BA178M15T Linear Voltage Regulator - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BA178M15T is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by Rohm Semiconductor, designed to deliver a fixed positive 15V output at 500mA in a TO-220-3 package. This device is classified as Not For New Designs, indicating it has been superseded in Rohm's product portfolio. Finding equivalent substitute parts is necessary for applications requiring 15V regulation where design flexibility permits component selection or where BA178M15T availability becomes constrained.

Substiute Parts

BA178M15T

Rohm SemiconductorIn Stock: 10226BA178M15T Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LM2937ET-15/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 2216LM2937ET-15/NOPB Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the BA178M15T must satisfy the following core electrical and mechanical criteria:

• Fixed positive output voltage of 15V
• Output current capability of 500mA minimum
• Through-hole TO-220-3 package compatibility
• Input voltage rating sufficient for application requirements
• Operating temperature range suitable for intended environment

The LM2937ET-15/NOPB from Texas Instruments meets these substitution criteria. Both devices deliver identical output voltage and current specifications with compatible packaging, enabling direct functional replacement in existing circuit designs.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The LM2937ET-15/NOPB is a suitable substitute for the BA178M15T based on the following factors:

• Both devices are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting regulatory requirements
• Identical output voltage and current specifications ensure functional compatibility
• TO-220-3 package compatibility permits direct board-level substitution
• The LM2937ET-15/NOPB carries Active product status, ensuring continued availability and support
• The substitute device features lower dropout voltage (1V vs 2V), providing improved efficiency in power-constrained applications
• Extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 125°C vs -40°C to 85°C) offers broader environmental compatibility

Circuit designs operating within the 26V maximum input voltage specification of the LM2937ET-15/NOPB will experience no functional degradation. Applications requiring the full 30V input capability of the BA178M15T must verify input voltage levels before substitution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LM2937ET-15/NOPB directly replace the BA178M15T in existing designs?

A: Yes, for applications where input voltage does not exceed 26V. Both devices share identical output voltage (15V), output current (500mA), and TO-220-3 package configuration. Verify your circuit's maximum input voltage specification before substitution.

Q: What is the difference in dropout voltage between these devices?

A: The BA178M15T has a maximum dropout of 2V at 500mA, while the LM2937ET-15/NOPB has 1V at 500mA. The lower dropout of the substitute device reduces power dissipation and heat generation, beneficial for thermally constrained applications.

Q: Are there temperature range considerations for substitution?

A: The BA178M15T operates from -40°C to 85°C, while the LM2937ET-15/NOPB extends to 125°C. For applications operating above 85°C, the substitute device provides extended thermal capability. For applications limited to 85°C or below, both devices are equivalent.

Q: What is the input voltage limitation for the LM2937ET-15/NOPB?

A: The maximum input voltage is 26V, compared to 30V for the BA178M15T. Circuits designed for input voltages between 26V and 30V require the original BA178M15T or alternative parts rated for 30V input.

Q: How do quiescent current differences affect circuit design?

A: The LM2937ET-15/NOPB draws 10mA quiescent current versus 4.5mA for the BA178M15T. In low-power standby applications, this 5.5mA difference may be significant. For standard operating conditions, this difference is typically negligible relative to load current.

Q: Are both devices RoHS and REACH compliant?

A: Yes, both the BA178M15T and LM2937ET-15/NOPB are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards.