My Inquiry
My Account
onsemi MC78L15ACPXA
- Part No.:
- MC78L15ACPXA
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
MC78L15ACPXA.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 15V 100MA TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,404
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
MC78L15ACPXA from ON Semiconductor is a fixed-output, 3-terminal positive linear voltage regulator delivering 15 V ±5% at up to 100 mA, featuring thermal overload protection and short-circuit current limiting in a TO-92 package. It operates across –40°C to +125°C and maintains stable regulation with ≤1.7 V dropout voltage, commonly used in low-power microcontroller supply rails and sensor interface circuitry.
For engineers reviewing the MC78L15ACPXA datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include output tolerance (±5%), quiescent current (2.1–6.0 mA), ripple rejection (34–60 dB), thermal shutdown behavior, and TO-92 mechanical compatibility for legacy board designs.
Technical Context
This device implements a monolithic series-pass regulator architecture with internal reference, error amplifier, pass transistor, and protection circuitry. It requires no external components for basic operation but benefits from input (0.33 µF) and output (0.1 µF) capacitors for stability and transient response per Figure 2 of the datasheet.
Regulation is achieved via feedback from the output to an internal bandgap reference; line regulation degrades above 20 V input for the 15 V variant, and load regulation remains within 12–75 mV over 1–40 mA. Dropout voltage is fixed at 1.7 V at 25°C, independent of load current in the specified test range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 15.0 V ±5% (14.25–15.75 V over full temp/load range) |
| Max Output Current | 100 mA continuous - limited by thermal dissipation (0.75 W max PD in TO-92) |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.7 V at 25°C - defines minimum input-to-output differential for regulation |
| Ripple Rejection | 34–60 dB at 120 Hz - suppresses AC ripple from unregulated DC supplies |
| Quiescent Current | 2.1–6.0 mA - impacts standby power in battery-operated systems |
| Operating Temp Range | –40°C to +125°C - supports industrial and automotive under-hood environments |
| Thermal Resistance | Junction-to-air: 150°C/W (TO-92) - dictates heatsinking requirement at full load |
Pinout & Package
MC78L15ACPXA uses the standard TO-92 through-hole package with 3 leads. Pin 1 is Output, Pin 2 is Ground, and Pin 3 is Input - consistent with industry-standard 78Lxx regulator pinout and mechanically compatible with legacy PCB footprints.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Output | Regulated +15 V supply rail; must be decoupled with 0.1 µF capacitor near load |
| 2 | GND | Common reference for input, output, and internal circuitry; low-impedance return path critical for noise control |
| 3 | Input | Unregulated DC input (≥16.7 V typical); requires 0.33 µF bypass capacitor if >2 inches from filter cap |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Thermal Overload Protection | Shuts down regulator when junction temperature exceeds safe limit (TJ(MAX) = 150°C), preventing permanent damage during sustained overload |
| Short-Circuit Current Limiting | Clamps output current to ~150 mA during hard shorts, enabling safe recovery without external fusing |
| ±5% Output Tolerance | Guarantees output stays within 14.25–15.75 V across temperature, line, and load - sufficient for non-critical analog and digital logic supplies |
| Low Quiescent Current | As low as 2.1 mA at 25°C - reduces idle power loss in always-on subsystems like real-time clocks or wake-up circuitry |
| Fixed 15 V Output | Eliminates need for external resistor dividers or trimming; simplifies BOM and layout for dedicated 15 V rail generation |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning | Legacy Microcontroller Power Supply |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Providing clean, stable 15 V bias to op-amps and instrumentation amplifiers in 4–20 mA transmitter modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary analog supply regulator - powers signal chain components requiring low-noise, tightly regulated voltage. Use Value: 90 µV/VO output noise and 34–60 dB ripple rejection minimize interference in precision analog measurements. |
Use Scenario: Powering 8-bit microcontrollers (e.g., PIC16F, 8051 derivatives) and associated peripherals in cost-sensitive industrial controls. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main logic supply regulator - delivers regulated 15 V where legacy designs require higher-voltage I/O or analog peripherals. Use Value: TO-92 footprint enables drop-in replacement on existing boards; ±5% tolerance meets most MCU VDD requirements. |
| Automotive Body Control Modules | Point-of-Load Regulation in Telecom Line Cards |
|
Use Scenario: Supplying 15 V to window lift motor drivers, mirror actuators, and interior lighting controllers in passenger vehicles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary supply regulator - converts 24 V battery-derived rail to 15 V for actuator interface ICs. Use Value: –40°C to +125°C operating range ensures reliability in under-dash environments; thermal shutdown prevents latch-up during load dump events. |
Use Scenario: Generating localized 15 V for op-amp-based line driver circuits in DSL or POTS line cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized analog supply regulator - provides isolated, low-noise 15 V from a shared 24 V or 48 V backplane. Use Value: 100 mA output capability supports multiple op-amps per card; TO-92 allows manual rework and field repairability. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar positive linear regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC78L15ACD | Same electrical specs, but in 8-SOIC package (surface-mount, 160°C/W θJA) | Requires PCB redesign for SMT assembly; better thermal performance at high ambient temperatures | Select when automated assembly, space constraints, or improved thermal management outweigh through-hole compatibility needs. |
| LM78L15ACZ | Identical TO-92 pinout and specs, but from Texas Instruments (formerly National Semiconductor) - same 15 V ±5%, 100 mA, 1.7 V dropout | No functional or mechanical differences; dual-sourcing option with identical second-source qualification | Choose for supply chain diversification while maintaining full form-fit-function equivalence. |
Compared with MC78L15ACPXA, MC78L15ACD offers superior thermal resistance in SMT format but demands layout change, whereas LM78L15ACZ provides identical through-hole compatibility and performance with alternate sourcing - making it ideal for long-lifecycle industrial programs needing redundancy.
Availability
MC78L15ACPXA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, legacy microcontroller power supplies, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for MC78L15ACPXA 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
ON Semiconductor is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensors, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.
The MC78LXXA series was designed as a cost-optimized, robust 3-terminal linear regulator family for general-purpose analog and digital supply applications where simplicity, reliability, and wide temperature operation are prioritized over ultra-low quiescent current or adjustable output.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage for MC78L15ACPXA?
The absolute maximum input voltage for MC78L15ACPXA is 35 V when operating at VO = 15 V, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. For reliable long-term operation, the recommended maximum is 30 V under normal conditions - exceeding this risks thermal overstress due to power dissipation limits (0.75 W max) in the TO-92 package.
Does MC78L15ACPXA require external capacitors to function?
MC78L15ACPXA does not require external capacitors to regulate, but the datasheet mandates a 0.33 µF input capacitor (CI) if the regulator is located more than ~2 inches from the main filter capacitor, and recommends a 0.1 µF output capacitor (CO) to improve transient response and stability. Omitting CO may cause oscillation under dynamic load changes.
Is MC78L15ACPXA pin-compatible with other 78Lxx regulators?
Yes - MC78L15ACPXA uses the standard TO-92 pinout (Pin 1 = Output, Pin 2 = GND, Pin 3 = Input) shared across the entire MC78LXXA/LM78LXXA family. This enables direct substitution with MC78L05ACPXA, MC78L12ACPXA, etc., provided input voltage and output current requirements align with the specific variant's ratings.
What is the thermal shutdown threshold for MC78L15ACPXA?
MC78L15ACPXA activates thermal shutdown when its junction temperature reaches approximately 150°C, as defined by TJ(MAX) in the Absolute Maximum Ratings. The device remains latched off until junction temperature falls by ~20–30°C, ensuring safe cooldown before automatic recovery - a feature confirmed in the Block Diagram and protection circuit description.
Can MC78L15ACPXA be used in automotive applications?
Yes - MC78L15ACPXA is qualified for operation from –40°C to +125°C and includes thermal overload and short-circuit protection, making it suitable for non-safety-critical automotive applications such as body control modules, HVAC actuators, and interior lighting. It is not AEC-Q100 qualified, so system-level validation is required for deployment in production vehicles.
MC78L15ACPXA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Cut Tape (CT)
- 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):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 100mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 6.5 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-92-3
MC78L15ACPXA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC78L15ACPXA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC78L15ACPXA 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 MC78L15ACPXA reliable?
The price and inventory of MC78L15ACPXA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC78L15ACPXA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC78L15ACPXA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC78L15ACPXA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC78L15ACPXA?
MC78L15ACPXA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC78L15ACPXA 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 MC78L15ACPXA?
For technical support, including MC78L15ACPXA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC78L15ACPXA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC78L15ACPXA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC78L15ACPXA 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 MC78L15ACPXA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC78L15ACPXA?
All MC78L15ACPXA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC78L15ACPXA, 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 MC78L15ACPXA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC78L15ACPXA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MC78L15ACPXA Tags
-
MIC5504-1.8YM5-TR
Microchip Technology
-
MIC5504-3.3YM5-TR
Microchip Technology
-
MIC5365-3.0YC5-TR
Microchip Technology
-
MIC5365-1.8YC5-TR
Microchip Technology
-
MIC5365-2.5YC5-TR
Microchip Technology
-
MIC5365-3.3YC5-TR
Microchip Technology
-
MIC5365-3.3YD5-TR
Microchip Technology
-
MIC5317-3.3YM5-TR
Microchip Technology
-
TLV1117LV33DCYR
Texas Instruments
-
MIC5317-3.3YMT-TZ
Microchip Technology
-
MIC5528-3.3YMT-TR
Microchip Technology
-
TLV75801PDRVR
Texas Instruments
Tech Hub
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
