LM320T-15 Linear Voltage Regulator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LM320T-15 is a negative fixed linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by Texas Instruments, rated for -15V output at 1.5A in a TO-220-3 package. This device is classified as Last Time Buy, indicating end-of-life status. Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary to ensure design continuity and maintain supply chain reliability for applications requiring negative voltage regulation in this performance class.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Output Configuration	Negative
Output Type	Fixed
Output Voltage	-15V
Maximum Output Current	1.5A
Maximum Input Voltage	-35V
Quiescent Current	2 mA
Operating Temperature Range	0°C to 125°C
Package Type	TO-220-3
Mounting Type	Through Hole

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility is determined by the following critical parameters:

Output voltage: -15V (fixed)
Output configuration: Negative
Package: TO-220-3 (mechanical and thermal compatibility)
Maximum input voltage: -35V or greater
Operating temperature range: 0°C to 125°C minimum

Parts are grouped into two categories based on output current capability:

Category A (1.5A Output): Direct substitutes with identical 1.5A current rating. These parts maintain full electrical equivalence with the LM320T-15.

Category B (1.0A Output): Substitutes with reduced 1.0A current rating. These parts are suitable only for applications where load current does not exceed 1.0A.

Category C (500mA Output): Substitutes with further reduced 500mA current rating. These parts are suitable only for low-current applications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Output Current	Quiescent Current	PSRR (120Hz)	Dropout Voltage	Protection Features	RoHS Status	Product Status
LM320T-15	Texas Instruments	1.5A	2 mA	64dB	—	Over Current, Over Temperature	Non-compliant	Last Time Buy
LM320T-15/NOPB	Texas Instruments	1.5A	2 mA	64dB	—	Over Current, Over Temperature	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
L7915ACV	STMicroelectronics	1.5A	3 mA	60dB	1.1V @ 1A (Typ)	Over Temperature, Short Circuit	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
L7915CV	STMicroelectronics	1.5A	3 mA	60dB	1.1V @ 1A (Typ)	Over Temperature, Short Circuit	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
L7915CV-DG	STMicroelectronics	1.5A	3 mA	60dB	1.1V @ 1A (Typ)	Over Temperature, Short Circuit	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
MC7915ACTG	onsemi	1.0A	3 mA	60dB	1.3V @ 1A (Typ)	Over Current, Over Temperature	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
MC7915BTG	onsemi	1.0A	3 mA	60dB	1.3V @ 1A (Typ)	Over Current, Over Temperature	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
MC7915CTG	onsemi	1.0A	3 mA	60dB	1.3V @ 1A (Typ)	Over Current, Over Temperature	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
MC79M15BTG	onsemi	500mA	3 mA	60dB	1.1V @ 500mA (Typ)	Over Current, Over Temperature	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
MC79M15CTG	onsemi	500mA	3 mA	60dB	1.1V @ 500mA (Typ)	Over Current, Over Temperature	ROHS3 Compliant	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation (Full Equivalence):

LM320T-15/NOPB is the direct equivalent from Texas Instruments. It maintains identical electrical specifications to the LM320T-15 while offering ROHS3 compliance and Active product status. This part is recommended for designs requiring no component changes.

Secondary Recommendations (1.5A Alternatives):

L7915CV, L7915CV-DG, and L7915ACV from STMicroelectronics are functionally equivalent at 1.5A output current. All three are ROHS3 compliant and Active. These parts are suitable for direct substitution in applications where the 1.5A current rating is required. L7915CV-DG offers the highest inventory availability (201,850 units).

Reduced Current Alternatives:

MC7915ACTG, MC7915BTG, and MC7915CTG from onsemi provide 1.0A output current and are suitable only for applications where maximum load current does not exceed 1.0A. MC79M15BTG and MC79M15CTG provide 500mA output and are suitable only for low-current applications. All onsemi parts are ROHS3 compliant and Active.

Compliance Considerations:

All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, addressing regulatory requirements for new designs. The original LM320T-15 is RoHS non-compliant and should be replaced in new designs subject to RoHS regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use L7915CV in place of LM320T-15 without circuit modifications?

A: Yes. L7915CV maintains the same -15V output, 1.5A current rating, -35V maximum input voltage, TO-220-3 package, and 0°C to 125°C operating range. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between L7915CV and L7915CV-DG?

A: Both parts are electrically identical. The difference is in packaging designation and supplier tracking. L7915CV-DG has significantly higher inventory availability (201,850 units vs. 55,300 units).

Q: Can I use MC7915CTG as a direct replacement for LM320T-15?

A: MC7915CTG is not a direct replacement. It provides only 1.0A output current compared to the LM320T-15's 1.5A. Use MC7915CTG only if your application requires maximum 1.0A load current.

Q: Why do some substitutes have higher quiescent current (3 mA vs. 2 mA)?

A: The STMicroelectronics L7915 series and onsemi MC7915 series specify 3 mA quiescent current. This is a minor difference and does not affect circuit functionality in most applications. Verify quiescent current impact only in battery-powered or ultra-low-power designs.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same TO-220-3 package?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts use TO-220-3 package with identical pinout and thermal characteristics, ensuring mechanical and thermal compatibility with the LM320T-15.

Q: Which substitute has the best regulatory compliance for new designs?

A: All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. Any of the recommended parts meet current regulatory requirements for new product designs.

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

A: All three are 1.0A onsemi regulators with identical electrical specifications. The differences are in temperature grade: ACTG operates 0°C to 125°C, BTG operates -40°C to 125°C, and CTG operates 0°C to 125°C. Select based on your application's required operating temperature range.

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