onsemi MC79L15ACDR2

Overview

MC79L15ACDR2 from onsemi is a 100 mA negative fixed-voltage linear regulator delivering −15 V output with ±4% tolerance (−14.4 V to −15.6 V at +25°C), 1.7 V dropout at 40 mA, and integrated thermal shutdown and short-circuit current limiting. It operates across 0°C to +125°C junction temperature and is used in low-power analog subsystems requiring stable negative bias for op-amps, sensors, or interface ICs.

For engineers reviewing the MC79L15ACDR2 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include guaranteed −15 V regulation under 100 mA load, SOIC-8 package compatibility with surface-mount assembly, input voltage range up to −30 V, and built-in protection features eliminating external safety components.

Technical Context

This device implements a monolithic bipolar linear regulator architecture with internal current-limiting circuitry set to ~150 mA and thermal shutdown activation at +150°C junction temperature. Its feedback loop maintains output regulation without external components under typical conditions, relying on internal bandgap reference and error amplifier.

The SOIC-8 package (Case 751) provides 180 W power dissipation capability at +25°C ambient with 45°C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance. Ripple rejection is 34–39 dB at 120 Hz, and output noise is 90 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz), making it suitable for noise-sensitive analog signal chains.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC79L15ACDR2 uses the SOIC-8 (Case 751) surface-mount package, measuring 4.9 mm × 3.9 mm × 1.5 mm with standard 1.27 mm pitch. The package includes two unused pins (NC) and shares pin 1 as V_OUT, pin 2/3/6/7 as V_IN, pin 5 as GND, and pins 4/8 as no-connect terminals.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative fixed-voltage regulation applications.

Compared with MC79L15ACPG, the MC79L15ACDR2 offers superior thermal performance in compact SMT layouts; compared with LM7915CDT/NOPB, it provides pin-compatible SOIC-8 placement but trades off input voltage headroom for lower dropout and proven legacy reliability in industrial analog systems.

Availability

MC79L15ACDR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor conditioning, legacy RS-232 interface design, and analog audio preamplifier supply requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MC79L15ACDR2 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 sensor solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The MC79L00A Series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-current negative voltage regulation in industrial control, instrumentation, and legacy communication systems where reliability and simplicity outweigh high-efficiency switching requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for MC79L15ACDR2?

The MC79L15ACDR2 supports a maximum input voltage of −30 V DC under normal operating conditions (TA = +25°C). This rating applies specifically to the −15 V variant per the Electrical Characteristics table on page 3 of the datasheet. Exceeding this voltage risks permanent damage due to internal junction breakdown, even with thermal protection active.

Does MC79L15ACDR2 require input and output capacitors for stable operation?

The MC79L15ACDR2 can operate without external capacitors in basic applications, but the datasheet recommends a 0.33 µF input bypass capacitor (tantalum or low-ESR film) and a 0.1 µF output capacitor for stability-especially with long input traces or large load capacitance. These values prevent oscillation and improve transient response, as confirmed in Figure 3 and Applications Information section.

Is MC79L15ACDR2 pin-compatible with other regulators in the MC79L00A family?

Yes, all MC79L00A-series SOIC-8 variants-including MC79L05ACDR2, MC79L12ACDR2, and MC79L15ACDR2-share identical pinouts: Pin 1 = V_OUT, Pins 2/3/6/7 = V_IN, Pin 5 = GND, Pins 4/8 = NC. This allows direct substitution across output voltages without PCB redesign, provided thermal and input voltage margins are verified.

What is the thermal resistance (junction-to-ambient) for MC79L15ACDR2 in SOIC-8 package?

The MC79L15ACDR2 has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_JA) of 180°C/W when mounted on a PCB with minimum recommended copper pad area, as specified in the Maximum Ratings table on page 2. This value assumes standard JEDEC-defined test conditions and decreases with larger copper pours or thermal vias.

Can MC79L15ACDR2 be used in automotive applications?

The MC79L15ACDR2 is rated for 0°C to +125°C junction temperature, meeting standard industrial requirements but not AEC-Q100 automotive qualification. While some automotive subsystems use it in non-safety-critical infotainment or body-control modules, onsemi explicitly offers automotive-grade variants (e.g., MC79L15ABDR2G) with extended −40°C to +125°C operation and additional stress testing.