KA79M15TU Linear Voltage Regulator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The KA79M15TU 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 part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. The KA79M15TU serves applications requiring stable negative voltage regulation with thermal and short-circuit protection in through-hole mounting configurations.

Substiute Parts

KA79M15TU

onsemiIn Stock: 877KA79M15TU 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 KA79M15TU is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Output Voltage: -15V fixed (all substitutes must match)
• Package / Case: TO-220-3 through-hole mounting (all substitutes must match)
• Output Current Capability: 500mA minimum (substitutes with equal or higher current are acceptable)
• Input Voltage Range: -35V maximum (all substitutes must support)
• Protection Features: Over temperature and short circuit protection (all substitutes must include)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on output current rating:

Category 1: 500mA Output Current (Direct Current Match)

• MC79M15BTG
• MC79M15CTG

Category 2: Higher Output Current (1A and 1.5A)

• MC7915ACTG (1A)
• MC7915BTG (1A)
• MC7915CTG (1A)
• L7915ACV (1.5A)
• L7915CV (1.5A)
• L7915CV-DG (1.5A)

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Current Replacement (500mA Applications):

MC79M15BTG and MC79M15CTG are the primary substitutes for the KA79M15TU. Both are active onsemi products with identical output current specifications (500mA) and matching TO-220-3 packaging. MC79M15BTG supports extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C), making it suitable for industrial applications. MC79M15CTG maintains the standard temperature range (0°C ~ 125°C). Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and provide over-current protection in addition to over-temperature protection.

For Higher Current Applications (1A Output):

MC7915ACTG, MC7915BTG, and MC7915CTG provide 1A output current capability while maintaining -15V fixed output and TO-220-3 packaging. These parts are suitable when circuit design permits higher current capacity. MC7915BTG offers extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C). All three are ROHS3 compliant active products.

For Maximum Current Capacity (1.5A Output):

L7915ACV, L7915CV, and L7915CV-DG are STMicroelectronics alternatives providing 1.5A output current. L7915CV-DG has the highest inventory availability (201,850 pcs). All three maintain -15V output, TO-220-3 packaging, and 0°C ~ 125°C operating temperature. These parts feature over-temperature and short-circuit protection matching the original KA79M15TU specification. All are ROHS3 compliant.

All substitute parts maintain REACH Unaffected status and EAR99 ECCN classification consistent with the original part.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a 1A or 1.5A rated regulator in place of the 500mA KA79M15TU?

A: Yes. Higher current-rated regulators are backward compatible for lower current applications. The 1A and 1.5A parts will operate correctly in circuits designed for 500mA output, provided the circuit does not exceed the original 500mA current draw. The higher current rating provides design margin and does not affect voltage regulation accuracy.

Q: What is the difference between MC79M15BTG and MC79M15CTG?

A: Both parts are identical 500mA -15V regulators in TO-220-3 packaging. The primary difference is operating temperature range: MC79M15BTG supports -40°C ~ 125°C (industrial grade), while MC79M15CTG supports 0°C ~ 125°C (commercial grade). Select MC79M15BTG for applications requiring extended low-temperature operation.

Q: Are STMicroelectronics L7915 parts compatible with onsemi MC79M15 parts?

A: Yes. Both manufacturers' parts meet the same electrical specifications for -15V output, TO-220-3 packaging, and protection features. The L7915 series provides higher current capacity (1.5A) and identical voltage dropout characteristics at 1A load. Both are ROHS3 compliant and REACH Unaffected.

Q: Does the KA79M15TU obsolete status affect substitute part selection?

A: The obsolete status of the KA79M15TU makes substitution necessary for new production. All recommended substitutes are active products with established supply chains. MC79M15BTG and MC79M15CTG are the direct functional replacements with identical current ratings. Higher-current alternatives (1A and 1.5A) provide additional design flexibility.

Q: What is the voltage dropout difference between 500mA and 1A rated parts?

A: The KA79M15TU and MC79M15 series specify 1.1V dropout at 500mA. The MC7915 series (1A rated) specifies 1.3V dropout at 1A. The L7915 series (1.5A rated) specifies 1.1V dropout at 1A. For circuits operating at 500mA, the L7915 series provides superior dropout performance compared to MC7915 series.

Q: Can I substitute based on package type alone?

A: No. All parts in this comparison share TO-220-3 packaging, but electrical parameters must also match. Output voltage (-15V), input voltage range (-35V maximum), and protection features must be verified. Current rating can be equal or higher than the original specification.