STMicroelectronics L79L15ACZ-AP
- Part No.:
- L79L15ACZ-AP
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
L79L15ACZ-AP.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR -15V 100MA TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,039
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Product details
Overview
L79L15ACZ-AP from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal fixed negative voltage regulator delivering -15 V output at up to 100 mA, featuring internal current limiting, thermal overload protection, and short-circuit protection. It requires no external components and is designed for local on-card regulation in industrial control, instrumentation, and embedded power subsystems where low-noise, stable negative bias is critical.
For engineers reviewing the L79L15ACZ-AP datasheet, L79L15ACZ-AP pinout, L79L15ACZ-AP application, or L79L15ACZ-AP equivalent, this device serves as a drop-in replacement for Zener-diode/resistor networks-offering two orders of magnitude lower output impedance, reduced quiescent current (6.5 mA typ.), and 90 µV RMS output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz).
Technical Context
This IC implements a monolithic bipolar linear regulator architecture with built-in thermal shutdown and foldback current limiting. Its dropout voltage is fixed at 1.7 V, enabling operation with input voltages as low as -17.5 V under full load (IO = 40 mA) and down to -16.5 V at 100 mA.
The device supports three package variants-TO-92, SOT-89, and SO-8-with TO-92 (used in L79L15ACZ-AP) offering Rthj-amb = 200 °C/W (unmounted) and Rthj-case = 15 °C/W. Output voltage tolerance is ±5% (AC grade), specified over 0 to +125 °C junction temperature range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | -15 V ±5% (25°C); -14.25 to -15.75 V over 1–70 mA load and -17.5 to -30 V input |
| Max Output Current | 100 mA continuous; internally limited to prevent damage during overload |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.7 V typical; defines minimum VIN–VOUT differential needed to maintain regulation |
| Quiescent Current | 6.5 mA at 25°C; enables low-power standby operation without external bias circuitry |
| Output Noise | 90 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz); supports precision analog circuits requiring clean negative rails |
| SVR | 34–39 dB at 120 Hz; suppresses ripple from unregulated DC inputs like rectified AC supplies |
| Thermal Shutdown | Active above ~150 °C junction temperature; self-recovering after cooldown |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-92 (3-lead plastic transistor outline). Compact through-hole mounting with low-profile footprint (D = 4.45–4.95 mm, L = 12.7–15.49 mm) and standard lead pitch (e = 2.41–2.67 mm).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Ground (GND) | Reference node for output voltage; connects to PCB ground plane for stability and noise rejection |
| Pin 2 | Input (VIN) | Negative input terminal; accepts -17.5 V to -30 V DC for reliable -15 V regulation |
| Pin 3 | Output (VOUT) | Regulated -15 V supply rail; directly powers op-amps, ADCs, or logic interfaces needing negative bias |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external components required | Enables single-device implementation of stable -15 V rail-reducing BOM count and layout area |
| Thermal overload protection | Prevents permanent failure during sustained overload or poor heatsinking; auto-resumes when cooled |
| Short-circuit protection | Current-foldback limits fault current to safe levels (<100 mA) without latch-up or reset requirement |
| Low output impedance | ~10× lower than Zener/resistor equivalents-improves load transient response and PSRR |
| ±5% output tolerance (AC grade) | Meets industrial-grade accuracy requirements without trimming or calibration |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning | Legacy RS-232 Transceiver Bias |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering dual-supply op-amps and instrumentation amplifiers in PLC analog input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides stable, low-noise -15 V reference rail for precision signal amplification and ADC front-end biasing. Use Value: 90 µV RMS noise and 34 dB SVR ensure <1 LSB error in 16-bit industrial ADC systems operating near full scale. |
Use Scenario: Generating negative supply for MAX232 or similar RS-232 level shifters in legacy serial communication ports. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supplies regulated -15 V to charge pump stages, enabling compliant ±12 V RS-232 voltage levels. Use Value: 100 mA capability supports simultaneous multi-driver operation; thermal protection prevents latch-up during cable short events. |
| Analog Front-End for Data Acquisition | Embedded Microcontroller Auxiliary Rail |
|
Use Scenario: Biasing anti-aliasing filters and programmable gain amplifiers in portable DAQ devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Delivers clean, isolated -15 V for analog signal path-decoupled from noisy digital domains. Use Value: Two-order-of-magnitude lower output impedance vs. Zener solutions improves filter cutoff stability under varying load conditions. |
Use Scenario: Supplying negative rail to external DACs or op-amps co-located with ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local regulation eliminates distribution losses and noise coupling from main system PSU. Use Value: 6.5 mA quiescent current minimizes impact on battery life in always-on monitoring nodes. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative linear regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM7915ACZ | Same -15 V output, ±5% tolerance, but higher quiescent current (6.8 mA typ.) and 120 µV noise | Compatible pinout (TO-92), but lower SVR (30 dB) limits use in high-ripple environments | Preferred only if LM79xx family compatibility is required; otherwise L79L15ACZ-AP offers superior noise and PSRR |
| MC79L15ACPR | Identical electrical specs, but uses SOT-89 package (surface-mount) and lacks TO-92 mechanical compatibility | Requires PCB redesign for SMT assembly; not suitable for through-hole prototyping or legacy repair | Select only for new SMT designs where board space is constrained and reflow capability exists |
Compared with LM7915ACZ and MC79L15ACPR, L79L15ACZ-AP delivers best-in-class noise performance (90 µV vs. ≥120 µV) and higher SVR (34–39 dB), making it optimal for precision analog systems-while retaining TO-92 compatibility for field serviceability and breadboard evaluation.
Availability
L79L15ACZ-AP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor conditioning, RS-232 interface design, and analog data acquisition systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.
Supply support for L79L15ACZ-AP 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 analog, MCU, power, and sensing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
L79L15ACZ-AP belongs to the L79L00 series of three-terminal negative regulators-engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding robust local regulation without external components.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage for L79L15ACZ-AP?
The absolute maximum DC input voltage is -35 V when regulating -15 V output. Operation above -30 V is permitted only under derated conditions with adequate heatsinking; recommended operating range is -17.5 V to -30 V to ensure thermal safety and regulation stability across temperature.
Does L79L15ACZ-AP require input or output capacitors?
No external capacitors are required for basic regulation, but STMicroelectronics recommends 0.33 µF ceramic at input and 0.1 µF ceramic at output to ensure stability under dynamic load conditions and suppress high-frequency noise. Omission may cause oscillation in high-impedance source or long-trace layouts.
Can L79L15ACZ-AP be used in parallel for higher current?
No-L79L15ACZ-AP is not designed for parallel operation. Its internal current limiting and thermal protection are per-device; paralleling causes unequal current sharing and potential thermal runaway. For >100 mA, use an external pass transistor with proper biasing and current-sense feedback.
What is the operating junction temperature range for L79L15ACZ-AP?
The L79L15ACZ-AP (AC grade) is specified for 0 °C to +125 °C junction temperature. It achieves this with thermal shutdown activation near 150 °C and maintains regulation accuracy within ±5% across the full range when mounted on standard FR-4 PCB with minimal copper area.
L79L15ACZ-AP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- 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):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 100mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 6 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- 6.5 mA
- PSRR:
- 39dB (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-92-3
L79L15ACZ-AP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L79L15ACZ-AP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L79L15ACZ-AP 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 L79L15ACZ-AP reliable?
The price and inventory of L79L15ACZ-AP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L79L15ACZ-AP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L79L15ACZ-AP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L79L15ACZ-AP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L79L15ACZ-AP?
L79L15ACZ-AP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L79L15ACZ-AP 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 L79L15ACZ-AP?
For technical support, including L79L15ACZ-AP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L79L15ACZ-AP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L79L15ACZ-AP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L79L15ACZ-AP 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 L79L15ACZ-AP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L79L15ACZ-AP?
All L79L15ACZ-AP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L79L15ACZ-AP, 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 L79L15ACZ-AP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L79L15ACZ-AP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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