STMicroelectronics L7915CV-DG
- Part No.:
- L7915CV-DG
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
L7915CV-DG.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR -15V 1.5A TO220
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,468
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Product details
Overview
L7915CV-DG from STMicroelectronics is a fixed-output, three-terminal negative linear voltage regulator delivering -15 V at up to 1.5 A output current in TO-220FP package. It features thermal overload protection, short-circuit protection, and output transition SOA protection, and is designed for local on-card regulation in split-supply systems such as ±15 V analog signal chains and industrial control power rails.
For engineers reviewing the L7915CV-DG datasheet, L7915CV-DG pinout, L7915CV-DG application, or L7915CV-DG equivalent, key selection considerations include dropout voltage (1.1 V @ 1 A), load regulation (±150 mV over 250–750 mA), output voltage accuracy (±3% at 25°C), junction temperature range (0–150°C), and TO-220FP thermal resistance (RthJA = 60°C/W).
Technical Context
The L7915CV-DG operates as a complementary negative counterpart to the L78xx positive regulator series, enabling symmetrical dual-rail designs. Its internal architecture includes a bandgap reference, error amplifier, pass transistor, and integrated protection circuitry-no external compensation required for stability with standard input/output capacitors.
It supports fixed-voltage operation without external components but allows adjustable output via external resistive dividers per Figure 6 of the datasheet. The device maintains regulation across input voltages from -18.5 V to -30 V and load currents from -5 mA to -1.5 A, with guaranteed performance over 0–125°C junction temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | -15 V nominal, -14.3 V to -15.7 V over full operating conditions - ensures stable bias for op-amps and ADCs requiring precise negative rail. |
| Output Current | Up to 1.5 A continuous - sufficient for driving multiple analog stages or moderate-power logic in dual-supply systems. |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.1 V @ 1 A, 25°C - defines minimum input-to-output differential needed to sustain regulation; impacts minimum supply headroom. |
| Line Regulation | 150 mV (typ.) over VI = -20 V to -26 V - quantifies sensitivity to input voltage variation; critical for unregulated or noisy DC inputs. |
| Load Regulation | 150 mV (typ.) over IO = 250 mA to 750 mA - indicates output stability under dynamic load changes typical in mixed-signal circuits. |
| Supply Rejection | 54–60 dB @ 120 Hz - measures attenuation of ripple from upstream supplies; essential for low-noise analog subsystems. |
| Output Noise | 250 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz) - directly impacts signal integrity in precision instrumentation and audio front-ends. |
Pinout & Package
Supplied in TO-220FP (Dual Gauge frame) package with heat sink tab electrically connected to the Ground terminal. Standard mounting orientation places pin 1 (Input) leftmost when viewed from front (lead side), with pin 2 (Ground) center and pin 3 (Output) rightmost.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (IN) | Negative Input Supply | Accepts unregulated negative input voltage; must be ≥ -18.5 V for proper regulation at full load. |
| Pin 2 (GND) | Reference Ground / Heat Sink Tab | Common return path; electrically tied to metal tab - requires isolation from chassis unless grounded intentionally. |
| Pin 3 (OUT) | Negative Regulated Output | Delivers stable -15 V; connects to load and output capacitor (1 µF solid tantalum recommended). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Thermal Overload Protection | Shuts down automatically above 150°C junction temperature and recovers upon cooling - prevents permanent damage during sustained overload or poor heatsinking. |
| Short-Circuit Current Limit | 1.3 A typical short-circuit current - limits fault energy and enables safe recovery after output shorts without external current limiting. |
| SOA-Protected Output Transition | Guarantees safe operation during rapid load transients - avoids secondary breakdown in the internal pass transistor during step-load events. |
| Fixed -15 V Output | No external resistors required - simplifies BOM and layout for dedicated negative rail generation in dual-supply systems. |
| TO-220FP Package | RthJA = 60°C/W - enables 1.5 A operation with modest heatsinking (e.g., 25 cm² aluminum fin) in ambient ≤50°C environments. |
Applications
| Industrial Analog Signal Conditioning | Split-Rail Op-Amp Power Supply |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Precision sensor signal amplification and filtering in PLC I/O modules using rail-to-rail op-amps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides clean, stable -15 V rail for dual-supply op-amps and instrumentation amplifiers. Use Value: Maintains ±15 V symmetry with L7815CV, minimizing common-mode offset drift and ensuring <±0.1% gain error over temperature. |
Use Scenario: High-fidelity audio preamplifier stage requiring low-noise, low-distortion dual supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supplies regulated negative rail to discrete JFET-input op-amp stages. Use Value: 250 µV output noise and 60 dB SVR suppress line-derived hum and preserve SNR >105 dB in 20 Hz–20 kHz bandwidth. |
| Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Power Management | Test & Measurement Equipment Biasing |
|
Use Scenario: Local regulation for analog input/output channels in modular PLC backplanes with shared -24 V bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Converts -24 V bus to isolated -15 V rails per channel to prevent crosstalk. Use Value: 150 mV load regulation ensures consistent DAC reference compliance across 16-channel modules under varying channel activation. |
Use Scenario: Calibration-grade multimeter front-end requiring ultra-stable reference and amplifier supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Generates metrology-grade -15 V for voltage reference buffers and autoranging ADC drivers. Use Value: ±3% output tolerance and -0.9 mV/°C drift enable <5 ppm/°C system-level temperature coefficient in 7½-digit DMM designs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative fixed-voltage regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM337T/NOPB | Adjustable output (requires two external resistors); lower max current (1.5 A vs. 1.5 A); higher dropout (1.5 V @ 1 A) | Used where programmable output or tighter output tolerance (±1%) is required; less suitable for space-constrained fixed-rail designs | Select when design flexibility or tighter initial accuracy outweighs simplicity and thermal efficiency. |
| MC7915BTG | Same -15 V fixed output; TO-220 package (not FP); RthJA = 50°C/W; no Dual Gauge frame; slightly higher quiescent current (4.5 mA vs. 3 mA) | Preferred in legacy designs using standard TO-220 footprints; better thermal performance but larger board footprint | Choose when existing PCB layout uses standard TO-220 and heatsink interface matches non-FP variant. |
Compared with LM337T/NOPB and MC7915BTG, L7915CV-DG offers optimized thermal resistance for compact layouts (TO-220FP), lower quiescent current for battery-backed systems, and factory-trimmed fixed output eliminating resistor tolerance errors-making it ideal for cost-sensitive, high-volume dual-rail industrial power supplies.
Availability
L7915CV-DG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial analog signal conditioning, split-rail op-amp power supplies, and programmable logic controller (PLC) power management requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for L7915CV-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 management ICs, analog devices, and MEMS sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The L79xxC series was developed specifically for robust, low-cost local regulation in dual-rail analog and industrial control systems-emphasizing reliability, thermal resilience, and compatibility with the widely adopted L78xx positive regulator family.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage for L7915CV-DG?
The absolute maximum DC input voltage is -35 V for output voltages between -5 V and -18 V. For the L7915CV-DG (-15 V output), the recommended operating input range is -18.5 V to -30 V. Exceeding -35 V risks permanent damage due to junction breakdown, even momentarily.
Does L7915CV-DG require an input bypass capacitor?
Yes-an input capacitor (CI = 2.2 µF solid tantalum) is required if the regulator is located more than ~2 inches from the main power supply filter. This prevents instability and improves transient response by reducing source impedance at high frequencies.
Can L7915CV-DG be used in parallel for higher current?
No-L7915CV-DG is not designed for parallel operation. Its output voltage tolerance (±3%) and lack of current-sharing circuitry cause unequal load distribution, risking thermal runaway in one device. Use a single higher-current regulator or external current-balancing circuitry instead.
Is the metal tab on L7915CV-DG electrically connected?
Yes-the metal tab is internally connected to Pin 2 (Ground). When mounted to a heatsink, ensure electrical isolation unless the heatsink is intentionally grounded. Failure to isolate may create unintended ground loops or short circuits in floating or multi-ground systems.
L7915CV-DG Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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
L7915CV-DG FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L7915CV-DG through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L7915CV-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 L7915CV-DG reliable?
The price and inventory of L7915CV-DG are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L7915CV-DG is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L7915CV-DG?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L7915CV-DG transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L7915CV-DG?
L7915CV-DG orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L7915CV-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 L7915CV-DG?
For technical support, including L7915CV-DG datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L7915CV-DG requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L7915CV-DG is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L7915CV-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 L7915CV-DG meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L7915CV-DG?
All L7915CV-DG units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L7915CV-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 L7915CV-DG part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L7915CV-DG:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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