L7915CV-DG

The L7915CV-DG from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal fixed negative voltage regulator from the classic L79 series, providing -15V output at up to 1.5A. Designed with the same voltage options as the L78 positive series, it is particularly suited for split power supply configurations. The device incorporates thermal overload protection, short-circuit current limiting, and output safe operating area protection, making it virtually indestructible. The -DG suffix indicates the ECOPACK2 RoHS-compliant version in a TO-220 through-hole package with tube packaging.

The L7915CV-DG is a series pass linear regulator that maintains a constant -15V output by continuously adjusting the conduction of an internal series pass transistor. A voltage divider network samples the output voltage and compares it to an internal bandgap reference. The error amplifier drives the pass transistor to maintain regulation. The dropout voltage of 1.1V at 1A means the input must be at least -16.1V to maintain regulation. The thermal shutdown activates when the junction temperature exceeds approximately 150°C, and the short-circuit protection limits current to about 300mA during fault conditions.

• ±15V split supply for dual op-amp circuits and analog front-ends
• Audio amplifier negative rail power supply
• Industrial instrumentation and test equipment dual-rail rails
• On-card local negative regulation to eliminate distribution noise
• Adjustable negative supply using external resistors for non-standard voltages