltage	90 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz); low enough for precision ADC reference supplies and audio biasing.

Pinout & Package

Supplied in DPAK (TO-252) surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad for enhanced heat dissipation; footprint matches standard STD-ST DPAK layout per Figure 24 (Doc ID 2147 Rev 9).

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 (Input)	Unregulated DC input	Accepts 17.5–30 V DC; requires ≥0.33 µF low-ESR ceramic/tantalum bypass capacitor placed adjacent to pin.
2 (Ground)	Circuit common reference	Low-impedance return path; must be routed with minimal trace inductance to avoid instability or ground bounce.
3 (Output)	Regulated 15 V output	Delivers up to 500 mA; recommended 0.1 µF ceramic output capacitor improves transient response and stability.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Thermal Overload Protection	Automatic shutdown at T_J > ~160 °C; prevents permanent damage during sustained overload or poor heatsinking.
Short-Circuit Current Limit	240 mA typical (I_SC) with 700 mA peak capability; protects upstream supply and PCB traces during output faults.
Output Voltage Tolerance	±2 % over full temperature and load range; eliminates need for post-regulation trimming in most 15 V systems.
SOA Compensation	Reduces safe operating area derating as V_CE increases; maintains reliability during high-V_IN–V_OUT differential conditions.
Extended Temperature Range	–40 °C to +125 °C operation (AB grade); qualified for industrial automation, motor drives, and telecom infrastructure.

Applications

Industrial PLC I/O Module

Automotive Body Control Unit

Use Scenario: Powering isolated digital input buffers and relay drivers in modular PLC backplanes.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local 15 V rail generator for optocoupler biasing and level-shifting circuitry.

Use Value: Eliminates centralized 15 V distribution losses; ±2 % tolerance ensures consistent LED forward voltage across temperature.

Use Scenario: Supplying window lift motor controllers and door lock actuators in non-safety-critical zones.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary regulated source derived from vehicle 24 V battery, tolerant of load dump transients.

Use Value: Thermal shutdown and SOA protection prevent latch-up during intermittent motor stall events.

Medical Diagnostic Sensor Interface

Test & Measurement Signal Conditioning

Use Scenario: Biasing precision instrumentation amplifiers and 16-bit SAR ADC references in portable ECG front-ends.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise 15 V analog supply decoupled from digital domains.

Use Value: 90 µV RMS output noise avoids degradation of signal-to-noise ratio in sub-mV physiological measurements.

Use Scenario: Providing stable excitation voltage for strain gauge bridges and RTD measurement circuits.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed 15 V reference source with <150 mV load regulation error over 5–200 mA.

Use Value: Enables <0.1 % full-scale accuracy in bridge-based sensing without active calibration.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
LM78M15CDT/NOPB	±4 % output tolerance; 0 to 125 °C operating range (no –40 °C rating); higher quiescent current (8 mA).	Suitable only for commercial-grade equipment; not rated for industrial cold-start environments.	Select if cost sensitivity outweighs temperature range and precision requirements.
MC78M15BDTG	±4 % tolerance; TO-220 package only; no DPAK option; lower SVR (50 dB @ 120 Hz).	Limited to through-hole assembly; less effective at rejecting switching supply ripple.	Choose only when legacy TO-220 footprint compatibility is mandatory and space is not constrained.

Compared with LM78M15CDT/NOPB and MC78M15BDTG, L78M15ABV-DG offers tighter voltage tolerance, wider temperature range, lower noise, and surface-mount DPAK packaging-making it optimal for modern industrial and automotive electronics where reliability, precision, and board space are critical.

Availability

L78M15ABV-DG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O modules, automotive body control units, medical diagnostic sensor interfaces, and test & measurement signal conditioning requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for L78M15ABV-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, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1987.

L78M15ABV-DG belongs to the L78MxxA series of precision 500 mA linear regulators, engineered specifically for robust local regulation in harsh-environment applications demanding extended temperature operation and intrinsic fault protection.

FAQ

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

The L78M15ABV-DG requires a minimum input voltage of 17.5 V under nominal conditions (IO = 350 mA, TJ = 25 °C) to maintain regulation, based on its 2 V dropout specification. At full 500 mA load and elevated temperature, design margin suggests using ≥18.5 V to ensure stability across all operating conditions.

Can this regulator be used in adjustable-output configurations?

Yes-by connecting external resistors between output, ground, and adjust pins (using the standard 3-terminal regulator configuration), L78M15ABV-DG can generate adjustable outputs from 7.0 V to 20 V, provided VI – VO ≥ 2.0 V. The datasheet provides schematic guidance in Figure 18.

Is a heat sink required for 500 mA operation?

At 500 mA with 10 V input-output differential (VI = 25 V), power dissipation reaches ~5 W. With R_thJA = 100 °C/W (DPAK, no heatsink), junction temperature rise would exceed safe limits. A moderate PCB copper pour or small clip-on heatsink is recommended for continuous 500 mA operation above 10 V differential.

Does this part support reverse-polarity input protection?

No-L78M15ABV-DG lacks built-in reverse-voltage protection. Applying negative input voltage may cause destructive current flow through internal substrate diodes. An external series Schottky diode (e.g., 1N5819) is required if reverse polarity exposure is possible in the system.

L78M15ABV-DG Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-220-3

Packaging:: Tube

Product Status:: Obsolete

Output Configuration:: Positive

Output Type:: Fixed

Number of Regulators:: 1

Voltage - Input (Max):: 35V

Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):: 15V

Voltage - Output (Max):: -

Voltage Dropout (Max):: -

Current - Output:: 500mA

Current - Quiescent (Iq):: 6 mA

Current - Supply (Max):: -

PSRR:: 54dB (120Hz)

Control Features:: -

Protection Features:: Over Current, Over Temperature, Short Circuit

Operating Temperature:: -40°C ~ 125°C

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-220

L78M15ABV-DG FAQ

1.How can I place an order for L78M15ABV-DG through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L78M15ABV-DG 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 L78M15ABV-DG reliable?

The price and inventory of L78M15ABV-DG are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L78M15ABV-DG is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for L78M15ABV-DG?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L78M15ABV-DG transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for L78M15ABV-DG?

L78M15ABV-DG orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your L78M15ABV-DG 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 L78M15ABV-DG?

For technical support, including L78M15ABV-DG datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L78M15ABV-DG requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that L78M15ABV-DG is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All L78M15ABV-DG 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 L78M15ABV-DG meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of L78M15ABV-DG?

All L78M15ABV-DG units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L78M15ABV-DG, 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 L78M15ABV-DG part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for L78M15ABV-DG:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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