LM7815 15V 1A Positive Voltage Regulator TO-220

LM7815 15V 1A Positive Voltage Regulator TO-220 is a highly reliable, industry-standard linear voltage regulator designed to deliver a stable positive 15 V output from a fluctuating higher input voltage. This versatile integrated circuit can handle an output current of up to 1 A, making it excellent for a wide variety of electronic applications. Consequently, it eliminates the complex circuitry usually required by discrete voltage regulations. The internal thermal overload protection and short-circuit current limiting features safeguard both the regulator and the connected load from damage during fault conditions. Furthermore, the robust TO-220 package allows for easy heat sink mounting to maximize thermal dissipation during high-power operations. Therefore, you can confidently integrate the LM7815 into your power supply designs to achieve steady, low-noise performance.

Key Features:

• Fixed Output Voltage: Provides a steady and accurate +15 V output, eliminating the need for external resistors to set the voltage level.
• Thermal Overload Protection: Incorporates internal thermal shutdown circuitry that automatically turns off the device if it exceeds safe operating temperatures.
• Short-Circuit Protection: Features built-in current limiting to safeguard the internal pass transistor and the rest of your system from electrical overloads.
• High Output Current: Delivers up to 1 A of continuous output current when you provide adequate heat sinking.
• Robust TO-220 Package: Offers a durable, easy-to-mount through-hole package that readily attaches to standard aluminum heat sinks.

Technical Specifications:

• Output Voltage (V_OUT): +15 V (Within a fixed tolerance of ±4%)
• Input Voltage Range (V_IN): 17.5 V to 30 V (Recommended maximum of 35 V)
• Maximum Output Current (I_OUT): 1.0 A (Typically peaks at ≈ 2.2 A)
• Dropout Voltage (V_D): Typically 2.0 V (The minimum voltage drop required between input and output)
• Quiescent Current (I_Q): Maximum 8.0 mA (The internal current consumed by the IC itself)
• Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to +125°C (Commercial/Industrial grade)

Mechanical Specifications:

• Package Type: TO-220-3 (Through-Hole)
• Tab Material: Nickel-plated copper tab connected internally to the ground pin.
• Flammability Rating: UL 94 V-0 compliant plastic encapsulation.
• Mounting Hole: Standard 3.6 mm diameter hole for screw mounting to a heat sink.

Dimensions:

• Body Height: ≈ 15.7 mm
• Body Width: ≈ 10.4 mm
• Body Thickness: ≈ 4.5 mm
• Lead Pitch: ≈ 2.54 mm (0.1 inch standard spacing)
• Lead Length: ≈ 13.5 mm

Pinout and Wiring:

• Pin 1 (Input): Connect this pin to your unregulated positive input voltage source.
• Pin 2 (Ground): Connect this center pin to the circuit ground reference (0 V).
• Pin 3 (Output): Connect this pin to your load to deliver the regulated +15 V supply.
• Wiring Note: However, for optimal stability, always place a 0.33 μF ceramic capacitor close to the input pin and a 0.1 μF ceramic capacitor close to the output pin to filter out high-frequency noise.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download ON Semiconductor LM7815 Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• Linear Power Supplies: Serving as the primary voltage regulation stage for reliable, noise-sensitive bench power supplies.
• Audio Equipment: Powering operational amplifiers (op-amps) and pre-amplifier stages requiring a clean, hum-free 15V rail.
• Industrial Control Panels: Supplying steady logic voltage to relays, sensors, and basic logic controllers on factory floors.

Applications:

• On-Board Regulation: Eliminating distribution problems associated with single-point regulation by regulating power directly at the subsystem level.
• Dual-Supply Rails: Pairing with the LM7915 negative voltage regulator to create a split ±15 V power supply for analog circuits.
• Battery Chargers: Stabilizing the output voltage charging circuitry for specific lead-acid or lithium-ion battery packs.

Equivalent Models:

• MC7815CT: The identical 15V, 1A linear regulator variant produced by ON Semiconductor.
• L7815CV: STMicroelectronics’ direct cross-reference model, which shares the exact same pinout and physical specifications.
• UA7815CKCS: Texas Instruments’ equivalent version, although thermal parameters can vary slightly depending on manufacturing lots.

Package Includes:

• 1 x LM7815 15V 1A Positive Voltage Regulator TO-220