onsemi MC78LC15NTR

Overview

MC78LC15NTR from onsemi is a fixed-output, micropower low-dropout linear voltage regulator delivering 1.5 V at up to 50 mA with ultra-low 1.1 µA typical quiescent current, housed in a Pb-free Thin SOT-23-5 package. It features ±2.5% output voltage accuracy over −40°C to +85°C, 35 mV dropout at 1 mA, and stable operation with ≥0.1 µF ceramic output capacitors. It is designed for battery-powered portable instrumentation requiring minimal standby power draw.

For engineers reviewing the MC78LC15NTR datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world application constraints, and confirmed alternative options for low-power 1.5 V regulation in space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The MC78LC15NTR uses a PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling low dropout and near-zero ground current under no-load conditions. Its internal voltage reference and error amplifier maintain regulation across input voltages from 2.5 V to 12 V, with line regulation of 0.05%/V typical and load regulation of 40 mV max from 1–10 mA.

Thermal design is constrained by its Thin SOT-23-5 (Case 483) package, rated for 140 mW power dissipation at TA = 85°C and 357 mW at TA = 25°C, with junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 280°C/W. It operates across the full industrial temperature range without external compensation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC78LC15NTR is packaged in a Pb-free Thin SOT-23-5 (Case 483), measuring 2.9 mm × 1.6 mm × 1.1 mm, with exposed pad not electrically connected. The package supports reflow soldering per J-STD-020 and has a maximum lead thickness of 0.1 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-quiescent-current LDO regulator applications.

Compared with MCP1700T-1502E/TT and TPS78015QDSERQ1, the MC78LC15NTR offers the optimal balance of ultra-low 1.1 µA IQ, 35 mV dropout, and industry-standard Thin SOT-23-5 footprint - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained portable instrumentation where 50 mA output suffices.

Availability

MC78LC15NTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, battery-powered data loggers, handheld test instruments, and wearable biometric monitors requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term sourcing.

Supply support for MC78LC15NTR 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 (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.

The MC78LC00 series was developed specifically for micropower, low-dropout regulation in battery-powered portable equipment - prioritizing ultra-low quiescent current, small footprint, and ceramic-capacitor stability over high output current or wide input range.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for MC78LC15NTR to maintain regulation?

The MC78LC15NTR maintains regulation down to a dropout voltage of 35 mV at 1 mA output, meaning the minimum input voltage is 1.535 V. At higher loads (e.g., 50 mA), dropout increases to 70 mV per datasheet Figure 6, requiring Vin ≥ 1.57 V. Input must remain within 2.5–12 V absolute maximum ratings.

Can MC78LC15NTR operate with a 0.1 µF ceramic output capacitor?

Yes - the MC78LC15NTR is explicitly designed for stability with ≥0.1 µF ceramic capacitors, as stated in the datasheet Applications Information section. No ESR requirements apply, unlike older LDOs. Larger values improve transient response but are not necessary for basic regulation.

Is MC78LC15NTR pin-compatible with other MC78LCxxNTR variants?

Yes - all MC78LCxxNTR devices (e.g., MC78LC18NTR, MC78LC33NTR) share identical Thin SOT-23-5 (Case 483) packaging and pinout: Pin 1 = GND, Pin 2 = Vin, Pin 3 = Vout, Pins 4–5 = N/C. Only the output voltage differs; no PCB redesign is needed when changing voltage variants.

What is the thermal performance limit of MC78LC15NTR in a standard PCB layout?

In a standard FR-4 PCB with 1 oz copper and minimal copper pour, the MC78LC15NTR's 280°C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance limits continuous power dissipation to 140 mW at TA = 85°C. At 25°C ambient, it can dissipate up to 357 mW - corresponding to ~238 mA at 1.5 V output with 10 V input (ΔV = 8.5 V).

Does MC78LC15NTR include built-in protection features?

The MC78LC15NTR integrates ESD protection exceeding 2000 V HBM (MIL-STD-883 Method 3015) and 200 V machine model, plus latch-up immunity of 100 mA at 85°C. It does not include thermal shutdown or current limiting - external design must ensure power dissipation stays within safe operating area.