LM338K LM338K LM338K LM338K
Features
■ Guaranteed 7 A peak output current
■ Guaranteed 5 A output current
■ Adjustable output down to 1.2 V
■ Line regulation typically 0.005 %/V
■ Load regulation typically 0.1 %
■ Guaranteed thermal regulation
■ Current limit constant with temperature
■ Standard 3-lead transistor package
Description
The LM138, LM238, LM338 are adjustable 3-
terminal positive voltage regulators capable of
supplying in excess of 5 A over a 1.2 V to 32 V
output range. They are exceptionally easy to use
and require only 2 resistors to set the output
voltage. Careful circuit design has resulted in
outstanding load and line regulation comparable
to many commercial power supplies. The LM138
family is supplied in a standard 3-lead transistor
package.
The LM138, LM238, LM338 are packaged in
standard steel TO-3 transistor package. The
LM138 is rated for operation from - 55 °C to
150 °C, the LM238 from - 25 °C to 150 °C and the
LM338 from 0 °C to 125 °C.
A unique feature of the LM138 family is time-dependent
current limiting. The current limit circuitry
allows peak currents of up to 12 A to be drawn
from the regulator for short periods of time. This
allows the LM138 to be used with heavy transient
loads and speeds start-up under full-load
conditions. Under sustained loading conditions,
the current limit decreases to a safe value
protecting the regulator. Also included on the chip
are thermal overload protection and safe area
protection for the power transistor. Overload