onsemi MC78M15ACDT
- Part No.:
- MC78M15ACDT
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-252-3, DPAK (2 Leads + Tab), SC-63
- Datasheet:
-
MC78M15ACDT.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 15V 500MA DPAK
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,845
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Product details
Overview
MC78M15ACDT from onsemi is a 15 V, 500 mA fixed-output positive linear voltage regulator in DPAK-3 (TO-252) package, featuring ±2% output accuracy, internal thermal shutdown, short-circuit current limiting, and safe-area compensation for rugged local regulation. It delivers stable 15 V power to industrial control modules, automotive body electronics, and embedded sensor interfaces requiring low-noise, self-contained regulation.
For engineers reviewing the MC78M15ACDT datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 15 V ±2% output tolerance at 500 mA, 2.0 V dropout voltage, 90 µV RMS output noise, and DPAK-3 thermal resistance (θJA = 92°C/W, θJC = 5.0°C/W) under standard PCB copper layout.
Technical Context
The MC78M15ACDT implements a monolithic three-terminal series pass architecture with integrated bandgap reference, error amplifier, and Darlington pass transistor. Its internal safe-area compensation dynamically reduces short-circuit current as input-to-output differential increases, preventing second breakdown during fault conditions.
Thermal overload protection activates at +150°C junction temperature, and short-circuit current limiting holds peak output current to 350 mA at 35 V input. The device operates across 0°C to +125°C ambient without external components, supporting local regulation where space-constrained PCBs preclude switching solutions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 15 V ±2% (±0.3 V) at TJ = 25°C - ensures tight regulation for analog front-ends and microcontroller I/O rails |
| Max Output Current | 500 mA continuous with adequate heatsinking - supports mid-power analog circuits and logic subsystems |
| Dropout Voltage | 2.0 V typical at 350 mA - requires minimum 17 V input for stable 15 V output under full load |
| Ripple Rejection | 54 dB at 100 mA / 120 Hz (18.5–28.5 V input) - suppresses line-frequency ripple in AC/DC-derived supplies |
| Output Noise | 90 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz) - low enough for precision ADC references and op-amp biasing |
| Thermal Resistance | θJA = 92°C/W, θJC = 5.0°C/W - defines heatsink requirements for 5 W max dissipation in DPAK-3 on 1 oz. copper |
| Short-Circuit Limit | 350 mA typical at VI = 35 V - protects downstream circuitry while allowing brief fault recovery |
Pinout & Package
DPAK-3 (TO-252) plastic surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad connected to Pin 2 (GND). Heatsink surface is electrically tied to ground for optimal thermal transfer and EMI control.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Input | Unregulated DC input (VI ≤ 40 V); requires ≥0.33 µF bypass capacitor near pin for stability |
| 2 | Ground | Common reference and thermal path; must be connected to large copper pour for thermal management |
| 3 | Output | Regulated 15 V output; supports up to 500 mA with <25 mV load regulation (5–500 mA) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external components required | Self-contained regulation with internal feedback network - eliminates external resistors/capacitors for basic operation |
| ±2% output accuracy (MC78MxxA grade) | Tighter tolerance than standard MC78MxxC (±3%) - reduces need for post-regulation trimming in 15 V analog systems |
| Internal thermal shutdown | Activates at +150°C junction temperature - prevents permanent damage during sustained overload or poor heatsinking |
| Safe-area compensated pass transistor | Reduces short-circuit current as VI−VO increases - avoids destructive SOA violations during input overvoltage faults |
| Pb-free DPAK-3 package | RoHS-compliant, surface-mountable footprint (6.10 × 6.54 mm) - compatible with automated assembly and IPC-7351 standards |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Modules | Automotive Body Control Units |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering isolated 15 V analog sensor signal conditioning stages in programmable logic controller backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local voltage regulation for op-amps and ADC drivers, rejecting ripple from shared 24 V DC bus. Use Value: 54 dB ripple rejection and 90 µV noise ensure <1 LSB error in 12-bit industrial ADC systems operating at 15 V. | Use Scenario: Supplying 15 V to window lift motor controllers and door lock actuators in vehicle body electronics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 15 V rail generator with built-in short-circuit protection for intermittent high-current loads. Use Value: 350 mA short-circuit limit and thermal shutdown prevent fuse blowing and wiring harness damage during actuator stall events. |
| Embedded Sensor Signal Chains | Legacy Instrumentation Power Rails |
Use Scenario: Providing clean 15 V bias to MEMS pressure transducers and bridge amplifiers in portable test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise analog supply rail decoupled from noisy digital domains using single-point grounding. Use Value: 90 µV RMS noise and ±2% accuracy maintain transducer full-scale linearity within ±0.25% of reading. | Use Scenario: Replacing obsolete 7815 regulators in legacy benchtop oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers requiring 15 V analog supply. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in replacement for through-hole 7815 with identical electrical behavior and improved thermal performance in SMT layout. Use Value: DPAK-3 footprint enables retrofit into existing PCBs with minimal rework, while 92°C/W θJA improves reliability over TO-220 equivalents. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar linear voltage regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC78M15CDTRKG | ±3% output tolerance (vs. ±2% for MC78M15ACDT), same DPAK-3 package and 500 mA rating | Suitable for non-critical 15 V logic rails where tighter accuracy is unnecessary | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs 15 V analog precision requirements |
| NCV78M15BDTRKG | −40°C to +125°C automotive-grade temp range (vs. 0°C to +125°C), AEC-Q100 qualified | Required for under-hood automotive applications subject to extended temperature cycling | Choose for automotive body electronics needing PPAP documentation and extended qualification |
Compared with MC78M15CDTRKG, the MC78M15ACDT provides tighter output accuracy for analog-sensitive designs; compared with NCV78M15BDTRKG, it offers lower cost and simpler qualification but lacks automotive temperature range and PPAP support.
Availability
MC78M15ACDT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive body electronics, and embedded instrumentation requiring stable component supply with consistent lead times and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MC78M15ACDT 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, and sensing technologies for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.
The MC78MxxA series was designed for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding high-reliability linear regulation without external components - particularly in industrial controls and automotive subsystems.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for the MC78M15ACDT?
The MC78M15ACDT has an absolute maximum input voltage of 40 V DC, as specified in the Maximum Ratings table. Operation above 35 V is not recommended for long-term reliability, and the device is typically used with input voltages between 17.5 V and 30 V to maintain regulation while staying within safe power dissipation limits.
Does the MC78M15ACDT require input or output capacitors for stable operation?
While the MC78M15ACDT is internally compensated and can operate without external capacitors, onsemi recommends a minimum 0.33 µF tantalum or ceramic capacitor across the input pins to suppress high-frequency noise and ensure stability-especially when input traces exceed 2 inches or when powering large capacitive loads. An output capacitor is optional but improves transient response.
How does the thermal performance of MC78M15ACDT compare between DPAK-3 and TO-220 packages?
The MC78M15ACDT in DPAK-3 (Case 369C) has θJA = 92°C/W and θJC = 5.0°C/W, whereas the TO-220 version (MC78M15ACTG) achieves θJA = 70°C/W. The DPAK-3 variant relies more heavily on PCB copper area for heat spreading, making thermal design more layout-dependent but enabling compact SMT integration without mounting hardware.
Can the MC78M15ACDT be used in adjustable configurations?
Yes-the MC78M15ACDT can be configured as an adjustable regulator using an external resistor divider and op-amp feedback, as shown in Figure 11 of the datasheet. However, the minimum output voltage achievable is 2.0 V above the internal 15 V reference, so outputs below 17 V are not possible without modifying the reference path, which voids guaranteed specifications.
What is the load regulation specification for MC78M15ACDT across its full current range?
At TJ = 25°C, the MC78M15ACDT exhibits ≤300 mV load regulation from 5 mA to 500 mA (per Table on page 5), and ≤150 mV from 5 mA to 200 mA. This means output voltage shifts no more than ±150 mV when load changes within the common 200 mA range, supporting stable operation for mixed-signal SoCs and analog peripherals.
MC78M15ACDT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-252-3, DPAK (2 Leads + Tab), SC-63
- 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):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 500mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- -
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 70dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Temperature, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DPAK
MC78M15ACDT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC78M15ACDT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC78M15ACDT 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 MC78M15ACDT reliable?
The price and inventory of MC78M15ACDT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC78M15ACDT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC78M15ACDT?
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4.How is shipping managed for MC78M15ACDT?
MC78M15ACDT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC78M15ACDT 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 MC78M15ACDT?
For technical support, including MC78M15ACDT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC78M15ACDT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC78M15ACDT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC78M15ACDT 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 MC78M15ACDT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC78M15ACDT?
All MC78M15ACDT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC78M15ACDT, 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 MC78M15ACDT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC78M15ACDT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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