KA7915ATU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The KA7915ATU is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by onsemi, designed to provide a fixed negative 15V output at 1A current capacity 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 part operates across a 0°C to 125°C temperature range and includes over-temperature and short-circuit protection features.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	KA7915ATU
Manufacturer	onsemi
Output Configuration	Negative
Output Type	Fixed -15V
Current - Output	1A
Voltage - Input (Max)	-35V
Voltage Dropout (Max)	2V @ 1A (Typ)
Package / Case	TO-220-3
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 125°C
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the KA7915ATU is determined by the following critical parameters:

Output Configuration & Voltage: Negative fixed -15V output (mandatory match)
Current Rating: Minimum 1A output current capacity
Package Type: TO-220-3 or compatible TO-220 footprint
Input Voltage Range: Maximum -35V input capability
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 125°C minimum range
Protection Features: Over-temperature and short-circuit protection

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category 1 - Full 1A Equivalents: Parts with 1A or higher output current, matching all electrical specifications. These include onsemi MC7915 series variants and STMicroelectronics L7915 series parts.

Category 2 - Reduced Current Alternatives: Parts with 500mA output current (onsemi MC79M15 series). These are suitable only when circuit design permits reduced current capacity.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Output Current	Voltage Dropout (Max)	Operating Temp	Product Status	RoHS Status
KA7915ATU	onsemi	1A	2V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	Not Specified
MC7915ACTG	onsemi	1A	1.3V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MC7915BTG	onsemi	1A	1.3V @ 1A	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MC7915CTG	onsemi	1A	1.3V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MC79M15BTG	onsemi	500mA	1.1V @ 500mA	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MC79M15CTG	onsemi	500mA	1.1V @ 500mA	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
L7915ACV	STMicroelectronics	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
L7915CV	STMicroelectronics	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
L7915CV-DG	STMicroelectronics	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
LM7915CT/NOPB	Texas Instruments	1.5A	1.1V @ 1A	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Recommended)

The L7915CV, L7915CV-DG, and LM7915CT/NOPB parts are the preferred substitutes. All three are active products with ROHS3 compliance, higher output current ratings (1.5A), and improved voltage dropout characteristics (1.1V @ 1A versus 2V @ 1A). These parts provide superior performance margins and long-term availability assurance.

Secondary Substitutes (onsemi MC7915 Series)

MC7915ACTG, MC7915BTG, and MC7915CTG are active onsemi alternatives with 1A output current matching the original specification. These parts feature improved dropout voltage (1.3V @ 1A) and ROHS3 compliance. MC7915BTG offers extended temperature range (-40°C to 125°C) for applications requiring lower temperature operation.

Limited Current Alternatives

MC79M15BTG and MC79M15CTG provide 500mA output current and are suitable only for designs where reduced current capacity is acceptable. These parts feature the lowest dropout voltage (1.1V @ 500mA) and are available in both standard (0°C to 125°C) and extended temperature (-40°C to 125°C) versions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I directly replace KA7915ATU with L7915CV?

A: Yes. Both parts provide -15V fixed output in TO-220-3 packages with compatible pinouts. L7915CV offers superior specifications: 1.5A output current (versus 1A), lower dropout voltage (1.1V versus 2V), and active product status with ROHS3 compliance.

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

A: All three are 1A negative 15V regulators with identical electrical performance. The primary difference is operating temperature range: MC7915ACTG and MC7915CTG operate 0°C to 125°C, while MC7915BTG extends to -40°C to 125°C for low-temperature applications.

Q: Can I use MC79M15CTG as a substitute?

A: MC79M15CTG is a functional substitute only if your circuit design permits 500mA output current. The original KA7915ATU is rated for 1A. Use MC79M15CTG only when load current does not exceed 500mA.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: All active substitute parts listed (MC7915 series, L7915 series, and LM7915CT/NOPB) are ROHS3 compliant. The original KA7915ATU does not specify RoHS status due to its obsolete classification.

Q: Which substitute offers the best voltage dropout performance?

A: L7915CV, L7915CV-DG, L7915ACV, and LM7915CT/NOPB all provide 1.1V dropout at 1A, compared to 2V for the original KA7915ATU. This represents a 45% improvement in dropout voltage performance.

Q: Is the TO-220-3 package footprint identical across all substitutes?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use TO-220-3 or compatible TO-220 packages with identical pin configurations, enabling direct PCB footprint compatibility.

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