The LM338T adjustable 3 terminal positive voltage regulator is capable of supplying in excess of 5A over a 1.2V to 32V output range. this device is exceptionally easy to use and requires 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. A unique feature of the LM338T is time dependent current limiting. The current limit circuitry allows peak currents of up to 12A to be drawn from the regulator for short periods of time. This allows the LM338T 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 protection remains functional even if the adjustment pin is accidentally disconnected.
