onsemi MC7815ACT
- Part No.:
- MC7815ACT
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
MC7815ACT.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 15V 1A TO220AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,689
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Product details
Overview
MC7815ACT from onsemi is a fixed-output +15 V, 1.0 A linear voltage regulator in TO-220 package with internal thermal shutdown, short-circuit current limiting, and safe-area compensation. It delivers stable output under input voltages from 17.9 V to 30 V, supports ≤2.0 V dropout at 1.0 A, and is used for local regulation in industrial power supplies, embedded controllers, and analog sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the MC7815ACT datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page provides verified specifications, thermal design guidance, load/line regulation behavior, and validated alternative parts for cost, availability, or automotive-grade upgrade paths.
Technical Context
The MC7815ACT employs a monolithic bipolar pass transistor with built-in safe-area compensation to prevent second breakdown during overload. Its internal current limit is fixed at 0.2 A (short-circuit) and peak output reaches 2.2 A under pulse conditions with adequate heatsinking.
It operates without external components for basic regulation but requires ≥0.33 µF input bypass capacitor when located remotely from bulk filter. Output stability is independent of output capacitance, though ≥0.1 µF improves transient response - no ESR requirements are specified.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | +15.0 V ±3% (14.4–15.6 V at TJ = 25°C; 14.4–15.75 V over full load/temp range) |
| Output Current | 1.0 A continuous (2.2 A peak); requires heatsink above ~0.5 A in still air |
| Input Voltage Range | 17.9 V to 30 V DC (minimum 2.0 V headroom required for regulation) |
| Dropout Voltage | 2.0 V at 1.0 A and TJ = 25°C - defines minimum input for stable 15 V output |
| Ripple Rejection | 58 dB typical at 120 Hz (18.5–28.5 V input), critical for noisy AC/DC front-end rejection |
| Quiescent Current | 3.5 mA typical (≤6.0 mA max), enabling low-noise biasing without significant overhead loss |
| Thermal Protection | Internal shutdown at TJ ≥ +150°C; automatic recovery after cooldown |
Pinout & Package
MC7815ACT uses the standard TO-220 package (Case 221AB), with metal tab electrically connected to Pin 2 (Ground). Heatsinking is mandatory for >500 mA continuous operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Input | Unregulated DC input (17.9–30 V); must be bypassed with ≥0.33 µF capacitor near pin |
| Pin 2 | Ground | Common reference for input and output; metal tab is internally tied to this pin |
| Pin 3 | Output | Regulated +15 V output; no output capacitor required for stability, but ≥0.1 µF improves transient response |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fixed +15 V output | Eliminates external resistor network; reduces BOM count and layout sensitivity |
| Internal short-circuit protection | Limits fault current to 0.2 A, preventing damage during output shorts without external fusing |
| Thermal shutdown | Halts operation at junction temperature ≥150°C; self-resets upon cooling - no latch-up |
| Safe-area compensated pass transistor | Prevents secondary breakdown during high-VCE/high-IC transients (e.g., start-up into capacitive loads) |
| No external components required | Enables drop-in replacement in legacy designs; simplifies qualification for industrial control systems |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Power Rails | Analog Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering 24 VDC field I/O modules requiring isolated +15 V for op-amps and ADC drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local point-of-load regulator converting 24 V system rail to clean +15 V analog supply. Use Value: 58 dB ripple rejection suppresses switching noise from upstream DC/DC converters, preserving 12-bit ADC accuracy. |
Use Scenario: Supplying precision instrumentation amplifiers in temperature/pressure transmitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, fixed-voltage source for signal-chain biasing with minimal quiescent current overhead. Use Value: 10 µV/V output noise and <1.2 mΩ output impedance ensure sub-mV offset drift across temperature. |
| Legacy Embedded Controller Boards | Test Equipment Auxiliary Supplies |
|
Use Scenario: Retrofitting aging microcontroller-based motor drives needing reliable +15 V for gate drivers and logic. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in replacement for obsolete 7815 variants with identical pinout and thermal profile. Use Value: TO-220 mechanical compatibility and 2.0 V dropout allow reuse of existing heatsink and PCB footprint. |
Use Scenario: Generating auxiliary bias rails in benchtop multimeters and oscilloscope front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable, low-drift voltage reference for calibration circuitry and analog comparators. Use Value: −1.0 mV/°C temperature coefficient enables <±5 mV drift over −40°C to +85°C operating range. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed positive voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM7815CT | Same TO-220 package, 1.0 A rating, but higher dropout (2.5 V typ), lower ripple rejection (50 dB), and no AEC-Q100 option | Not qualified for automotive use; less robust under high-line/low-load conditions | Select LM7815CT only for cost-sensitive non-automotive prototypes where 0.5 V extra headroom is acceptable |
| NCV7815BD2T | Automotive-grade variant (AEC-Q100 Grade 1), D2PAK-3 package, same electrical specs but enhanced ESD (2 kV HBM) and extended temp range (−40°C to +150°C) | Designed for under-hood automotive ECUs; requires re-layout due to surface-mount D2PAK footprint | Choose NCV7815BD2T for new automotive designs requiring PPAP support and extended reliability validation |
Compared with LM7815CT, MC7815ACT offers superior ripple rejection and tighter thermal shutdown threshold; versus NCV7815BD2T, it trades automotive qualification for through-hole ease-of-use and legacy board compatibility.
Availability
MC7815ACT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, test equipment, and embedded controller applications requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MC7815ACT 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
onsemi is a global semiconductor supplier focused on energy-efficient electronics, delivering silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and IoT markets.
The MC7800 series was designed for rugged, low-maintenance local regulation in harsh environments - emphasizing thermal resilience, fault tolerance, and drop-in replaceability across decades of industrial hardware.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for MC7815ACT to maintain regulation?
The MC7815ACT requires a minimum input voltage of 17.9 V DC to sustain +15 V output under full 1.0 A load and 25°C junction temperature. This 2.9 V headroom exceeds the 2.0 V typical dropout to accommodate line and load transients while maintaining regulation margin per datasheet Section 11.
Does MC7815ACT require an output capacitor for stability?
No, MC7815ACT does not require an output capacitor for stability - its internal compensation is fully autonomous. However, adding ≥0.1 µF ceramic or tantalum capacitor at the output significantly improves transient response to step-load changes, especially in sensor or DAC reference applications.
Can MC7815ACT be used in parallel for higher current?
MC7815ACT is not designed for direct parallel operation due to mismatched output voltages and lack of current-sharing features. Attempting parallel connection risks thermal runaway. For >1.0 A, use a single higher-current regulator or implement external current-balancing circuitry with sense resistors and op-amps.
What thermal derating applies to MC7815ACT at elevated ambient temperatures?
With no heatsink, MC7815ACT derates to ~0.3 A at 50°C ambient (RJA = 92°C/W). With a 10°C/W heatsink and thermal interface, it sustains 1.0 A up to ~65°C ambient. Full 1.0 A operation requires heatsink design ensuring TJ ≤ 125°C per Absolute Maximum Ratings table on page 1.
Is MC7815ACT RoHS-compliant and lead-free?
Yes, MC7815ACT is a Pb-free device per onsemi's product marking and packaging documentation (Page 1, Features section). It meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and is compatible with lead-free reflow soldering profiles, including peak temperatures up to 260°C.
MC7815ACT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- 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 (Typ)
- Current - Output:
- 1A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 6 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 80dB (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
MC7815ACT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC7815ACT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC7815ACT 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 MC7815ACT reliable?
The price and inventory of MC7815ACT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC7815ACT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC7815ACT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC7815ACT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC7815ACT?
MC7815ACT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC7815ACT 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 MC7815ACT?
For technical support, including MC7815ACT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC7815ACT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC7815ACT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC7815ACT 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 MC7815ACT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC7815ACT?
All MC7815ACT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC7815ACT, 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 MC7815ACT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC7815ACT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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