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onsemi MC7915CT
- Part No.:
- MC7915CT
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
MC7915CT.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR -15V 1A TO220AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,018
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Product details
Overview
MC7915CT 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 MC7915CT datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its −15 V fixed output, TO-220 package with heatsink-compatible Pin 2, dropout voltage of 1.3 V at 1.0 A, and suitability for dual-rail op-amp supplies, MECL logic, and legacy analog systems requiring robust negative regulation.
Technical Context
The MC7915CT employs a monolithic bipolar pass transistor with integrated protection circuitry: thermal overload protection triggers at +150°C junction temperature, while short-circuit limiting caps output current and safe-area compensation dynamically reduces short-circuit current as VIN−VOUT increases. Its internal bias network draws 4.4 mA input current and delivers ripple rejection of 60 dB at 120 Hz.
Designed as the negative complement to the MC7800 series, it shares identical packaging (TO-220), thermal characteristics (θJA = 65°C/W, θJC = 5.0°C/W), and application topology-requiring a common ground between input and output, with minimum input voltage −17.5 V for stable −15 V output under full load.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | −15.0 V ±0.75 V (−14.25 V to −15.75 V) across 5 mA–1.0 A load and −17.5 V to −30 V input range |
| Maximum Output Current | 1.0 A continuous with adequate heatsinking; internally limited during overload or short circuit |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.3 V at 1.0 A and +25°C - defines minimum input headroom required for regulation |
| Ripple Rejection | 60 dB at 120 Hz - suppresses AC ripple from unregulated DC sources like rectified transformers |
| Thermal Resistance | θJA = 65°C/W (TO-220, no heatsink); θJC = 5.0°C/W - enables thermal design using case temperature measurement |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +125°C junction - supports industrial ambient environments without derating below +50°C |
| Output Noise | 90 µVRMS (10 Hz–100 kHz) - low enough for precision analog front-ends and op-amp biasing |
Pinout & Package
MC7915CT is supplied in the TO-220 package (Case 221AB), with the metal tab (heatsink surface) electrically connected to Pin 2. The package is Pb-free (G-suffix) and rated for 15 W maximum power dissipation at TA = +25°C with infinite heatsink.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Ground | Reference node for both input and output; must be low-impedance common return path |
| Pin 2 | Input | Negative input terminal; connects to unregulated negative supply rail (e.g., −20 V) |
| Pin 3 | Output | Regulated −15 V output; requires 1.0 µF tantalum or low-ESR capacitor for stability per datasheet |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external components required | Self-contained regulation with internal feedback and pass element - eliminates need for external resistors or capacitors in basic applications |
| Internal thermal shutdown | Automatic cutoff at +150°C junction temperature - prevents permanent damage during sustained overload or poor heatsinking |
| Short-circuit current limiting | Peak output current clamped to ~1.8 A - protects both regulator and downstream circuitry during fault conditions |
| Safe-area compensated output transistor | Reduces short-circuit current as VIN−VOUT increases - prevents second breakdown in high-differential-voltage faults |
| 2% output voltage tolerance option | MC7915AC variant offers tighter −15.0 V ±0.3 V (−14.7 V to −15.3 V) - suitable for precision analog references |
Applications
| Operational Amplifier Dual Supply | MECL Logic Power Rail |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Providing symmetrical ±15 V rails for high-speed op-amps in test equipment and signal conditioning circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Negative voltage regulator supplying clean, low-noise −15 V to op-amp negative supply pin. Use Value: Enables rail-to-rail input/output swing and minimizes offset drift via stable reference; 90 µV RMS noise avoids signal corruption. |
Use Scenario: Powering ECL/MECL digital logic families requiring tightly regulated negative supply (e.g., −5.2 V for MC10116, −4.5 V for older MECL III). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed −15 V source used with resistor-divider networks to generate precise logic-level voltages. Use Value: Maintains voltage accuracy within ±0.75 V over temperature and load - critical for noise margin and propagation delay consistency. |
| Industrial Analog Sensor Interface | Legacy Audio Equipment Bias Supply |
|
Use Scenario: Biasing precision instrumentation amplifiers and 4–20 mA transmitter circuits in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Negative rail generator for sensor signal conditioning stages requiring true bipolar operation. Use Value: Load regulation ≤150 mV ensures stable gain calibration across varying sensor loads; thermal shutdown prevents field failures. |
Use Scenario: Replacing obsolete discrete regulators in vintage audio gear (e.g., analog synthesizers, mixing consoles) needing −15 V for op-amp bias. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in replacement for legacy 7915-style regulators in repair and refurbishment workflows. Use Value: Pin-compatible TO-220 footprint and identical electrical behavior enable direct substitution without PCB modification. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative voltage regulation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM7915CT | Identical −15 V output, but higher quiescent current (6.5 mA vs. 4.4 mA) and lower ripple rejection (55 dB vs. 60 dB) | Suitable for general-purpose use where slightly higher noise and bias current are acceptable | Preferred when LM79xx family compatibility is required; verify thermal performance with same heatsink |
| MC7915CD2TR4G | D2PAK (TO-263) package instead of TO-220; same electrical specs, but lower θJA (70°C/W) and surface-mount compatible | Used in space-constrained or automated assembly designs where through-hole TO-220 is not feasible | Select when board layout mandates SMT; requires rework of thermal pad layout and solder profile |
Compared with LM7915CT and MC7915CD2TR4G, the MC7915CT offers superior ripple rejection and lower quiescent current in a proven through-hole package - making it optimal for noise-sensitive analog systems and field-serviceable industrial hardware where mechanical robustness matters.
Availability
MC7915CT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for operational amplifier dual supplies, MECL logic power rails, and industrial analog sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle programs.
Supply support for MC7915CT 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 sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.
The MC7900 Series was designed to provide rugged, drop-in negative complements to the MC7800 positive regulators - targeting industrial control, legacy instrumentation, and analog systems where reliability under thermal stress and electrical fault conditions is critical.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for stable operation of the MC7915CT?
The MC7915CT requires a minimum input voltage of −17.5 V under full 1.0 A load and −30 V maximum input, per datasheet Section 6. This ensures ≥2.5 V headroom above the −15 V output to maintain regulation, especially considering 1.3 V dropout and input ripple margins. Operation below −17.5 V risks loss of regulation and increased output noise.
Does the MC7915CT require input and output capacitors for stable operation?
Yes - the MC7915CT requires a 0.33 µF input bypass capacitor (tantalum or low-ESR type) when located >2 inches from the power supply filter, and a 1.0 µF output capacitor (tantalum recommended) for transient stability and noise reduction. These values are specified in Figure 10 and Applications Information section of the datasheet.
Can the MC7915CT be used in parallel to increase output current?
No - the MC7915CT is not designed for parallel operation. Its output voltage tolerance (±0.75 V) and lack of current-sharing features mean paralleling units will cause unequal current distribution and possible thermal runaway. For higher current, use a current-boost configuration with an external pass transistor as shown in Figure 9.
What is the thermal resistance and maximum power dissipation of the MC7915CT in TO-220 package?
The MC7915CT in TO-220 (Case 221AB) has θJA = 65°C/W (no heatsink) and θJC = 5.0°C/W. With infinite heatsink, maximum power dissipation is 15 W at TA = +25°C. Derating is required above +25°C ambient - e.g., ~10 W at +50°C ambient per Figure 2 in the datasheet.
Is the MC7915CT RoHS compliant and Pb-free?
Yes - the MC7915CT is Pb-free and RoHS compliant. The "G" suffix in part marking (e.g., MC7915CTG) denotes Pb-free lead finish, and the device meets JESD97 and JEDEC Level 3 moisture sensitivity standards per the ordering information table on page 11 of the datasheet.
MC7915CT 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
MC7915CT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC7915CT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC7915CT 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 MC7915CT reliable?
The price and inventory of MC7915CT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC7915CT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC7915CT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC7915CT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC7915CT?
MC7915CT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC7915CT 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 MC7915CT?
For technical support, including MC7915CT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC7915CT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC7915CT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC7915CT 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 MC7915CT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC7915CT?
All MC7915CT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC7915CT, 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 MC7915CT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC7915CT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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