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Texas Instruments LM7815CT
- Part No.:
- LM7815CT
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
LM7815CT.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 15V 1A TO220-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,057
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Product details
Overview
LM7815CT from Texas Instruments is a fixed-output +15 V, 1.5-A positive linear voltage regulator in TO-220 package, featuring internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and safe-area protection. It delivers stable DC power for industrial control logic, motor driver bias rails, and instrumentation analog front-ends with input voltage up to 35 V and dropout voltage of 2 V at 1 A.
For engineers reviewing the LM7815CT datasheet, LM7815CT pinout, LM7815CT application, or LM7815CT equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning for key specs, validated pin functions, confirmed alternative parts with functional differences, and supply support for volume production and long-lifecycle embedded systems.
Technical Context
The LM7815CT implements a monolithic three-terminal series pass regulator architecture with built-in foldback current limiting and thermal cutoff at 150°C. Its output voltage is trimmed during manufacturing to ±4% tolerance over temperature (14.4 V to 15.6 V at 25°C, 14.25 V to 15.75 V across full operating range).
It requires no external compensation and remains stable without output capacitance, though a 0.1-μF ceramic capacitor improves transient response. Input bypassing is mandatory only when placed >6 inches from the power supply filter capacitor.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | +15 V nominal; 14.25–15.75 V over full temp/load range - ensures compatibility with 15-V logic and analog ICs requiring tight rail stability. |
| Max Output Current | 1.5 A continuous - supports mid-power analog circuits and digital subsystems without external pass transistors. |
| Input Voltage Range | 17.7 V to 35 V - enables use after unregulated transformer-rectifier stages or high-voltage SMPS outputs. |
| Dropout Voltage | 2 V at 1 A - defines minimum headroom needed between input and output to maintain regulation. |
| Line Regulation | ≤150 mV over 17.5–30 V input - limits output drift due to upstream supply ripple or sag. |
| Load Regulation | ≤150 mV over 5 mA–1.5 A load - maintains voltage accuracy across dynamic current demands. |
| Ripple Rejection | 54–70 dB at 120 Hz - attenuates low-frequency AC components from rectified supplies. |
| Thermal Shutdown | Activates at TJ = 150°C - prevents permanent damage during overload or inadequate heatsinking. |
Pinout & Package
LM7815CT uses the standard TO-220 (NDE) 3-pin package with tab connected to Ground. Pin 1 is Input, Pin 2 is Ground, Pin 3 is Output. The metal tab serves as both mechanical mounting surface and thermal path to heatsink.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Input) | Unregulated DC input node | Accepts 17.7–35 V; must be decoupled with ≥0.22 μF if located >6" from bulk filter. |
| 2 (Ground) | Reference and return path | Common reference for input, output, and internal circuitry; connects to heatsink tab in TO-220. |
| 3 (Output) | Regulated +15 V output | Delivers stable 15 V to load; optional 0.1 μF ceramic cap improves step-load response. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Thermal Shutdown | Protects against sustained overload or insufficient heatsinking by disabling output above 150°C junction temperature. |
| Short-Circuit Current Limit | Clamps output to ~1.2 A typical under hard short - prevents catastrophic failure while allowing safe fault recovery. |
| No External Compensation Required | Stable with zero output capacitance - eliminates BOM cost and layout risk associated with ESR-sensitive caps. |
| Safe-Operating-Area (SOA) Protection | Prevents second breakdown in the pass transistor during simultaneous high voltage and current stress. |
| Low Quiescent Current | 8 mA typical at 25°C - minimizes no-load power loss in always-on systems. |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supplies | SMPS Post-Regulation |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Local regulation on PLC I/O modules converting 24 VDC bus to clean 15 V for analog sensor interfaces and op-amp signal conditioning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-voltage linear regulator providing low-noise, ripple-free 15 V rail independent of upstream switching noise. Use Value: Eliminates need for complex filtering; maintains ±150 mV output stability across 0–1.2 A load steps. | Use Scenario: Downstream stabilization stage after a 24 V buck converter supplying 15 V to FPGA configuration circuitry and clock buffers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ripple suppression and transient immunity layer that isolates sensitive timing circuits from SMPS switching artifacts. Use Value: Delivers 54–70 dB attenuation of 120 Hz ripple, ensuring jitter-free clock distribution. |
| HVAC Control Systems | Test & Measurement Equipment |
Use Scenario: Powering 15 V op-amps and ADC drivers in thermostatic controllers interfacing with thermistor and pressure transducer bridges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision analog supply rail with minimal thermal drift (−1.8 mV/°C TC) for stable sensor excitation and signal gain. Use Value: Maintains <±0.5% output error over −40°C to +125°C ambient, critical for calibration integrity. | Use Scenario: Bias supply for 15 V op-amps and precision references in portable multimeters and oscilloscope front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise (90 μV RMS) regulated source enabling sub-mV measurement resolution. Use Value: Provides 90 μV output noise floor over 10 Hz–100 kHz, directly supporting 4½-digit accuracy. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output linear regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM7815CDT | Same electrical specs but in TO-263 (DDPAK) package; θJA = 44.8°C/W vs 54°C/W for TO-220; requires PCB copper area for thermal performance. | Better suited for space-constrained SMT designs where manual heatsinking is impractical. | Select LM7815CDT when board area is limited and thermal management relies on PCB copper rather than discrete heatsinks. |
| MC7815CT | Pin-compatible ON Semiconductor variant; same 15 V output, 1.5 A rating, and TO-220 package; ±4% output tolerance identical. | Offers dual-sourcing option with identical footprint and thermal profile; qualified for automotive-grade temperature range (−40°C to +125°C). | Choose MC7815CT when AEC-Q100 compliance or multi-source procurement strategy is required. |
Compared with LM7815CDT, the LM7815CT offers simpler mechanical mounting and higher thermal margin with bolted heatsinks; versus MC7815CT, it provides identical performance but lacks automotive qualification-making LM7815CT optimal for industrial and commercial applications where cost and legacy design continuity are prioritized.
Availability
LM7815CT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, HVAC control systems, and test equipment requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle visibility and consistent parametric performance.
Supply support for LM7815CT 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
Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.
The LM78xx family-including LM7815CT-is designed for robust, low-cost local DC voltage regulation in non-isolated power systems where simplicity, reliability, and thermal resilience are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage for LM7815CT?
The absolute maximum DC input voltage for LM7815CT is 35 V. Operation above this level risks permanent damage. For reliable line regulation, the minimum recommended input is 17.7 V at 1 A load; lower inputs cause dropout and unregulated output. Always verify input ripple amplitude does not exceed the 35 V limit during transients.
Does LM7815CT require an output capacitor to remain stable?
No, LM7815CT is internally compensated and does not require an output capacitor for stability. However, a 0.1-μF ceramic capacitor placed close to the output pin significantly improves transient response to load steps. This capacitor is optional for basic regulation but strongly recommended in dynamic applications like motor drivers or digital logic rails.
What is the thermal resistance of LM7815CT in TO-220 package?
The LM7815CT in TO-220 (NDE) package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) of 54°C/W with standard PCB mounting and no heatsink. With a properly mounted heatsink, θJA reduces substantially-TI specifies θJC (junction-to-case) as 4°C/W, so total thermal resistance depends on heatsink efficiency. Derate power dissipation accordingly to keep junction temperature ≤125°C for continuous operation.
Can LM7815CT be used in adjustable voltage configurations?
Yes, LM7815CT can be configured as an adjustable regulator using external resistors and a Zener diode per TI Application Note SLVA011. Though optimized for fixed 15 V output, its internal reference and feedback structure allow modification of output voltage above 15 V. However, accuracy, line/load regulation, and thermal performance degrade compared to native fixed-voltage operation-use only when 15 V is insufficient and no dedicated adjustable regulator is available.
What protection features are built into LM7815CT?
LM7815CT integrates three core protection mechanisms: (1) internal current limiting (~1.2 A short-circuit current), (2) thermal shutdown at 150°C junction temperature, and (3) safe-operating-area (SOA) protection to prevent second breakdown. These operate autonomously without external components, making LM7815CT inherently robust against overload, overheating, and voltage-current stress combinations.
LM7815CT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- 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):
- 2V @ 1A
- Current - Output:
- 1A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 8 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 70dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Current, Over Temperature, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220-3
LM7815CT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM7815CT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM7815CT 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 LM7815CT reliable?
The price and inventory of LM7815CT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM7815CT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM7815CT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM7815CT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM7815CT?
LM7815CT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM7815CT 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 LM7815CT?
For technical support, including LM7815CT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM7815CT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM7815CT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM7815CT 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 LM7815CT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM7815CT?
All LM7815CT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM7815CT, 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 LM7815CT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM7815CT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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