MC7815ACT Linear Voltage Regulator - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MC7815ACT is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by onsemi, designed to provide a fixed positive 15V output at 1A current capacity in a TO-220-3 package. This device is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design support and procurement.

The MC7815ACT functions as a positive fixed output regulator with integrated over-temperature and short-circuit protection. Its primary application is in power management circuits requiring stable 15V regulation from input sources up to 35V.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Output Voltage (Fixed)	15V
Output Current	1A
Input Voltage (Max)	35V
Voltage Dropout (Max)	2V @ 1A (Typ)
Quiescent Current (Iq)	6 mA
PSRR	80dB (120Hz)
Protection Features	Over Temperature, Short Circuit
Operating Temperature Range	0°C ~ 125°C
Package / Case	TO-220-3
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MC7815ACT is determined by the following critical parameters:

Output Voltage: Must be fixed at 15V
Output Current Capacity: Minimum 1A (higher ratings are acceptable for drop-in replacement)
Input Voltage Rating: Maximum 35V or higher
Package Type: TO-220-3 (mechanical and thermal compatibility)
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Protection Features: Over-temperature and short-circuit protection required

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Equivalents: Parts with identical electrical specifications and active product status (MC7815ACTG, MC7815CTG)

Functional Equivalents: Parts meeting or exceeding the core electrical requirements with compatible packaging, including higher current ratings (L7815ABV, L7815ACV, L7815CV, AS7815AT-E1) and lower current ratings (L78M15ABV, L78M15CV)

Higher Current Capacity Equivalents: Parts with 2A output capability (L78S15CV)

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Output Voltage	Output Current	Input Voltage (Max)	Dropout Voltage	Iq (mA)	PSRR (dB)	Operating Temp	Product Status	RoHS Status
MC7815ACT	onsemi	15V	1A	35V	2V @ 1A	6	80	0°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	Non-compliant
MC7815ACTG	onsemi	15V	1A	35V	2V @ 1A	6	80	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MC7815CTG	onsemi	15V	1A	35V	2V @ 1A	6.5	58	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
AS7815AT-E1	Diodes Incorporated	15V	1A	32V	2V @ 1A	6	58	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
L7815ABV	STMicroelectronics	15V	1.5A	35V	2V @ 1A	6	58	-40°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
L7815ACV	STMicroelectronics	15V	1.5A	35V	2V @ 1A	6	58	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
L7815CV	STMicroelectronics	15V	1.5A	35V	2V @ 1A	8	54	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
L78M15ABV	STMicroelectronics	15V	500mA	35V	—	6	54	-40°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
L78M15CV	STMicroelectronics	15V	500mA	35V	—	6	54	0°C ~ 125°C	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
L78S15CV	STMicroelectronics	15V	2A	35V	—	8	46	0°C ~ 150°C	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
LM340T-15/NOPB	Texas Instruments	15V	1.5A	35V	2V @ 1A	8	80	0°C ~ 125°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation - Direct Replacement: MC7815ACTG (onsemi) is the direct equivalent with identical electrical specifications. This part maintains active product status and achieves ROHS3 compliance, addressing the obsolescence of the original MC7815ACT.

Secondary Recommendation - Active Alternative: MC7815CTG (onsemi) provides equivalent functionality with minor parameter variations (Iq: 6.5 mA vs. 6 mA; PSRR: 58 dB vs. 80 dB). This part offers the highest inventory availability (158,550 units) and active status.

Cross-Manufacturer Alternatives: LM340T-15/NOPB (Texas Instruments) matches the original PSRR specification (80 dB) and provides 1.5A output capacity with active product status and ROHS3 compliance.

L7815ABV (STMicroelectronics) offers 1.5A output capacity, extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 125°C), and active status. This part is suitable for applications requiring higher current headroom.

Current-Limited Applications: L78M15ABV and L78M15CV are restricted to 500 mA output and should only be selected if circuit design explicitly requires current limiting below 1A. Both parts are obsolete.

Higher Current Applications: L78S15CV provides 2A output capacity for applications requiring additional current margin. This part is obsolete but available in inventory.

Compliance Consideration: All recommended active substitutes achieve ROHS3 compliance, whereas the original MC7815ACT is non-compliant. Designs transitioning from MC7815ACT should adopt ROHS3-compliant alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MC7815ACTG directly replace MC7815ACT without circuit modification? A: Yes. MC7815ACTG is electrically and mechanically identical to MC7815ACT. Pin configuration, voltage output, current rating, and package type are equivalent. No circuit changes are required.

Q: What is the difference between MC7815ACTG and MC7815CTG? A: Both are onsemi 15V 1A regulators in TO-220-3 packages. MC7815CTG has slightly higher quiescent current (6.5 mA vs. 6 mA) and lower PSRR (58 dB vs. 80 dB). MC7815CTG offers significantly higher inventory availability. For noise-sensitive applications, MC7815ACTG is preferred.

Q: Can I use L7815ABV (1.5A) instead of MC7815ACT (1A)? A: Yes. L7815ABV is a functional equivalent with higher current capacity. The 1.5A rating provides additional design margin. All electrical parameters meet or exceed MC7815ACT specifications. Package and pinout are identical (TO-220-3).

Q: Why are L78M15ABV and L78M15CV listed if they only provide 500 mA? A: These parts are included because they meet the 15V output specification and share the same package. However, they are unsuitable for applications requiring 1A output. Selection should be limited to designs with explicit 500 mA current requirements.

Q: What is the operating temperature difference between MC7815ACT and AS7815AT-E1? A: MC7815ACT operates from 0°C to 125°C. AS7815AT-E1 (Diodes Incorporated) extends the lower limit to -40°C. For applications requiring extended low-temperature operation, AS7815AT-E1 is appropriate.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant? A: All active substitute parts listed (MC7815ACTG, MC7815CTG, AS7815AT-E1, L7815ABV, L7815ACV, L7815CV, LM340T-15/NOPB) are ROHS3 compliant. Obsolete parts (L78M15ABV, L78M15CV, L78S15CV) are also ROHS3 compliant but have discontinued product status.

Q: Can I use LM340T-15/NOPB as a substitute? A: Yes. LM340T-15/NOPB (Texas Instruments) is functionally equivalent with 1.5A output capacity and matches the original PSRR specification (80 dB). It is actively produced and ROHS3 compliant.

Q: What is the maximum input voltage for each substitute? A: MC7815ACT, MC7815ACTG, MC7815CTG, L7815ABV, L7815ACV, L7815CV, L78M15ABV, L78M15CV, L78S15CV, and LM340T-15/NOPB all support 35V maximum input. AS7815AT-E1 (Diodes Incorporated) supports 32V maximum input.

Q: Is the TO-220-3 package identical across all listed parts? A: Yes. All parts use TO-220-3 package with identical pin configuration and thermal characteristics. Mechanical substitution is direct without PCB layout modification.

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