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onsemi MC7915ACT
- Part No.:
- MC7915ACT
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
MC7915ACT.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR -15V 1A TO220AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,971
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Product details
Overview
MC7915ACT from onsemi is a fixed-output negative voltage regulator delivering −15 V at up to 1.0 A, featuring internal thermal shutdown, short-circuit current limiting, and safe-area compensation for rugged operation in industrial power supplies. It requires no external components for basic regulation and maintains stable output under load currents from 5 mA to 1.0 A with ≤150 mV load regulation.
For engineers reviewing the MC7915ACT datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include dropout voltage (1.3 V at 1.0 A), ripple rejection (60 dB at 120 Hz), output noise (90 µV RMS), and TO-220 package thermal performance (θJC = 5.0°C/W).
Technical Context
The MC7915ACT implements a monolithic bipolar linear regulator architecture with an internal pass transistor, error amplifier, reference, and protection circuitry. Its safe-area compensation dynamically reduces short-circuit current as VIN−VOUT increases, preventing second breakdown during fault conditions.
Thermal overload protection activates at +150°C junction temperature, and short-circuit limiting holds peak output current below 1.8 A under typical conditions. The device operates across −40°C to +125°C ambient with 2% output voltage tolerance (−14.7 V to −15.3 V at TJ = +25°C).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | −15.0 V nominal, −14.7 V to −15.3 V (2% tolerance) at +25°C - ensures precise biasing for dual-rail op-amp stages. |
| Output Current | 1.0 A continuous - supports medium-power analog subsystems without external boost transistors. |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.3 V at 1.0 A - requires minimum input of −16.3 V for regulated −15 V output under full load. |
| Ripple Rejection | 60 dB at 120 Hz - suppresses AC line ripple in unregulated DC inputs derived from transformer-rectifier-filter supplies. |
| Output Noise | 90 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz) - low enough for precision analog signal chains without additional post-regulation filtering. |
| Thermal Resistance | θJC = 5.0°C/W - enables >15 W dissipation with modest heatsinking; θJA = 65°C/W without heatsink limits to ~230 mW. |
| Protection Features | Internal thermal shutdown, short-circuit current limit, and safe-area compensation - eliminates need for external fault management circuitry. |
Pinout & Package
MC7915ACT is supplied in TO-220 package (Case 221AB), with heatsink surface electrically connected to Pin 2 (Input). The package is Pb-free (G-suffix), rated for operation from −40°C to +125°C junction temperature.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Ground | Reference node for output voltage; must be low-impedance connection to system ground plane to avoid regulation error. |
| Pin 2 | Input | Negative input supply rail; also serves as mechanical and thermal interface to heatsink - critical for thermal management. |
| Pin 3 | Output | Regulated −15 V output; requires ≥1.0 µF output capacitor (tantalum or low-ESR ceramic) for stability and transient response. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external components required | Self-contained regulation with integrated reference, error amp, and pass element - reduces BOM count and layout area. |
| Internal thermal overload protection | Automatic shutdown at +150°C junction temperature - prevents permanent damage during sustained overloads or poor heatsinking. |
| Safe-area compensated output transistor | Dynamic current foldback under high VCE stress - avoids secondary breakdown during output short-circuit events. |
| 2% output voltage tolerance | Tight initial accuracy (−14.7 V to −15.3 V) - eliminates need for post-production trimming in cost-sensitive industrial designs. |
| Pb-free TO-220 package | RoHS-compliant lead finish (G-suffix); compatible with standard reflow and hand-soldering processes. |
Applications
| Operational Amplifier Dual Supply | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering ±15 V op-amp rails in data acquisition front-ends with shared ground between positive and negative regulators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides stable, low-noise negative rail for precision instrumentation amplifiers and ADC drivers. Use Value: 90 µV RMS output noise and 60 dB ripple rejection maintain SNR in 16-bit+ measurement systems without added filtering. |
Use Scenario: Biasing bridge-based pressure/temperature sensors and powering associated analog front-end circuitry in factory automation nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Delivers clean −15 V reference for sensor excitation and signal chain biasing in harsh EMI environments. Use Value: Internal short-circuit and thermal protection ensure uninterrupted operation during field wiring faults or ambient temperature spikes. |
| Legacy TTL/MECL Logic Support | Motor Drive Control Circuitry |
|
Use Scenario: Generating −5.2 V to −5.5 V logic supply for older MECL-10K families requiring tightly regulated negative rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supplies stable negative logic voltage with fast transient response to handle high-speed switching current demands. Use Value: 1.3 V dropout and 150 mV load regulation enable reliable operation even with aging unregulated DC bus voltages. |
Use Scenario: Powering gate drivers, current sense amplifiers, and microcontroller peripherals in brushed DC motor control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides isolated −15 V bias for high-side driver ICs and analog monitoring circuits sharing common ground with motor H-bridge. Use Value: Safe-area compensation prevents latch-up or destruction when motor back-EMF induces transient overvoltage on the input rail. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative linear regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM337T | ±3% output tolerance (vs. MC7915ACT's ±2%), higher dropout (1.5 V), lower max current (1.5 A but derated faster above +25°C) | Less precise output voltage; requires larger heatsink above 500 mA due to higher thermal resistance (θJA = 67°C/W) | Acceptable where tighter voltage tolerance is not required and thermal margin exists. |
| MC7915CD2TR4G | D2PAK (TO-263) package instead of TO-220; identical electrical specs and 2% tolerance; same −15 V output and 1.0 A rating | Surface-mount alternative for automated assembly; requires PCB copper area for thermal conduction instead of mechanical heatsink | Preferred for space-constrained or high-volume SMT production; not drop-in compatible due to different footprint and thermal path. |
Compared with LM337T and MC7915CD2TR4G, the MC7915ACT offers superior voltage accuracy and thermal performance in through-hole applications, while the D2PAK variant enables SMT scalability without sacrificing regulation integrity.
Availability
MC7915ACT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor signal conditioning, operational amplifier dual supply, and motor drive control circuitry requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MC7915ACT 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 MC7900 Series - including MC7915ACT - was designed as a robust, pin-compatible complement to the MC7800 positive regulator family, targeting cost-sensitive industrial power supplies needing fixed negative rails with integrated protection.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for the MC7915ACT?
The MC7915ACT has a maximum input voltage rating of −40 V DC, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Operation beyond this voltage risks permanent damage, even briefly. For reliable design, the recommended maximum is −35 V when the output voltage is between −5.0 V and −18 V, per datasheet guidance.
Does the MC7915ACT require input and output capacitors for stable operation?
Yes - the MC7915ACT requires a minimum 0.33 µF input capacitor (tantalum or low-ESR film) when located more than a few inches from the main filter capacitor, and a 1.0 µF output capacitor (tantalum or low-ESR electrolytic) to ensure stability and improve transient response. These values are specified in the Standard Application schematic on page 1 of the datasheet.
How does the safe-area compensation in the MC7915ACT protect the device during short-circuit events?
The MC7915ACT's safe-area compensation reduces output short-circuit current as the voltage across the internal pass transistor increases - preventing second breakdown by dynamically limiting power dissipation in the safe operating area (SOA). This allows the device to survive sustained shorts without external current-limiting resistors or foldback circuitry.
Can the MC7915ACT be used in parallel to increase output current capacity?
No - the MC7915ACT is not designed for parallel operation. Its output voltage tolerance (±2%) and load regulation characteristics make current sharing unstable without external ballasting resistors or active current-sharing circuitry, which defeats the purpose of its integrated simplicity. For higher current, use a single higher-rated regulator or a discrete boost configuration as shown in Figure 9 of the datasheet.
What is the junction-to-case thermal resistance (θJC) of the MC7915ACT, and how does it impact heatsink selection?
The MC7915ACT has θJC = 5.0°C/W, meaning each watt dissipated raises the junction temperature 5°C above the case (heatsink) temperature. With a 1.0 A load at 2.0 V differential (2 W dissipation), the junction rises only 10°C above heatsink temperature - enabling compact heatsinks. This value is confirmed in the Maximum Ratings table on page 2 of the datasheet.
MC7915ACT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Negative
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- -35V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -15V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 1.3V @ 1A (Typ)
- Current - Output:
- 1A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- -
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 60dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Current, Over Temperature
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
MC7915ACT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC7915ACT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC7915ACT 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 MC7915ACT reliable?
The price and inventory of MC7915ACT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC7915ACT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC7915ACT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC7915ACT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC7915ACT?
MC7915ACT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC7915ACT 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 MC7915ACT?
For technical support, including MC7915ACT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC7915ACT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC7915ACT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC7915ACT 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 MC7915ACT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC7915ACT?
All MC7915ACT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC7915ACT, 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 MC7915ACT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC7915ACT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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