LM7815CT Linear Voltage Regulator IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LM7815CT is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by Texas Instruments, classified as a Power Management (PMIC) component. It provides a fixed positive 15V output at 1A maximum current in a TO-220-3 package. The device is currently listed as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support, maintenance, and new production applications requiring this voltage regulation specification.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Output Voltage (Fixed)	15V
Output Current	1A
Input Voltage (Max)	35V
Voltage Dropout (Max)	2V @ 1A
Quiescent Current (Iq)	8 mA
PSRR	70dB (120Hz)
Package / Case	TO-220-3
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 125°C
Protection Features	Over Current, Over Temperature, Short Circuit

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the LM7815CT are grouped based on strict electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria. The primary substitution parameters are:

Fixed output voltage of 15V
Output current rating of 1A or greater
TO-220-3 package configuration
Through-hole mounting type
Maximum input voltage of 32V or greater
Operating temperature range encompassing 0°C to 125°C
Protection features including over-temperature and short-circuit protection

Parts are classified into two categories: direct equivalents (matching all primary specifications) and functional substitutes (meeting core electrical requirements with minor parameter variations). Parts with lower current ratings (500mA) or higher current ratings (1.5A, 2A) are included where they maintain the 15V output specification and TO-220-3 package, as they provide design flexibility for applications with different current demands.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Output Voltage	Output Current	Input Voltage (Max)	Voltage Dropout (Max)	Quiescent Current (Iq)	PSRR	Operating Temperature	Product Status	RoHS Status
LM7815CT	Texas Instruments	15V	1A	35V	2V @ 1A	8 mA	70dB (120Hz)	0°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	RoHS non-compliant
LM7815CT/NOPB	Texas Instruments	15V	1A	35V	2V @ 1A	8 mA	70dB (120Hz)	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
AS7815AT-E1	Diodes Incorporated	15V	1A	32V	2V @ 1A (Typ)	6 mA	58dB (120Hz)	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
L7815ABV	STMicroelectronics	15V	1.5A	35V	2V @ 1A (Typ)	6 mA	58dB (120Hz)	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
L7815ACV	STMicroelectronics	15V	1.5A	35V	2V @ 1A (Typ)	6 mA	58dB (120Hz)	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
L7815CV	STMicroelectronics	15V	1.5A	35V	2V @ 1A (Typ)	8 mA	54dB (120Hz)	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
L78M15ABV	STMicroelectronics	15V	500mA	35V	Not specified	6 mA	54dB (120Hz)	-40°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
L78M15CV	STMicroelectronics	15V	500mA	35V	Not specified	6 mA	54dB (120Hz)	0°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
L78S15CV	STMicroelectronics	15V	2A	35V	Not specified	8 mA	46dB (120Hz)	0°C ~ 150°C	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MC7815ABTG	onsemi	15V	1A	35V	2V @ 1A (Typ)	6 mA	80dB (120Hz)	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MC7815ACTG	onsemi	15V	1A	35V	2V @ 1A (Typ)	6 mA	80dB (120Hz)	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For applications currently using the obsolete LM7815CT, the following selection criteria apply:

Direct Replacement (Active Status, Matching Specifications): LM7815CT/NOPB is the direct equivalent from Texas Instruments with identical electrical specifications and active product status. This part maintains ROHS3 compliance and is the preferred choice for direct substitution where inventory of the original LM7815CT is unavailable.

Alternative Manufacturers (Active Status, 1A Output): MC7815ACTG and MC7815ABTG from onsemi provide 1A output at 15V with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. MC7815ACTG matches the 0°C to 125°C operating temperature range of the original part. MC7815ABTG extends the lower operating temperature to -40°C, providing broader environmental coverage.

Higher Current Capability (Active Status, 1.5A Output): L7815ABV, L7815ACV, and L7815CV from STMicroelectronics provide 1.5A output at 15V with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. These parts are suitable for applications requiring higher current capacity while maintaining the 15V output specification. L7815ABV and L7815ACV support extended temperature ranges (-40°C to 125°C), while L7815CV operates within 0°C to 125°C.

Lower Current Capability (Obsolete Status, 500mA Output): L78M15ABV and L78M15CV from STMicroelectronics provide 500mA output at 15V. These parts are obsolete but remain available in inventory. They are suitable only for applications with reduced current requirements.

Extended Current and Temperature (Obsolete Status, 2A Output): L78S15CV from STMicroelectronics provides 2A output at 15V with extended operating temperature to 150°C. This part is obsolete but available for applications requiring higher current capacity and elevated temperature operation.

Diodes Incorporated Alternative (Active Status, 1A Output): AS7815AT-E1 from Diodes Incorporated provides 1A output at 15V with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. Maximum input voltage is 32V (compared to 35V for other parts), and operating temperature extends to -40°C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can LM7815CT/NOPB be used as a direct replacement for LM7815CT? A: Yes. LM7815CT/NOPB is the active equivalent from Texas Instruments with identical electrical specifications, TO-220-3 package, and 1A output current. The primary difference is ROHS3 compliance status and active product availability.

Q: What is the difference between MC7815ACTG and MC7815ABTG? A: Both parts provide 1A output at 15V from onsemi with identical electrical specifications. MC7815ACTG operates from 0°C to 125°C, while MC7815ABTG extends the lower operating temperature to -40°C. Selection depends on the required operating temperature range.

Q: Can L7815ABV (1.5A) replace LM7815CT (1A)? A: Yes. L7815ABV provides higher current capacity (1.5A versus 1A) at the same 15V output, making it a functional substitute. The higher current rating provides design margin for applications originally designed for 1A. All other electrical parameters are compatible.

Q: Why are L78M15ABV and L78M15CV listed as obsolete? A: These parts have been discontinued by STMicroelectronics. They are included in the substitute list because they maintain the 15V output specification and TO-220-3 package, but their obsolete status means limited future availability. Active alternatives with higher current ratings (1.5A) are recommended.

Q: What is the significance of the 32V maximum input voltage for AS7815AT-E1 versus 35V for other parts? A: AS7815AT-E1 from Diodes Incorporated has a maximum input voltage specification of 32V, compared to 35V for most other substitutes. This 3V difference is within typical design margins but should be verified for applications operating near the upper input voltage limit.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant? A: All active substitute parts listed (LM7815CT/NOPB, AS7815AT-E1, L7815ABV, L7815ACV, L7815CV, MC7815ABTG, MC7815ACTG) are ROHS3 compliant. The original LM7815CT is RoHS non-compliant. Obsolete parts (L78M15ABV, L78M15CV, L78S15CV) are ROHS3 compliant.

Q: Can parts with different current ratings (500mA, 1.5A, 2A) be used interchangeably? A: Parts with different current ratings maintain the same 15V output voltage and TO-220-3 package, making them mechanically and electrically compatible. However, selection should be based on the actual current requirements of the application. Higher-rated parts provide design margin; lower-rated parts may be insufficient for higher-current loads.

Q: What is PSRR and why does it vary among substitutes? A: PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio) measures the regulator's ability to reject input voltage ripple. The LM7815CT specifies 70dB at 120Hz. Substitute parts range from 46dB to 80dB. Higher PSRR values indicate better ripple rejection. For applications sensitive to power supply noise, parts with higher PSRR (MC7815ABTG, MC7815ACTG at 80dB) are preferred.

Q: Is the TO-220-3 package the same across all substitute parts? A: Yes. All substitute parts use the TO-220-3 package with through-hole mounting, ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts and thermal management designs. Package compatibility is maintained across all listed alternatives.

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