LM7915CT Linear Voltage Regulator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LM7915CT 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 new designs and production continuity. The regulator includes over-temperature and short-circuit protection features, operating across the industrial temperature range of 0°C to 125°C.

Substiute Parts

LM7915CT

onsemiIn Stock: 1738LM7915CT Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MC7915CTG

onsemiIn Stock: 2431MC7915CTG Datasheet

DirectRFQ

LM7915CT/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1982LM7915CT/NOPB Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the LM7915CT is determined by the following critical parameters: output voltage (-15V fixed), output current capability (minimum 1A), input voltage rating (-35V maximum), package type (TO-220-3), and operating temperature range (0°C to 125°C). All substitute parts must maintain these electrical and mechanical specifications to ensure functional compatibility in existing circuit designs.

The substitute parts are grouped as follows:

Direct Manufacturer Substitute: MC7915CTG (onsemi) — identical electrical specifications with improved dropout voltage performance and active product status.

Similar Manufacturer Substitute: LM7915CT/NOPB (Texas Instruments) — higher output current rating (1.5A) with enhanced PSRR and lower quiescent current, maintaining full electrical compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MC7915CTG (onsemi): This direct substitute is recommended for applications requiring continued onsemi component sourcing. It maintains identical electrical specifications while offering improved dropout voltage performance (1.3V vs. 2V) and active product status. The part is ROHS3 compliant and includes over-current protection in addition to over-temperature protection.

LM7915CT/NOPB (Texas Instruments): This substitute is suitable for designs where higher output current capability (1.5A) provides design margin or where Texas Instruments supply chain preference exists. The part delivers superior PSRR (70dB vs. 60dB) and lower quiescent current (1.5mA vs. 6mA), with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. The improved dropout voltage (1.1V) reduces thermal dissipation requirements.

Both substitute parts are electrically compatible with the original LM7915CT in TO-220-3 package applications and maintain the same negative fixed output voltage and input voltage ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MC7915CTG directly replace LM7915CT in existing designs? A: Yes. MC7915CTG maintains identical output voltage (-15V), output current (1A), input voltage rating (-35V), and TO-220-3 package configuration. The improved dropout voltage (1.3V vs. 2V) provides better thermal performance without affecting circuit functionality.

Q: What is the advantage of using LM7915CT/NOPB over the original LM7915CT? A: LM7915CT/NOPB offers higher output current capability (1.5A vs. 1A), lower dropout voltage (1.1V vs. 2V), improved PSRR (70dB vs. 60dB), and reduced quiescent current (1.5mA vs. 6mA). These improvements provide design margin and reduced power dissipation while maintaining full electrical compatibility.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same TO-220-3 package? A: Yes. All three parts use the TO-220-3 package, ensuring mechanical and thermal compatibility in existing PCB layouts and heat sink configurations.

Q: What is the difference between MC7915CTG packaging (Tube) and LM7915CT packaging? A: MC7915CTG is supplied in tube packaging, while LM7915CT packaging is not specified in the provided data. Both parts use identical TO-220-3 component packages; the difference is only in the shipping and storage container format.

Q: Why is the original LM7915CT marked as obsolete? A: Product obsolescence indicates that onsemi has discontinued manufacturing this specific part number. Active substitute parts (MC7915CTG and LM7915CT/NOPB) are available to support ongoing production and new designs.

Q: Can I use LM7915CT/NOPB in a circuit designed for 1A output current? A: Yes. LM7915CT/NOPB is rated for 1.5A output current, making it fully compatible with circuits designed for 1A operation. The higher current rating provides design margin without affecting circuit performance.