3A buck regulator, 52 kHz, fixed 15V output
This is a fixed 15V output version of the LM2576 SIMPLE SWITCHER® series, a 52 kHz buck (step-down) regulator delivering up to 3A.
TO-220-5 through-hole — thermal and mechanical fit
The TO-220-5 package with through-hole mounting is a workhorse for point-of-load regulation where a heatsink can be bolted to the metal tab. At 3A continuous, plan for a heatsink with adequate airflow — the tab dissipates the bulk of the conduction loss.
No synchronous rectifier — external Schottky required
The LM2576T-15 uses an asynchronous (non-synchronous) topology — a catch diode, typically a 3A Schottky, must be added externally. This is standard for the SIMPLE SWITCHER family: the datasheet recommends a 1N5822 or equivalent. The external diode adds BOM cost and board area but simplifies the design by eliminating the dead-time control loop.