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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Power Management (PMIC) > Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators

onsemi MC78M15ACTG

Name: MC78M15ACTG
Brand: onsemi
SKU: MC78M15ACTG
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: MC78M15ACTG

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators

Package:: TO-220-3

Datasheet:: MC78M15ACTG.pdf

Description:: IC REG LINEAR 15V 500MA TO220AB

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

MC78M15ACTG from onsemi is a 15 V, 500 mA fixed-output positive linear 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 17.5–30 V input range with ≤300 mV load regulation (5–500 mA) and 54 dB ripple rejection at 100 mA/120 Hz, used in industrial power supplies and embedded control subsystems.

For engineers reviewing the MC78M15ACTG datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design values, validated alternatives, and supply-chain-ready availability details - all grounded in onsemi's official MC78M00A Series documentation.

Technical Context

The MC78M15ACTG implements a monolithic three-terminal series pass architecture with built-in thermal overload protection that disables output above +150°C junction temperature, and internal short-circuit current limiting that caps peak output at 350 mA under fault conditions. Its safe-area compensated output transistor prevents secondary breakdown during high-V_CE stress.

It operates over 0°C to +125°C junction temperature range with 2.0 V dropout voltage at 200 mA, 10 mV line regulation (17.5–30 V input), and ±0.3 mV/°C average temperature coefficient - enabling reliable operation in unregulated DC rails feeding analog sensors, microcontroller peripherals, and relay drivers.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Output Voltage	15.0 V ±2% (T_J = 25°C); maintains 14.25–15.75 V across full load and input range
Max Output Current	500 mA continuous (with heatsink); supports mid-power analog/digital loads without external boosting
Dropout Voltage	2.0 V typical at 200 mA; requires ≥17 V input for stable 15 V output under full load
Ripple Rejection	54 dB at 100 mA / 120 Hz; suppresses AC line noise in transformer-rectifier supplies
Load Regulation	≤300 mV (5–500 mA); ensures <20 mV variation across 99% of operating load range
Thermal Shutdown	Activates at T_J = +150°C; protects against sustained overload or inadequate heatsinking
Short-Circuit Limit	350 mA typical; limits fault current to prevent PCB trace damage or upstream fuse blow

Pinout & Package

MC78M15ACTG uses TO-220 package (Case 221AB), with heatsink surface electrically connected to Pin 2 (Ground). The plastic package has θ_JA = 70°C/W (free air) and θ_JC = 5.0°C/W, enabling 7.52 W max dissipation with infinite heatsink.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Pin 1	Input	Unregulated DC input (17.5–30 V); must be bypassed with ≥0.33 µF low-ESR capacitor near pin
Pin 2	Ground	Common reference and thermal path; heatsink surface tied directly to this pin
Pin 3	Output	Regulated +15 V output; capable of sourcing up to 500 mA with ≤300 mV load-induced drift

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
No external components required	Operates stably with only input/output capacitors - eliminates loop compensation design effort
±2% output accuracy (MC78M15AC)	Tighter tolerance than standard MC78M15C (±3%), reducing need for post-regulation trimming
Internal short-circuit current limiting	Clamps fault current to ~350 mA, protecting traces and upstream converters without external fusing
Safe-area compensated pass transistor	Prevents thermal runaway during high-voltage/low-current operation (e.g., light-load standby)
Pb-free TO-220 package	RoHS-compliant lead finish and packaging; compatible with standard wave soldering profiles

Applications

Industrial Power Supply	Microcontroller Peripherals
Use Scenario: Local 15 V rail generation from 24 VDC industrial bus for analog I/O modules and signal conditioning circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary linear regulator providing clean, low-noise 15 V for op-amps, ADC references, and isolated gate drivers. Use Value: 54 dB ripple rejection and ≤90 µV_RMS output noise ensure <1 LSB error in 12-bit ADC systems.	Use Scenario: Dedicated 15 V supply for external DACs, motor driver logic, and RS-485 transceivers in MCU-based motion controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output LDO delivering stable voltage to timing-critical interface ICs with minimal board space. Use Value: ±2% accuracy and 300 mV load regulation guarantee compliant voltage margins across full 5–500 mA load swing.
Relay Driver Circuit	Analog Sensor Interface
Use Scenario: Powering 15 V coil relays in programmable logic controllers where inrush current must be managed. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Regulator with integrated short-circuit protection acting as current-limited source during relay pull-in. Use Value: 350 mA current limit safely handles 200–300 mA relay inrush without tripping upstream breakers.	Use Scenario: Biasing 15 V analog front-ends for strain gauges, RTDs, and 4–20 mA transmitter circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage reference source with low tempco (±0.3 mV/°C) for ratiometric sensor excitation. Use Value: Stable 15 V output enables <0.05% full-scale error drift over 0–70°C ambient range.

Industrial Power Supply

Microcontroller Peripherals

Use Scenario: Local 15 V rail generation from 24 VDC industrial bus for analog I/O modules and signal conditioning circuits.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary linear regulator providing clean, low-noise 15 V for op-amps, ADC references, and isolated gate drivers.

Use Value: 54 dB ripple rejection and ≤90 µV_RMS output noise ensure <1 LSB error in 12-bit ADC systems.

Use Scenario: Dedicated 15 V supply for external DACs, motor driver logic, and RS-485 transceivers in MCU-based motion controllers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output LDO delivering stable voltage to timing-critical interface ICs with minimal board space.

Use Value: ±2% accuracy and 300 mV load regulation guarantee compliant voltage margins across full 5–500 mA load swing.

Relay Driver Circuit

Analog Sensor Interface

Use Scenario: Powering 15 V coil relays in programmable logic controllers where inrush current must be managed.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Regulator with integrated short-circuit protection acting as current-limited source during relay pull-in.

Use Value: 350 mA current limit safely handles 200–300 mA relay inrush without tripping upstream breakers.

Use Scenario: Biasing 15 V analog front-ends for strain gauges, RTDs, and 4–20 mA transmitter circuits.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage reference source with low tempco (±0.3 mV/°C) for ratiometric sensor excitation.

Use Value: Stable 15 V output enables <0.05% full-scale error drift over 0–70°C ambient range.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar linear regulator applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
MC7815CTG	Same 15 V output but ±4% tolerance (vs. ±2%); no A-grade accuracy bin; higher quiescent current (6 mA vs. 3.2 mA typ)	Suitable for non-critical analog rails where cost > precision; not recommended for ratiometric sensor bias	Select MC7815CTG only when ±4% output tolerance is acceptable and thermal margin exceeds 10°C
LM78M15CDTG	DPAK-3 package (smaller footprint); identical ±2% spec; lower thermal resistance to case (5.0°C/W same), but θ_JA = 92°C/W (vs. 70°C/W)	Better for space-constrained PCBs; requires larger copper pour or external heatsink for >300 mA continuous use	Choose LM78M15CDTG when board area is limited and thermal management can be enhanced via layout

Compared with MC7815CTG, MC78M15ACTG offers tighter accuracy and lower bias current for precision analog systems; versus LM78M15CDTG, it delivers superior free-air thermal performance in TO-220 - enabling higher ambient operation without heatsink derating.

Availability

MC78M15ACTG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, microcontroller peripheral rails, relay driver circuits, and analog sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MC78M15ACTG 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 MC78M00A Series was designed for robust local voltage regulation in harsh environments - delivering high-reliability, drop-in replacement capability for legacy 78xx regulators while adding tighter tolerances and extended thermal protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for MC78M15ACTG?

The MC78M15ACTG has an absolute maximum input voltage of 35 V DC. Operation above 30 V is not recommended for continuous use due to increased power dissipation and thermal stress; the device is specified for 17.5–30 V input range to maintain 15 V output regulation and 500 mA load capability. Exceeding 35 V risks permanent damage.

Does MC78M15ACTG require an input bypass capacitor?

Yes, MC78M15ACTG requires a minimum 0.33 µF low-ESR capacitor (e.g., tantalum or ceramic) placed directly across Pins 1 and 2 (Input-to-Ground). This stabilizes the regulator under fast load transients and suppresses high-frequency noise from upstream sources - omission may cause oscillation or output overshoot, especially with long input traces.

What is the thermal resistance and heatsinking requirement for MC78M15ACTG at 500 mA?

At 500 mA output into 15 V, MC78M15ACTG dissipates up to 7.5 W (assuming 22.5 V input). With θ_JA = 70°C/W in free air, junction temperature would exceed 150°C - so a heatsink with θ_SA ≤ 10°C/W is required. Using the TO-220's θ_JC = 5.0°C/W, total thermal path must stay below 14.3°C/W to keep T_J ≤ 125°C at 70°C ambient.

How does the short-circuit protection in MC78M15ACTG operate?

The MC78M15ACTG limits output current to approximately 350 mA during short-circuit events at 25°C junction temperature. Protection is achieved via internal current-sense circuitry that reduces base drive to the pass transistor - it is not latch-off; output recovers automatically once fault is removed. This behavior is confirmed in the datasheet's "Short Circuit Current Limit" parameter (I_OS = 350 mA typ).

Is MC78M15ACTG suitable for automotive applications?

MC78M15ACTG is rated for 0°C to +125°C junction temperature and is Pb-free, but it is not AEC-Q100 qualified. For automotive use, onsemi recommends NCV78M15BDTRKG (AEC-Q100 Grade 1, −40°C to +125°C) instead. MC78M15ACTG is appropriate for industrial and commercial systems where extended temperature qualification is not mandated.

MC78M15ACTG 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

MC78M15ACTG FAQ

1.How can I place an order for MC78M15ACTG through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC78M15ACTG 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 MC78M15ACTG reliable?

The price and inventory of MC78M15ACTG are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC78M15ACTG is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for MC78M15ACTG?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC78M15ACTG transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for MC78M15ACTG?

MC78M15ACTG orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your MC78M15ACTG 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 MC78M15ACTG?

For technical support, including MC78M15ACTG datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC78M15ACTG requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that MC78M15ACTG is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All MC78M15ACTG 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 MC78M15ACTG meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC78M15ACTG?

All MC78M15ACTG units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC78M15ACTG, 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 MC78M15ACTG part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for MC78M15ACTG:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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