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onsemi LM7915CT
- Part No.:
- LM7915CT
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
LM7915CT.pdf
- Description:
- LM79 3-TERMINAL, 1.5A NEGATIVE V
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,226
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Product details
Overview
LM7915CT from Texas Instruments is a fixed-output, three-terminal negative voltage regulator delivering −15 V at up to 1.5 A output current with ±4% output voltage tolerance, 1.1 V dropout voltage at 1 A, and 70 dB ripple rejection at 120 Hz. It operates across 0°C to +125°C junction temperature and is used in dual-rail power supplies, analog instrumentation, and industrial control systems requiring stable negative bias.
For engineers reviewing the LM7915CT datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its TO-220 package thermal performance (θJA = 40°C/W max), guaranteed safe-area protection, low ground current enabling output voltage boosting, and compatibility with solid tantalum or ≥25 μF aluminum electrolytic output capacitors.
Technical Context
The LM7915CT implements a monolithic PNP pass transistor architecture with internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and safe-area compensation-ensuring robust operation under overload, short-circuit, or high ambient temperature conditions. Its design eliminates need for external compensation components beyond a single output capacitor.
It delivers regulated −15 V output with line regulation of ≤5 mV over −30 V to −17.5 V input range and load regulation of ≤15 mV across 5 mA to 1.5 A output current. Quiescent current remains stable at 1.5–3 mA with <0.5 mA variation under line or load changes.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | −15.0 V nominal, −14.4 V to −15.6 V over full operating range - ensures precise negative rail generation for op-amp biasing and ADC reference. |
| Output Current | 1.5 A continuous - supports medium-power analog circuits without external pass devices. |
| Ripple Rejection | 70 dB at 120 Hz - suppresses rectified AC noise in linear power supplies feeding sensitive analog stages. |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.1 V at 1 A - enables use with input as low as −16.1 V while maintaining regulation, reducing heat sink requirements. |
| Thermal Protection | Internal shutdown at ~125°C junction - prevents catastrophic failure during sustained overload or inadequate heatsinking. |
| Line Regulation | ≤5 mV over −30 V to −17.5 V input - maintains stable output despite transformer or rectifier variations. |
| Load Regulation | ≤15 mV from 5 mA to 1.5 A - preserves accuracy across dynamic load profiles in mixed-signal systems. |
Pinout & Package
LM7915CT is housed in a TO-220 package (Package Number NDE0003B) with exposed metal tab electrically connected to the output terminal. The package provides θJC = 3.0°C/W typical and θJA = 40°C/W maximum thermal resistance, requiring mechanical mounting to a heatsink for >500 mA continuous operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Input (Pin 1) | Negative input supply connection | Accepts unregulated negative DC input; must be ≥−23 V and maintain ≥1.1 V headroom above −15 V output. |
| Ground (Pin 2) | Reference node for regulation and feedback | Low quiescent current (1.5–3 mA) minimizes error in precision voltage boosting networks using resistor dividers. |
| Output (Pin 3) | Regulated −15 V source | Tab-connected output enables direct heatsink mounting; requires ≥1 μF solid tantalum or ≥25 μF aluminum electrolytic capacitor for stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Thermal overload protection | Automatic shutdown at ~125°C junction temperature prevents irreversible damage during transient overloads or poor heatsinking. |
| Safe-area compensated pass transistor | Reduces output current as VCE increases, preventing second breakdown during high-voltage/low-current stress conditions. |
| High ripple rejection (70 dB) | Enables clean −15 V rail directly from bridge-rectified transformer outputs without additional LC filtering stages. |
| Low ground pin current | Enables accurate output voltage boosting via external resistor divider without significant current-induced error. |
| Fixed −15 V output with ±4% tolerance | Eliminates trimming components in cost-sensitive applications such as industrial sensor signal conditioning and legacy analog equipment. |
Applications
| Industrial Dual-Rail Power Supply | Analog Instrumentation Biasing |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Generating matched ±15 V rails for operational amplifiers and data acquisition front-ends in programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Negative rail regulator providing stable −15 V bias for precision op-amps and ADC drivers. Use Value: Delivers 1.5 A output with ≤15 mV load regulation, ensuring minimal offset drift across varying channel count and sampling rates. |
Use Scenario: Powering high-accuracy analog front-ends in portable multimeters and calibration standards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed negative voltage source for reference buffers and low-noise preamplifiers. Use Value: 300 μV output noise (10 Hz–100 Hz) and 70 dB ripple rejection preserve measurement resolution below 16-bit ENOB. |
| Legacy Audio Equipment Repair | Test & Measurement Equipment |
|
Use Scenario: Replacing obsolete −15 V regulators in vintage audio mixing consoles and synthesizers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in compatible negative supply regulator maintaining original circuit functionality. Use Value: Identical TO-220 pinout and electrical specs enable direct replacement without PCB modification or recalibration. |
Use Scenario: Providing isolated negative bias for oscilloscope vertical amplifier stages and function generator output buffers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Regulated −15 V source supporting wide-swing differential signaling and active termination. Use Value: Thermal shutdown and safe-area protection ensure reliability during extended bench testing with variable loads. |
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 | Adjustable output (−1.25 V to −37 V); requires two external resistors; 1.2 A max output; higher quiescent current (5–10 mA). | Used where programmable or non-standard negative voltages (e.g., −8.2 V, −18 V) are required; less suitable for cost-sensitive fixed −15 V designs. | Select LM337T only when output voltage flexibility outweighs added BOM cost and layout complexity. |
| MC7915CD2TR4G | Same −15 V output, TO-220 package, but rated for −40°C to +125°C industrial temp range; slightly lower dropout (1.0 V); RoHS-compliant with matte tin lead finish. | Preferred for extended temperature environments (e.g., outdoor telecom, automotive test gear); identical pinout and basic electrical behavior. | Choose MC7915CD2TR4G for new designs requiring wider temperature range or stricter RoHS compliance without redesign. |
Compared with LM337T and MC7915CD2TR4G, the LM7915CT offers lowest BOM count for fixed −15 V, best cost-per-watt in standard temperature applications, and proven field reliability in legacy analog systems-but lacks extended temperature rating or adjustable output capability.
Availability
LM7915CT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, analog test equipment, and legacy electronics repair requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for LM7915CT 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 founded in 1930, specializing in analog ICs, embedded processors, and high-reliability power management solutions.
The LM79XX series was designed specifically for cost-effective, robust linear regulation in dual-rail analog systems-emphasizing thermal safety, ripple immunity, and minimal external component count.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage for LM7915CT?
The LM7915CT supports a maximum input voltage of −35 V when regulating −15 V output. Exceeding this limit risks permanent damage due to internal transistor breakdown. Operation within −23 V to −35 V requires careful thermal management, as power dissipation rises sharply with increased input-output differential.
Does LM7915CT require an input bypass capacitor?
Yes, the LM7915CT requires a minimum 2.2 μF input bypass capacitor-preferably ceramic or solid tantalum-mounted with shortest possible leads. This stabilizes the regulator against line transients and reduces high-frequency noise coupling into the output stage, especially when the raw supply filter is located more than 2 inches away.
Can LM7915CT be used in parallel for higher current?
No, the LM7915CT is not designed for parallel operation. Its output voltage tolerance (±4%) and thermal drift characteristics prevent balanced current sharing. Attempting parallel connection may cause one device to dominate conduction, leading to thermal runaway and premature failure of the overloaded unit.
What is the purpose of the exposed metal tab on LM7915CT?
The exposed metal tab on the LM7915CT is electrically connected to Pin 3 (Output) and serves as the primary thermal path to a heatsink. It must be insulated from chassis ground using mica or silicone washers if the output is not referenced to system ground, and mounted with thermal compound to maintain θJA ≤40°C/W for full 1.5 A operation.
Is LM7915CT RoHS compliant?
Yes, the LM7915CT/NOPB variant is RoHS compliant and features Green (halogen-free) packaging with matte tin lead finish. The "NOPB" suffix explicitly denotes lead-free, RoHS-compliant construction per TI's 2020 packaging addendum, making it suitable for environmentally regulated industrial and medical applications.
LM7915CT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- 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):
- 2V @ 1A
- Current - Output:
- 1A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 6 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 60dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Temperature, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220-3
LM7915CT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM7915CT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM7915CT 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 LM7915CT reliable?
The price and inventory of LM7915CT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM7915CT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM7915CT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM7915CT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM7915CT?
LM7915CT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM7915CT 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 LM7915CT?
For technical support, including LM7915CT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM7915CT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM7915CT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM7915CT 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 LM7915CT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM7915CT?
All LM7915CT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM7915CT, 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 LM7915CT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM7915CT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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