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Linear Regulators
Below is a collection of the most common and enduring linear regulator ICs. The commercial-grade temp range part is listed.
Fixed Regulators
These are meant to produce a certain fixed output voltage, but clever designs can make them somewhat adjustable.
| Part | Pos/Neg | Input | Output | Dropout | Current | Datasheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LM320 | Neg | -25V | -5/12/15 | 1.5V | 1.5A | LM320_National_1982.pdf LM320_National_1994.pdf |
| LM320(L/M) | Neg | -25V | -5/12/15 | 2.0V | 0.1A/0.25A | LM320L_National_1982.pdf |
| LM340 | Pos | 35V/40V | 5/12/15 | 1.0A | LM340_National_1972.pdf LM340_National_1982.pdf LM340_National_2006.pdf |
|
| LM2940 | Pos | 35V/40V | 5/8/9/10/12/15 | 1.0V | 1.0A | LM2940_National_1988.pdf LM2940_National_2000.pdf |
| LM78XX | Neg | 35V/40V | 5/7/8/9/10/12/15/18/24 | 1.5A | LM78XX_Fairchild_1973.pdf LM78XX_National_1980.pdf LM78XX_National_1995.pdf LM78XX_Fairchild_2001.pdf |
|
| LM78(L/M)XX | Neg | 35V/40V | 5/7/8/9/10/12/15/18/24 | 0.1A/0.25A | LM78LXX_National_1980.pdf LM78MXX_National_1980.pdf |
|
| LM79XX | Neg | -35V/-40V | -5/7/8/9/10/12/15/18/24 | 1.0A | LM79XX_National_1980.pdf LM79XX_National_1994.pdf |
|
| LM79(L/M)XX | Neg | -35V/-40V | -5/7/8/9/10/12/15/18/24 | 0.1A/0.25A | LM79LXXAC_National_1980.pdf LM79MXX_National_1980.pdf LM79MXX_National_2001.pdf |
Adjustable Regulators
| Part | Pos/Neg | In - Out | Dropout | Current | Datasheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LM723 | Pos/Neg | - | 0.2A | ||
| LM317 | Pos | 40V | 3.0V | 1.5A | |
| LM317L | Pos | 40V | 2.0V | 0.1A | |
| LM337 | Neg | -40V | -3.0V | 1.5A | |
| LM338 | Pos | 40V | 3.0V | 5.0A | |
| LM350 | Pos | 35V | 2.5V | 3.0A | |
| LM396 | Pos | 20V | 2.5V | 10A | |
| LT1038 | Pos | 35V | 2.5V | 10A | |
| LT1083,4,5 | Pos | 30V | 1.0V | 7.5A/5A/3A |
Comparison
From National’s 1980 Voltage Regulator Handbook:
App Notes and Handbooks
These provide more extensive design guidance than individual device datasheets:
- National_Semiconductor_1980_Voltage_Regulator_Handbook.pdf
- LM340_AN103_national.pdf NatSemi App Note 103
- LM317_AN181_national.pdf NatSemi App Note 181
- LM317_LB35_national.pdf NatSemi Linear Brief 35
- LM317_LB46_national.pdf NatSemi Linear Brief 46
- LM317_LB47_national.pdf NatSemi Linear Brief 47
- AN1148_ti.pdf TI App Note 1148
Covering all Linear ICs (Not just regulators):
- National_1972_Linear_Applications_Handbook.pdf
- National_1973_Linear_Applications_Handbook.pdf
- National_1994_Linear_Applications_Handbook.pdf