onsemi MC79L15ACP
- Part No.:
- MC79L15ACP
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body
- Datasheet:
-
MC79L15ACP.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR -15V 100MA TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,406
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Product details
Overview
MC79L15ACP from Fairchild Semiconductor is a fixed-output, three-terminal negative voltage regulator delivering -15 V ±5% at up to 100 mA, featuring internal thermal overload protection and short-circuit current limiting in a TO-92 package. It operates across 0°C to +125°C and requires no external components for basic regulation in low-power analog and digital supply rails.
For engineers reviewing the MC79L15ACP datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its guaranteed -14.25 V to -15.75 V output over line/load/temperature, 1.7 V dropout voltage, 34–39 dB ripple rejection at 120 Hz, 90 µV RMS output noise, and TO-92 mechanical compatibility with legacy through-hole designs.
Technical Context
The MC79L15ACP implements a monolithic bipolar linear regulator architecture with built-in current limiting and thermal shutdown circuitry-ensuring robustness under sustained overload or ambient temperature extremes. Its internal block diagram includes error amplifier, reference, pass transistor (Q1), and protection comparators driving foldback current control.
It functions as a fixed negative voltage source requiring only input and output bypass capacitors (0.33 µF input, 0.1 µF output recommended) for stability. The device maintains regulation when input voltage remains ≥ -17.5 V (minimum -20 V for full spec compliance), with load regulation of ≤75 mV over 1–40 mA and line regulation ≤250 mV across its specified input range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | -15.0 V ±5% (guaranteed -14.25 V to -15.75 V over temp/load) |
| Max Output Current | 100 mA continuous (self-limited by internal thermal/current protection) |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.7 V typical at 25°C (minimum input = -16.7 V for stable -15 V output) |
| Ripple Rejection | 34–39 dB at 120 Hz (attenuates AC ripple on unregulated input supply) |
| Output Noise | 90 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz; critical for low-noise analog signal chains) |
| Quiescent Current | ≤6.0 mA at 25°C (enables efficient operation in battery-backed or standby circuits) |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to +125°C junction (supports industrial-grade embedded power rails) |
Pinout & Package
MC79L15ACP uses the standard TO-92 plastic package (3.60 mm × 4.58 mm × 1.02 mm body, 14.47 mm overall length), with leads formed for through-hole mounting and compatible with JEDEC TO-92 footprint.
| Pin | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GND | Ground reference terminal; must be connected to system common ground-no separate sense lead |
| 2 | Input | Negative input supply terminal; accepts unregulated DC input down to -30 V (absolute max) |
| 3 | Output | Regulated -15 V output; connects directly to load; requires local 0.1 µF bypass capacitor |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external components required | Enables minimal BOM count and PCB area savings in space-constrained designs |
| Internal thermal overload protection | Automatically shuts down regulator above safe junction temperature-no external thermal sensor needed |
| Internal short-circuit current limiting | Clamps output current during fault conditions to prevent damage to IC or upstream supply |
| ±5% output voltage tolerance | Meets standard analog supply requirements without trimming or feedback resistors |
| Stable with ceramic or tantalum output caps | Supports modern low-ESR capacitors without oscillation risk-verified per datasheet test conditions |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning | Legacy RS-232 Transceiver Supply |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering op-amp bias networks and ADC reference buffers in 4–20 mA loop-powered sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Negative rail generator providing clean -15 V for dual-supply instrumentation amplifiers. Use Value: 90 µV output noise and 34–39 dB ripple rejection preserve signal integrity in sub-mV measurement paths. |
Use Scenario: Generating -12 V to -15 V supply for MAX232 or similar RS-232 level shifters in industrial PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed negative voltage source replacing charge-pump solutions where low quiescent current and reliability are prioritized. Use Value: 6.0 mA max quiescent current and thermal shutdown ensure long-term uptime in unventilated enclosures. |
| Analog Front-End for Data Acquisition | Low-Power Microcontroller Auxiliary Rail |
Use Scenario: Providing isolated negative bias for anti-aliasing filters and multiplexer switches in 16-bit DAQ systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision negative supply stabilizing reference node for switched-capacitor circuits. Use Value: Load regulation ≤75 mV over 1–40 mA ensures consistent offset performance across varying channel counts. |
Use Scenario: Supplying -15 V to external DACs or op-amps co-located with MSP430 or STM32L microcontrollers in portable test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-current auxiliary rail enabling true bipolar signal generation from single-supply MCU peripherals. Use Value: TO-92 package allows direct integration into compact hand-held form factors without rework or adapter boards. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar negative linear regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM79L15ACZ | Same electrical specs and TO-92 package; manufactured by Texas Instruments (legacy National Semiconductor design) | Identical pinout and thermal behavior; differs only in manufacturer qualification and traceability documentation | Select LM79L15ACZ when TI-sourced parts are mandated by OEM procurement policy or lifecycle assurance programs |
| MC79L15ACD | Same -15 V output and protection features but in 8-SOP surface-mount package; higher thermal resistance (θJA ≈ 180°C/W vs. TO-92's 200°C/W) | Requires PCB redesign for SMT assembly; better suited for automated high-volume production than manual repair or prototyping | Choose MC79L15ACD when board space is constrained and reflow-compatible layout is available |
Compared with LM79L15ACZ, MC79L15ACP offers identical regulation performance with Fairchild-specific process validation; versus MC79L15ACD, it trades SMT scalability for through-hole serviceability and lower assembly cost in low-volume industrial builds.
Availability
MC79L15ACP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor conditioning, RS-232 interface power, and analog front-end supply applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and legacy through-hole compatibility.
Supply support for MC79L15ACP 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
Fairchild Semiconductor was a leading designer of analog and power ICs, acquired by ON Semiconductor in 2016; its legacy linear regulator portfolio remains widely deployed in industrial and automotive systems.
The MC79LXXA series was engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power negative voltage regulation in legacy and maintenance-critical equipment-emphasizing ruggedness, simplicity, and broad temperature operation without external compensation.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for MC79L15ACP?
The absolute maximum input voltage for MC79L15ACP is -30 V, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Operation beyond this value risks permanent damage. For reliable regulation at -15 V output, the recommended input range is -17.5 V to -30 V, with -23 V used in datasheet characterization.
Does MC79L15ACP require input and output capacitors to function?
MC79L15ACP does not require external capacitors to regulate, but input (≥0.33 µF) and output (≥0.1 µF) bypass capacitors are strongly recommended per the datasheet. They ensure stability under dynamic loads, suppress high-frequency noise, and improve transient response-especially with long input traces or large output capacitance.
Is MC79L15ACP pin-compatible with LM79L15ACZ?
Yes, MC79L15ACP and LM79L15ACZ share identical TO-92 pinout (Pin 1 = GND, Pin 2 = Input, Pin 3 = Output), same electrical specifications, and overlapping thermal performance. They are functionally interchangeable in existing designs without layout changes.
What is the dropout voltage specification for MC79L15ACP?
The dropout voltage for MC79L15ACP is 1.7 V typical at +25°C and 100 mA load. This means the input must remain at least -16.7 V to sustain a regulated -15 V output. Dropout increases slightly at higher temperatures and full load, remaining within safe operating limits per the datasheet.
Can MC79L15ACP be used in automotive applications?
MC79L15ACP is rated for 0°C to +125°C junction temperature and includes thermal shutdown, making it suitable for under-hood or cabin-located industrial automotive subsystems (e.g., body control modules). However, it is not AEC-Q100 qualified and lacks automotive-specific reliability testing or PPAP documentation.
MC79L15ACP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- 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):
- 1.7V @ 40mA (Typ)
- Current - Output:
- 100mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- -
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 39dB (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-92 (TO-226)
MC79L15ACP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MC79L15ACP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MC79L15ACP 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 MC79L15ACP reliable?
The price and inventory of MC79L15ACP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MC79L15ACP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MC79L15ACP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MC79L15ACP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MC79L15ACP?
MC79L15ACP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MC79L15ACP 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 MC79L15ACP?
For technical support, including MC79L15ACP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MC79L15ACP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MC79L15ACP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MC79L15ACP 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 MC79L15ACP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MC79L15ACP?
All MC79L15ACP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MC79L15ACP, 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 MC79L15ACP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MC79L15ACP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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