MC7915ACT Linear Voltage Regulator -15V 1A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MC7915ACT is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by onsemi, designed to provide a fixed negative output of -15V at 1A in a TO-220-3 package. This part is classified as obsolete, though 4,228 units remain in stock as new original inventory. The MC7915ACT belongs to the Power Management (PMIC) category and is used in applications requiring stable negative voltage regulation with integrated over-current and over-temperature protection.

Due to the obsolete status of the MC7915ACT, identifying equivalent and substitute parts is essential for design continuity, long-term supply chain planning, and new product development. Active alternatives from onsemi and cross-manufacturer sources provide equivalent or enhanced functionality while maintaining RoHS3 compliance and current product support.

Substiute Parts

MC7915ACT

onsemiIn Stock: 4289MC7915ACT Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MC7915ACTG

onsemiIn Stock: 2103MC7915ACTG Datasheet

DirectRFQ

MC7915BTG

onsemiIn Stock: 3138MC7915BTG Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

MC79M15BTG

onsemiIn Stock: 2237MC79M15BTG Datasheet

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MC79M15CTG

onsemiIn Stock: 8772MC79M15CTG Datasheet

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MC7915CTG

onsemiIn Stock: 2431MC7915CTG Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

L7915ACV

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 2412L7915ACV Datasheet

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L7915CV

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 55335L7915CV Datasheet

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LM320T-15/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1597LM320T-15/NOPB Datasheet

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LM7915CT/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1982LM7915CT/NOPB Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the MC7915ACT are classified into three categories based on electrical and mechanical compatibility:

Direct Manufacturer Equivalent (Identical Electrical Specifications)

• Same manufacturer (onsemi), same output voltage (-15V), same output current (1A), same package (TO-220-3)
• Differs only in product status (Active vs. Obsolete) and RoHS compliance
• Key parameters: -15V output, 1A current, TO-220-3 package, -35V max input

Parametric Equivalents (Same Core Function, Minor Variations)

• Same output voltage (-15V), same output current (1A), same package (TO-220-3)
• May differ in operating temperature range or RoHS status
• Key parameters: -15V output, 1A current, TO-220-3 package

Similar Cross-Manufacturer Parts (Enhanced Specifications)

• Same output voltage (-15V), same package (TO-220-3), higher output current (1.5A) or reduced current (500mA)
• From alternative manufacturers (STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments)
• Key parameters: -15V output, TO-220-3 package, compatible protection features

Current-Reduced Alternatives (Lower Output Current)

• Same output voltage (-15V), same package (TO-220-3), reduced output current (500mA)
• Suitable only for applications requiring ≤500mA
• Key parameters: -15V output, 500mA current, TO-220-3 package

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Identical Specifications)

MC7915ACTG and MC7915CTG are the primary direct replacements for MC7915ACT. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications (-15V output, 1A current, 1.3V dropout at 1A, 60dB PSRR) and package configuration (TO-220-3). Both are Active products with ROHS3 compliance, addressing the obsolescence and regulatory compliance limitations of the original part. MC7915CTG offers slightly higher inventory availability (2,400 units vs. 2,032 units).

For Extended Temperature Range Applications

MC7915BTG extends the operating temperature range to -40°C ~ 125°C while maintaining all other electrical and mechanical specifications. This variant is suitable for applications requiring operation below 0°C. RoHS3 compliance and Active product status are maintained.

For Current-Constrained Applications (≤500mA)

MC79M15CTG and MC79M15BTG reduce output current to 500mA with corresponding reduction in voltage dropout (1.1V @ 500mA). These parts are suitable only for designs requiring maximum 500mA output. MC79M15CTG maintains the standard 0°C ~ 125°C operating range, while MC79M15BTG extends to -40°C ~ 125°C. Both are ROHS3 compliant and Active.

For Higher Current Capability (1.5A)

L7915CV (STMicroelectronics), L7915ACV (STMicroelectronics), and LM7915CT/NOPB (Texas Instruments) provide 1.5A output current while maintaining -15V output and TO-220-3 package. These parts offer improved current headroom and lower dropout voltage (1.1V @ 1A). All three are ROHS3 compliant and Active. L7915CV has the highest inventory availability (55,300 units). These parts are suitable for applications where the original 1A specification is marginal or where future current scaling is anticipated.

Compliance Considerations

All recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant, addressing the RoHS non-compliance status of the obsolete MC7915ACT. All substitute parts maintain Active product status, ensuring long-term availability and manufacturer support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MC7915ACTG be used as a direct drop-in replacement for MC7915ACT?

A: Yes. MC7915ACTG is electrically and mechanically identical to MC7915ACT. Both provide -15V output at 1A in a TO-220-3 package with identical dropout voltage (1.3V @ 1A) and protection features. The primary differences are product status (Active vs. Obsolete) and RoHS compliance (ROHS3 vs. non-compliant). No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between MC7915ACTG and MC7915CTG?

A: Both parts are electrically identical with -15V output, 1A current, and TO-220-3 package. The difference lies in packaging format: MC7915ACTG is supplied in Tube packaging, while MC7915CTG is also supplied in Tube. Both are ROHS3 compliant and Active. Selection between these two can be based on inventory availability or supplier preference.

Q: Can I use L7915CV instead of MC7915ACT?

A: Yes, with design considerations. L7915CV provides the same -15V output in a TO-220-3 package but with higher output current (1.5A vs. 1A) and lower dropout voltage (1.1V @ 1A vs. 1.3V @ 1A). The higher current rating and improved dropout characteristics make L7915CV suitable for applications where MC7915ACT is marginal. No circuit modifications are required for basic functionality, though thermal design may benefit from the improved dropout performance.

Q: What is the difference between MC7915BTG and MC7915ACTG?

A: Both parts provide -15V output at 1A in a TO-220-3 package with identical dropout voltage (1.3V @ 1A). The key difference is operating temperature range: MC7915BTG operates from -40°C to 125°C, while MC7915ACTG operates from 0°C to 125°C. Select MC7915BTG for applications requiring operation below 0°C.

Q: Can MC79M15CTG be used in place of MC7915ACT?

A: No, not for applications requiring full 1A output. MC79M15CTG is rated for maximum 500mA output current, compared to MC7915ACT's 1A rating. Using MC79M15CTG in a 1A application would exceed its current specification. MC79M15CTG is suitable only for designs requiring ≤500mA output.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All recommended substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant. The original MC7915ACT is RoHS non-compliant. If RoHS compliance is a design requirement, any of the recommended substitutes satisfy this requirement.

Q: What is the inventory status of these substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts listed are available as new original stock. L7915CV has the highest availability (55,300 units), followed by MC79M15CTG (8,723 units) and MC7915BTG (3,066 units). Availability should be verified with your supplier for current stock levels and lead times.

Q: Can I use LM320T-15/NOPB or LM7915CT/NOPB as substitutes?

A: Yes. Both Texas Instruments parts provide -15V output at 1.5A in a TO-220-3 package. LM7915CT/NOPB specifies 1.1V dropout at 1A and 70dB PSRR, while LM320T-15/NOPB specifies 64dB PSRR. Both are ROHS3 compliant and Active. These parts are suitable for applications where higher current capability or improved performance is beneficial.