KA7915 Linear Voltage Regulator IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The KA7915 is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by onsemi, designed to provide a fixed negative output of -15V at 1A in a TO-220-3 package. This device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The KA7915 operates across an input voltage range up to -35V and includes over-temperature and short-circuit protection features suitable for power management applications requiring negative voltage regulation.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	KA7915
Manufacturer	onsemi
Output Configuration	Negative
Output Type	Fixed
Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed)	-15V
Voltage - Input (Max)	-35V
Current - Output	1A
Voltage Dropout (Max)	2V @ 1A (Typ)
Package / Case	TO-220-3
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 125°C
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the KA7915 are grouped based on strict electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria. The primary substitution parameters are:

Output voltage: -15V fixed
Output current capability: 1A or greater
Input voltage range: -35V maximum
Package type: TO-220-3 or TO-220 (mechanically compatible)
Output configuration: Negative
Protection features: Over-temperature and short-circuit protection

Parts are categorized into two groups: direct 1A equivalents from onsemi (MC7915 series) and higher-current alternatives from STMicroelectronics and Texas Instruments (L7915 and LM7915 series at 1.5A). Lower-current variants (MC79M15 series at 500mA) are listed but represent reduced current capability and are suitable only for applications with lower current requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Output Voltage	Output Current	Input Voltage (Max)	Dropout Voltage	Package	Operating Temp	Product Status
KA7915	onsemi	-15V	1A	-35V	2V @ 1A	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete
MC7915ACTG	onsemi	-15V	1A	-35V	1.3V @ 1A	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Active
MC7915BTG	onsemi	-15V	1A	-35V	1.3V @ 1A	TO-220-3	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active
MC7915CTG	onsemi	-15V	1A	-35V	1.3V @ 1A	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Active
MC79M15BTG	onsemi	-15V	500mA	-35V	1.1V @ 500mA	TO-220-3	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active
MC79M15CTG	onsemi	-15V	500mA	-35V	1.1V @ 500mA	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Active
L7915ACV	STMicroelectronics	-15V	1.5A	-35V	1.1V @ 1A	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Active
L7915CV	STMicroelectronics	-15V	1.5A	-35V	1.1V @ 1A	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Active
L7915CV-DG	STMicroelectronics	-15V	1.5A	-35V	1.1V @ 1A	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Active
LM320T-15/NOPB	Texas Instruments	-15V	1.5A	-35V	Not specified	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Active
LM7915CT/NOPB	Texas Instruments	-15V	1.5A	-35V	1.1V @ 1A	TO-220-3	0°C ~ 125°C	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For direct replacement of the obsolete KA7915, the MC7915CTG from onsemi provides identical electrical specifications with active product status and RoHS3 compliance. This part maintains the same 1A output current, -15V fixed output, and TO-220-3 package configuration.

For applications requiring extended temperature range operation, the MC7915BTG extends the lower operating limit to -40°C while maintaining all other electrical parameters.

The L7915CV and L7915CV-DG from STMicroelectronics offer higher output current capability at 1.5A with improved dropout voltage characteristics (1.1V versus 2V), providing design margin for applications with higher current demands. These parts are widely available with high inventory levels.

The LM7915CT/NOPB and LM320T-15/NOPB from Texas Instruments provide 1.5A output current capability with RoHS3 compliance and active product status. The LM7915CT/NOPB offers superior PSRR performance at 70dB compared to the KA7915 at 60dB.

The MC79M15 series (500mA variants) are suitable only for applications with reduced current requirements below 500mA and should not be selected for designs requiring the full 1A output capability of the KA7915.

All recommended substitutes maintain the same negative output configuration, fixed -15V output voltage, and TO-220-3 package footprint, ensuring direct mechanical and electrical compatibility in existing designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use the MC7915CTG as a direct replacement for the KA7915?

A: Yes. The MC7915CTG provides identical electrical specifications: -15V fixed output, 1A output current, -35V maximum input voltage, and TO-220-3 package. The part is active and RoHS3 compliant, making it a direct substitute.

Q: What is the difference between MC7915ACTG, MC7915BTG, and MC7915CTG?

A: These parts differ only in operating temperature range. MC7915ACTG and MC7915CTG operate from 0°C to 125°C, while MC7915BTG extends the lower limit to -40°C. All other electrical parameters are identical.

Q: Why would I choose the L7915CV over the MC7915CTG?

A: The L7915CV offers 1.5A output current versus 1A, providing additional current margin. It also features lower dropout voltage (1.1V versus 1.3V), reducing power dissipation. Both parts are pin-compatible in TO-220-3 packages.

Q: Are the MC79M15 series parts suitable replacements?

A: The MC79M15 series provides only 500mA output current, which is insufficient for applications requiring the full 1A capability of the KA7915. These parts are suitable only for designs with reduced current requirements.

Q: What is the difference between TO-220-3 and TO-220 packaging?

A: TO-220-3 and TO-220 refer to the same three-pin package format. Both designations are mechanically and electrically compatible for this product category.

Q: Do all substitute parts have the same protection features as the KA7915?

A: The KA7915 includes over-temperature and short-circuit protection. The MC7915 series includes over-current and over-temperature protection. The L7915 and LM7915 series include over-temperature and short-circuit protection. All variants provide thermal protection suitable for power management applications.

Q: Which substitute has the best availability?

A: The L7915CV-DG from STMicroelectronics has the highest inventory level at 201,850 pieces, followed by L7915CV at 55,300 pieces. Both are active products with consistent supply.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message