KA79M15 Linear Voltage Regulator IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The KA79M15 is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by onsemi, designed to provide a fixed negative output of -15V at 500mA 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 KA79M15 operates across an input voltage range up to -35V and includes protection features for over-temperature and short-circuit conditions, with a maximum dropout voltage of 1.1V at 500mA.

Substiute Parts

KA79M15

onsemiIn Stock: 2631KA79M15 Datasheet

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MC7915ACTG

onsemiIn Stock: 2103MC7915ACTG Datasheet

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MC7915BTG

onsemiIn Stock: 3138MC7915BTG Datasheet

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MC7915CTG

onsemiIn Stock: 2431MC7915CTG Datasheet

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MC79M15BTG

onsemiIn Stock: 2237MC79M15BTG Datasheet

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MC79M15CTG

onsemiIn Stock: 8772MC79M15CTG Datasheet

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L7915ACV

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 2412L7915ACV Datasheet

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L7915CV

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 55335L7915CV Datasheet

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L7915CV-DG

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 201958L7915CV-DG Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the KA79M15 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Output voltage: -15V fixed
• Output configuration: Negative
• Package type: TO-220-3
• Mounting type: Through Hole
• Input voltage maximum: -35V
• Protection features: Over-temperature and short-circuit protection

Substitution Groups:

Group 1: Direct Current Rating Match (500mA) Parts with identical 500mA output current rating: MC79M15BTG, MC79M15CTG

Group 2: Higher Current Rating (1A) Parts with 1A output current rating: MC7915ACTG, MC7915BTG, MC7915CTG

Group 3: Higher Current Rating (1.5A) Parts with 1.5A output current rating: L7915ACV, L7915CV, L7915CV-DG

All substitute parts maintain the -15V fixed negative output, TO-220-3 package, and -35V maximum input voltage specification. Current rating increases provide design flexibility for applications requiring higher load capacity while maintaining electrical compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (500mA Applications): MC79M15BTG and MC79M15CTG are the primary substitutes for the KA79M15. Both parts maintain the 500mA output current specification and are manufactured by onsemi. MC79M15BTG offers extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C) compared to the original specification (0°C ~ 125°C). Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity.

For Higher Current Capacity (1A Applications): MC7915ACTG, MC7915BTG, and MC7915CTG provide 1A output current while maintaining all other electrical parameters. These parts are suitable for designs requiring increased load capacity. MC7915BTG extends the operating temperature range to -40°C ~ 125°C. All three parts are ROHS3 compliant and active products.

For Maximum Current Capacity (1.5A Applications): L7915ACV, L7915CV, and L7915CV-DG are manufactured by STMicroelectronics and provide 1.5A output current. These parts maintain the -15V output voltage and TO-220-3 package. L7915CV-DG has the highest inventory availability (201,850 pcs). All three parts are ROHS3 compliant and active products.

Compliance Considerations: All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant, addressing modern regulatory requirements. The KA79M15 product status is obsolete; all substitute parts carry active status, ensuring continued manufacturing support and availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MC79M15BTG or MC79M15CTG be used as direct replacements for KA79M15? A: Yes. Both parts maintain the -15V output voltage, 500mA current rating, TO-220-3 package, and -35V maximum input voltage. MC79M15BTG provides extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C). Both are ROHS3 compliant active products.

Q: What is the difference between the 500mA, 1A, and 1.5A substitute groups? A: Output current rating is the primary difference. The 500mA group (MC79M15BTG, MC79M15CTG) matches the original KA79M15 specification. The 1A group (MC7915ACTG, MC7915BTG, MC7915CTG) and 1.5A group (L7915ACV, L7915CV, L7915CV-DG) provide higher current capacity for applications requiring increased load handling. All maintain -15V output and TO-220-3 package compatibility.

Q: Are there temperature range differences between substitutes? A: Yes. The original KA79M15 operates 0°C ~ 125°C. MC79M15BTG and MC7915BTG extend this to -40°C ~ 125°C. Other substitutes maintain the 0°C ~ 125°C range. Select based on application temperature requirements.

Q: What is the difference between onsemi and STMicroelectronics substitutes? A: Both manufacturers provide equivalent -15V negative linear regulators in TO-220-3 packages. onsemi substitutes (MC79M15, MC7915 series) are available in 500mA and 1A ratings. STMicroelectronics substitutes (L7915 series) provide 1.5A output current. All are ROHS3 compliant and active products.

Q: Can I use a higher current-rated substitute in a 500mA application? A: Yes. Higher current-rated parts (1A or 1.5A) are electrically compatible with 500mA applications. The regulator will supply only the current demanded by the load. This approach provides design margin and future upgrade capability.

Q: What is the significance of ROHS3 compliance? A: ROHS3 compliance indicates the part meets current Restriction of Hazardous Substances regulations. All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant, ensuring compatibility with modern manufacturing and environmental standards. The original KA79M15 does not specify RoHS status.

Q: Are all substitutes available in the same package? A: Yes. All substitute parts use the TO-220-3 package with through-hole mounting, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing PCB designs.

Q: What protection features do the substitutes provide? A: MC79M15 and MC7915 series provide over-current and over-temperature protection. L7915 series provide over-temperature and short-circuit protection. Both protection schemes are suitable for -15V regulator applications.