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onsemi MC78M15ACT
- Part No.:
- MC78M15ACT
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
MC78M15ACT.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 15V 500MA TO220AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,249
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Product details
Overview
MC78M15ACT from onsemi is a 500 mA, 15 V fixed-output linear voltage regulator in TO-220 package with ±3% output voltage accuracy (14.4–15.6 V), 2.0 V dropout, and integrated thermal shutdown and short-circuit protection. It delivers stable local regulation for industrial power supplies, automotive control modules, and embedded system rails where simplicity and ruggedness are critical.
For engineers reviewing the MC78M15ACT datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page provides verified electrical specs, thermal performance data, real-world load/line regulation behavior, and validated drop-in alternatives for cost-sensitive or AEC-Q100-compliant designs.
Technical Context
The MC78M15ACT uses a monolithic PNP pass transistor with safe-area compensation to maintain reliability under overload and high ambient temperature. Its internal current limiting activates at ~350 mA, and thermal shutdown engages at +150°C junction temperature - both features operate without external components.
Designed for fixed-voltage operation only, it requires no feedback network or external capacitors for basic stability but benefits from a 0.33 µF input bypass capacitor when fed via long traces. Ripple rejection is 54 dB at 120 Hz (100 mA load) and degrades above 1 kHz due to its untrimmed internal compensation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 15 V nominal; min/max 14.4–15.6 V at TJ = 25°C - ensures compatibility with 15 V logic and analog subsystems |
| Max Output Current | 500 mA continuous with adequate heatsinking - supports mid-power microcontroller boards and sensor interfaces |
| Dropout Voltage | 2.0 V typical at 350 mA - requires ≥17 V input for full 15 V output under load |
| Ripple Rejection | 54 dB at 120 Hz, 100 mA - suppresses rectified AC noise in offline power supplies |
| Thermal Shutdown | Activates at TJ ≥ +150°C - prevents catastrophic failure during sustained overload or poor heatsinking |
| Short-Circuit Current Limit | 350 mA typical - protects upstream supply and PCB traces during output faults |
| Operating Junction Temp | −40°C to +125°C - qualified for extended industrial and automotive under-hood environments |
Pinout & Package
MC78M15ACT is housed in a TO-220 (Case 221AB) plastic package with exposed metal tab electrically connected to Pin 2 (GND). The tab serves as the primary thermal path and must be mounted to a heatsink using insulating hardware if isolation is required.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Input | Unregulated DC input; accepts 17.5–30 V per spec - must be decoupled locally |
| Pin 2 | Ground | Common reference and heatsink connection point - low-impedance return path critical for stability |
| Pin 3 | Output | Regulated 15 V output; capable of sourcing up to 500 mA into capacitive or resistive loads |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external components required | Self-contained regulation - eliminates need for external feedback resistors or compensation networks |
| Internal thermal overload protection | Automatic shutdown at +150°C junction temp - enables safe operation without thermal sensors or firmware monitoring |
| Internal short-circuit current limiting | Clamps output to ~350 mA during fault - prevents trace damage and allows auto-recovery after fault clears |
| Output transistor safe-area compensation | Reduces short-circuit current as VI–VO increases - improves SOA margin during high-differential-voltage faults |
| Pb-free TO-220 package | RoHS-compliant lead finish and halogen-free molding compound - meets IPC-J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 1 |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply | Automotive Body Control Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Local 15 V rail generation from 24 V battery or rectified AC in factory automation I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary linear regulator supplying power to PLC digital inputs, relay drivers, and isolated RS-485 transceivers. Use Value: Eliminates need for switching regulators in noise-sensitive analog front-ends while maintaining ±3% output tolerance across −25°C to +70°C ambient. | Use Scenario: Powering window lift controllers, seat position sensors, and door lock actuators in 12/24 V vehicle architectures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary regulated supply for MCU peripherals and CAN transceiver biasing in non-safety-critical domains. Use Value: Withstands load dump pulses up to 35 V and operates over −40°C to +105°C case temperature - meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements when paired with input TVS. |
| Embedded System Backplane | Test & Measurement Equipment |
Use Scenario: Providing clean 15 V bias to op-amp rails and ADC reference buffers on modular instrumentation backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local point-of-load regulator minimizing ground bounce and supply coupling between adjacent slots. Use Value: 90 µV RMS output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz) and 54 dB ripple rejection preserve signal integrity for 16-bit+ data acquisition systems. | Use Scenario: Powering analog signal conditioning stages in portable multimeters and handheld oscilloscopes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, fixed-output source for precision voltage references and active filter ICs. Use Value: Stable 15 V output with <±0.3 mV/°C tempco enables drift-free calibration over operating temperature range - critical for Class II metrology compliance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar linear regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC7815CT | Same 15 V output, 1.5 A rating, TO-220 package - higher current but larger dropout (2.5 V) | Supports higher load currents but requires ≥17.5 V input; less suitable for low-headroom 24 V systems | Select MC7815CT only if >500 mA load current is needed and thermal design accommodates higher dissipation |
| NCV78M15BDTRKG | AEC-Q100 qualified, −40°C to +125°C operation, DPAK-3 package - same 500 mA rating and 2.0 V dropout | Surface-mount alternative with automotive qualification; lacks TO-220 mechanical robustness and heatsink interface | Choose NCV78M15BDTRKG for space-constrained automotive PCBs requiring PPAP documentation and extended temperature validation |
Compared with MC7815CT and NCV78M15BDTRKG, the MC78M15ACT offers optimal balance of through-hole mechanical reliability, industrial temperature range, and headroom efficiency - making it ideal for legacy-compatible upgrades and repair-focused designs where TO-220 serviceability matters.
Availability
MC78M15ACT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, automotive body electronics, and test equipment requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MC78M15ACT 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 solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.
The MC78Mxx series was engineered as a ruggedized, cost-optimized alternative to the classic 78xx family - delivering half the current (500 mA) with enhanced thermal protection and automotive-grade variants for harsh-environment applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage the MC78M15ACT can withstand?
The MC78M15ACT supports a maximum input voltage of 35 V DC under normal operating conditions, as specified in its Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This allows safe operation during transient events like load dump in automotive 24 V systems, provided appropriate input filtering and clamping (e.g., TVS diode) is implemented. Exceeding 35 V risks permanent damage even with brief exposure.
Does the MC78M15ACT require an input bypass capacitor?
Yes, the MC78M15ACT benefits from a 0.33 µF tantalum or ceramic capacitor placed directly across Pins 1 and 2 (input-to-ground) - especially when connected via long traces or feeding large output capacitance. This capacitor stabilizes the regulator under dynamic load changes and suppresses high-frequency noise that could otherwise cause oscillation or degraded ripple rejection.
Can the MC78M15ACT be used in parallel to increase output current?
No, the MC78M15ACT is not designed for parallel operation. Its output voltage tolerance (±3%) and lack of current-sharing circuitry mean paralleling units will result in uneven current distribution - one device may hog most of the load and thermally shut down. For higher current needs, use a single higher-rated regulator like MC7815CT or implement an external current-boost circuit with a PNP transistor.
What is the thermal resistance junction-to-case (θJC) for the MC78M15ACT?
The MC78M15ACT has a thermal resistance of 5.0°C/W from junction to case (θJC), measured under standard test conditions. This value assumes proper mounting of the TO-220 tab to a heatsink with thermal interface material. Effective heatsinking is essential to sustain 500 mA output at elevated ambient temperatures - for example, at TA = 50°C, a 20°C/W heatsink is required to keep TJ ≤ 125°C with 5 W dissipation.
Is the MC78M15ACT RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the MC78M15ACT is Pb-free and RoHS compliant, as confirmed by onsemi's packaging documentation and marking code "G" suffix. It uses halogen-free molding compound and meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 1, allowing unlimited floor life at ≤30°C/60% RH without dry-pack requirements.
MC78M15ACT 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):
- -
- 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:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
MC78M15ACT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC78M15ACT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC78M15ACT 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 MC78M15ACT reliable?
The price and inventory of MC78M15ACT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC78M15ACT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC78M15ACT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC78M15ACT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC78M15ACT?
MC78M15ACT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC78M15ACT 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 MC78M15ACT?
For technical support, including MC78M15ACT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC78M15ACT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC78M15ACT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC78M15ACT 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 MC78M15ACT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC78M15ACT?
All MC78M15ACT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC78M15ACT, 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 MC78M15ACT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC78M15ACT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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