onsemi MC78M15ABTG
- Part No.:
- MC78M15ABTG
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
MC78M15ABTG.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 15V 500MA TO220AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,281
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Product details
Overview
MC78M15ABTG from onsemi is a 500 mA, 15 V fixed-output positive voltage regulator in TO-220 package with ±2% output accuracy, internal thermal shutdown, short-circuit current limiting, and safe-area compensation for rugged local regulation. It delivers stable 15 V output across −40°C to +125°C junction temperature range and supports industrial power supplies, motor control logic rails, and embedded sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the MC78M15ABTG datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated pin functions, automotive-grade reliability data (AEC-Q100 qualified NCV variants exist), and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional trade-offs.
Technical Context
The MC78M15ABTG implements a monolithic three-terminal linear regulator architecture with an internal pass transistor featuring safe-area compensation to reduce short-circuit current as input-output differential increases. Its thermal overload protection activates at +150°C junction temperature, and internal current limiting caps peak output at 350 mA under short-circuit conditions at VI = 35 V.
It operates with a minimum dropout voltage of 2.0 V (VI − VO) at TJ = 25°C and maintains ±0.3 mV/°C average temperature coefficient over IO = 5.0 mA. Ripple rejection reaches 54 dB at 120 Hz (IO = 100 mA, VI = 18.5–28.5 V) and degrades to 70 dB under higher load (IO = 300 mA).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 15 V nominal, ±2% tolerance (14.7–15.3 V at TJ = 25°C); ensures tight rail stability for analog front-ends and MCU I/O domains. |
| Max Output Current | 500 mA continuous with adequate heatsinking; supports mid-power logic, op-amp biasing, and small solenoid drivers. |
| Input Voltage Range | 17.5–30 V DC (for 15 V output); requires ≥2.0 V headroom; compatible with 24 V industrial bus after basic filtering. |
| Line Regulation | 10 mV typical (≤50 mV max) over 17.5–30 V input; limits output drift due to upstream supply ripple or sag. |
| Load Regulation | 25 mV typical (≤150 mV max) from 5–500 mA load; maintains voltage accuracy across dynamic current steps. |
| Ripple Rejection | 54 dB @ 120 Hz, 100 mA load; suppresses rectified AC noise from unregulated DC inputs. |
| Junction Temp Range | −40°C to +150°C; certified for extended industrial and automotive under-hood environments. |
Pinout & Package
MC78M15ABTG uses the TO-220 (Case 221AB) package with heatsink surface electrically connected to Pin 2 (Ground). The plastic body has integral mounting tab for mechanical attachment and thermal conduction to external heatsinks.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Input | Unregulated DC input; must be ≥17.5 V and ≤35 V; bypass capacitor (≥0.33 µF) required for stability with long traces. |
| Pin 2 | Ground | Common reference and thermal path; heatsink surface is internally tied to this pin-must be isolated from other grounds if chassis-grounded. |
| Pin 3 | Output | Regulated 15 V output; capable of sourcing up to 500 mA; output capacitor (≥0.1 µF) recommended for transient response. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external components required | Operates stably with only input/output capacitors-reduces BOM count and layout complexity for space-constrained designs. |
| ±2% output accuracy (MC78MxxA series) | Meets tighter tolerance requirements than standard ±4% versions; eliminates need for post-regulation trimming in precision analog systems. |
| Internal thermal shutdown | Automatically disables output above +150°C junction temperature; prevents catastrophic failure during overload or poor heatsinking. |
| Safe-area compensated pass transistor | Reduces short-circuit current as VI−VO increases-limits power dissipation and improves fault robustness without external sensing. |
| Pb-free TO-220 package | RoHS-compliant construction with matte tin lead finish; compatible with standard reflow and hand-soldering processes. |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply | Automotive Body Control Module |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Local 15 V rail generation from 24 V vehicle battery for microcontroller peripherals and CAN transceivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary linear regulator providing clean, low-noise 15 V for MCU I/O and analog sensors. Use Value: −40°C to +125°C operation and AEC-Q100-qualified NCV variants ensure reliability in under-dash environments. |
Use Scenario: Powering door lock actuators, window lift controllers, and interior lighting drivers in BCM subassemblies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-voltage source for logic-level interface circuitry and small solenoid drivers. Use Value: 500 mA output and built-in short-circuit protection enable direct drive of 12–15 V DC loads without discrete FETs. |
| Test & Measurement Equipment | Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) I/O Module |
|
Use Scenario: Stable 15 V reference for op-amp biasing and ADC reference buffers in benchtop multimeters and signal generators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage source delivering low-noise, tightly regulated rail for analog signal chains. Use Value: ±2% accuracy and 90 µV RMS output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz) minimize measurement error and baseline drift. |
Use Scenario: Local regulation for digital I/O isolation circuits and optocoupler LED drivers in modular PLC backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: On-card voltage regulator supplying isolated 15 V to field-side interface ICs. Use Value: Internal current limiting and thermal shutdown protect against field-wiring faults and sustained overloads in industrial settings. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC7815CTG | Standard accuracy (±4%), 0°C to +125°C temp range; same TO-220 package and pinout. | Lacks automotive qualification and tighter tolerance; suitable for commercial-grade equipment only. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs accuracy and extended temperature needs. |
| NCV78M15BDTRKG | DPAK-3 package (smaller footprint), same −40°C to +125°C range and ±2% accuracy; Pb-free, AEC-Q100 qualified. | Lower thermal mass and 5.0°C/W junction-to-case resistance require PCB copper area for heatsinking instead of external heatsink. | Choose for space-constrained automotive modules where board-level thermal management is preferred over TO-220 mounting. |
Compared with MC78M15ABTG, MC7815CTG trades accuracy and temperature range for lower cost, while NCV78M15BDTRKG replaces TO-220 mechanical mounting with DPAK's compact thermal design-both retain identical 15 V functionality but differ in qualification scope and thermal implementation.
Availability
MC78M15ABTG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, automotive body control modules, and test & measurement equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MC78M15ABTG 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 manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, and sensor solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.
The MC78MxxA series was designed for rugged, local voltage regulation in harsh environments-emphasizing thermal resilience, fault protection, and high-accuracy output without external components.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for MC78M15ABTG?
The absolute maximum input voltage for MC78M15ABTG is 40 V DC, but the recommended operating range is 17.5 V to 30 V for 15 V output. Exceeding 35 V risks triggering internal current limiting even under no-load conditions, and sustained operation above 40 V may cause permanent damage per the datasheet's Maximum Ratings table.
Does MC78M15ABTG require input and output capacitors?
Yes, MC78M15ABTG requires a minimum 0.33 µF input capacitor (tantalum or ceramic) placed directly across Pins 1 and 2, and a 0.1 µF output capacitor (ceramic) across Pins 2 and 3. These stabilize loop response, suppress high-frequency noise, and prevent oscillation-especially critical with long PCB traces or large load capacitance.
Can MC78M15ABTG be used in automotive applications?
MC78M15ABTG itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified, but its pin-compatible NCV78M15B variant is. For automotive use, select NCV78M15BDTRKG (DPAK) or NCV78M15BTG (TO-220) instead-both share identical electrical specs and extend temperature range to −40°C to +125°C with full PPAP documentation support.
What is the thermal resistance and heatsink requirement for MC78M15ABTG at 500 mA?
MC78M15ABTG has θJC = 5.0°C/W and θJA = 70°C/W (free air). At 500 mA with 25 V input (7.5 W dissipation), junction temperature rises ~37.5°C above case. With ambient at 50°C and no heatsink, TJ ≈ 125°C-near limit. A 20°C/W heatsink keeps TJ < 100°C; infinite heatsink allows full 500 mA at 70°C ambient.
How does the safe-area compensation feature affect short-circuit behavior in MC78M15ABTG?
Safe-area compensation in MC78M15ABTG reduces short-circuit current as the input-output voltage differential increases-e.g., at VI = 35 V, IOS is limited to 350 mA (typical), whereas at VI = 20 V, it may reach 500 mA. This protects the internal pass transistor from second breakdown during sustained overloads without needing external current-sense circuitry.
MC78M15ABTG Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- 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:
- 500mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- -
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 70dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Temperature, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
MC78M15ABTG FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC78M15ABTG through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC78M15ABTG 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 MC78M15ABTG reliable?
The price and inventory of MC78M15ABTG are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC78M15ABTG is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC78M15ABTG?
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Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC78M15ABTG?
MC78M15ABTG orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC78M15ABTG 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 MC78M15ABTG?
For technical support, including MC78M15ABTG datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC78M15ABTG requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC78M15ABTG is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC78M15ABTG 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 MC78M15ABTG meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC78M15ABTG?
All MC78M15ABTG units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC78M15ABTG, 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 MC78M15ABTG part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC78M15ABTG:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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