60V input, 3A output — the application envelope
The LM2576HVS-15 is a fixed 15V output step-down regulator from TI's SIMPLE SWITCHER series, rated for a 60V maximum input and 3A continuous output. The 60V ceiling puts it in the industrial and telecom power rail space — 48V telecom buses, 24V industrial supplies, and automotive 12V/24V systems with headroom for load-dump transients. The 52 kHz switching frequency is low by modern standards, which means the external inductor and capacitor will be physically larger than what a 500 kHz part needs, but switching losses stay low and the radiated noise profile is easier to filter.
Obsolete — plan the replacement now
This part is listed as obsolete. That means TI no longer manufactures it; the only channel is surplus and broker inventory. For a new design, do not spec this part — look at the LM2576HVS-ADJ (adjustable output version, same pinout) or a more modern pin-compatible switcher from the same family. For an existing BOM that already uses the LM2576HVS-15, secure the remaining lifetime buy quantity or qualify a drop-in replacement before the surplus channel dries up.
DDPAK thermal and layout reality
At 3A output with a 15V drop from input to output, the power dissipation can exceed 10 W — the tab's thermal resistance to ambient depends entirely on the board copper area. A 2 oz copper pour of at least 6 square inches under the tab is the starting point. The 52 kHz switching frequency means the inductor ripple current is higher than a faster switcher; use an inductor rated for at least the peak current (3A plus 30% ripple) to avoid saturation.