STMicroelectronics L7915ACV-DG
- Part No.:
- L7915ACV-DG
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
L7915ACV-DG.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR -15V 1.5A TO220
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:200
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Product details
Overview
L7915ACV-DG from STMicroelectronics is a fixed-output, three-terminal negative linear voltage regulator delivering -15 V at up to 1.5 A output current with ±2 % initial accuracy, thermal overload protection, short-circuit current limiting, and safe operating area (SOA) protection for output transients. It serves as a local on-card negative supply in split-rail systems, industrial power management, and analog circuitry requiring stable low-noise bias.
For engineers reviewing the L7915ACV-DG datasheet, L7915ACV-DG pinout, L7915ACV-DG application, or L7915ACV-DG equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage (1.1 V @ 1 A), output voltage drift (-0.9 mV/°C), supply voltage rejection (54–60 dB @ 120 Hz), and thermal resistance (3 °C/W junction-to-case in TO-220).
Technical Context
This device implements a monolithic PNP pass transistor architecture with internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and SOA protection-enabling robust operation under sustained overload or transient stress. Its fixed -15 V output is trimmed during production to ±2 % tolerance at 25 °C and maintains stability across 0–125 °C junction temperature.
The regulator requires minimal external components: input capacitor (≥2.2 µF solid tantalum) for stability and output capacitor (≥1 µF) for ripple suppression. It supports adjustable configurations via external resistors but is optimized for fixed-voltage use in dual-supply analog systems paired with L7815AC positive regulators.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | -15 V ±2 % at 25 °C; maintains -14.4 to -15.6 V over full load (5 mA–1 A) and input range (-18.5 V to -30 V) |
| Max Output Current | 1.5 A continuous (with adequate heatsinking); internally limited short-circuit current of 1.3 A typical |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.1 V @ 1 A, 25 °C - defines minimum input-to-output differential needed to sustain regulation |
| Line Regulation | 150 mV max over -20 V to -26 V input range - critical for stability when upstream supply varies |
| Load Regulation | 150 mV max from 5 mA to 1.5 A - ensures consistent biasing across dynamic load steps |
| Noise Voltage | 250 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz) - low enough for precision op-amp and ADC reference rails |
| Supply Rejection | 54–60 dB @ 120 Hz - suppresses ripple from rectified AC inputs in linear power supplies |
Pinout & Package
Supplied in TO-220 package (3-pin, vertical mounting, metal tab connected to GND), offering low thermal resistance (3 °C/W junction-to-case) and compatibility with standard heat sinks.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Input (IN) | Negative input supply connection | Accepts unregulated negative DC input; must be ≥ -18.5 V for full-load operation at -15 V output |
| Ground (GND) | Reference node and heat sink interface | Common return path; electrically tied to metal tab - requires isolation if mounting to chassis |
| Output (OUT) | Regulated negative output | Delivers stable -15 V; decoupling capacitor must be placed within 10 mm for stability |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Thermal Overload Protection | Shuts down output above 125 °C junction temperature and auto-recovers after cooldown - prevents permanent damage during sustained overload |
| Short-Circuit Current Limiting | Clamps output at ~1.3 A typical; limits power dissipation during fault conditions without external fusing |
| SOA Protection | Prevents secondary breakdown during output transients by dynamically limiting IV product - essential for reliability in capacitive-load applications |
| Low Quiescent Current | 3 mA typical at 25 °C - minimizes no-load power loss in battery-backed or standby systems |
Applications
| Industrial Analog Signal Conditioning | Split-Rail Op-Amp Power Supply |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Precision sensor front-end with instrumentation amplifiers and 16-bit ADCs requiring symmetric ±15 V rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides clean, regulated -15 V bias for op-amp negative supply rail and reference buffers. Use Value: 250 µV noise and 60 dB SVR ensure <0.01 % error contribution to analog signal chain accuracy. | Use Scenario: Dual-supply audio preamplifier stage using NE5532 or OPA2134 op-amps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Negative rail generator paired with L7815AC to form matched ±15 V split supply. Use Value: ±2 % matching tolerance and identical thermal behavior enable balanced rail tracking under load asymmetry. |
| Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) I/O Module | Test & Measurement Equipment Biasing |
Use Scenario: Isolated analog output module generating 4–20 mA signals with HART modulation capability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supplies isolated -15 V to DAC and current-sense amplifier circuitry. Use Value: Internal short-circuit and thermal protection eliminate need for external fault-handling logic in field-deployed modules. | Use Scenario: Benchtop oscilloscope vertical amplifier stage requiring ultra-low-drift bias. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-drift (-0.9 mV/°C) negative supply for differential input stages and offset calibration circuits. Use Value: Drift spec enables <±1 LSB error over 0–70 °C ambient without recalibration. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative fixed-voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM337T/NOPB | Adjustable output (requires two resistors); ±1 % initial accuracy; higher dropout (2 V @ 1 A) | Requires external feedback network; less suitable for space-constrained fixed-rail designs | Select when programmability or tighter initial tolerance justifies added component count and board area |
| MC7915CTG | Same -15 V fixed output; TO-220 package; ±4 % tolerance; lower SVR (45 dB) | Looser output tolerance and reduced ripple rejection limit use in high-precision analog systems | Select for cost-sensitive industrial controls where ±4 % output and 45 dB SVR meet system requirements |
Compared with LM337T/NOPB, L7915ACV-DG offers plug-and-play fixed regulation with lower dropout and better noise performance; versus MC7915CTG, it delivers tighter tolerance and superior supply rejection-making it preferred for precision analog and split-rail applications where rail symmetry and stability are critical.
Availability
L7915ACV-DG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial analog signal conditioning, split-rail op-amp power supplies, and PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for L7915ACV-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 microcontrollers, power ICs, analog chips, and MEMS sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
L7915ACV-DG belongs to the L79xxAC series of three-terminal negative linear regulators, engineered for local on-card regulation in split-power-supply architectures and legacy analog systems demanding proven reliability and thermal robustness.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage for L7915ACV-DG?
The absolute maximum DC input voltage is -35 V for output voltages between -5 V and -18 V. For L7915ACV-DG (-15 V output), the recommended maximum continuous input is -30 V to maintain safe power dissipation and avoid exceeding junction temperature limits under full load.
Does L7915ACV-DG require an input bypass capacitor?
Yes - a minimum 2.2 µF solid tantalum capacitor is required at the input pin, placed within 10 mm of the device. This stabilizes the regulator against input impedance variations and prevents oscillation, especially when the regulator is located remotely from the main filter capacitor.
Can L7915ACV-DG be used in parallel for higher current?
No - direct parallel connection is not supported due to mismatched output voltages causing current hogging. To achieve >1.5 A, use an external pass transistor configured in series with the regulator, as shown in Figure 7 of the ST application note, with proper current-sharing resistors and thermal coupling.
Is L7915ACV-DG RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes - L7915ACV-DG is supplied in an ECOPACK®-compliant TO-220 package with lead-free second-level interconnect, meeting RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and JEDEC JESD97 standards. The "DG" suffix explicitly denotes the RoHS-compliant variant per ST's ordering nomenclature.
L7915ACV-DG Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- 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 @ 1A (Typ)
- Current - Output:
- 1.5A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 3 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 60dB (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
L7915ACV-DG FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L7915ACV-DG through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L7915ACV-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 L7915ACV-DG reliable?
The price and inventory of L7915ACV-DG are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L7915ACV-DG is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L7915ACV-DG?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L7915ACV-DG transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L7915ACV-DG?
L7915ACV-DG orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L7915ACV-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 L7915ACV-DG?
For technical support, including L7915ACV-DG datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L7915ACV-DG requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L7915ACV-DG is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L7915ACV-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 L7915ACV-DG meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L7915ACV-DG?
All L7915ACV-DG units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L7915ACV-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 L7915ACV-DG part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L7915ACV-DG:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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