Product Summary

The LM338K of adjustable 3-terminal positive voltage regulators is capable of supplying in excess of 5A over a 1.2V to 32V output range. It is 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 LM338K is supplied in a standard 3-lead transistor package. A unique feature of the LM338K 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 LM338K 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.

Parametrics

Absolute maximum ratings: (1)Power Dissipation: Internally limited; (2)Input/Output Voltage Differential: +40V, -0.3V; (3)Storage Temperature: -65℃ to +150℃; (4)Lead Temperature of Metal Package (Soldering, 10 seconds): 300℃; (5)Lead Temperature of Plastic Package (Soldering, 4 seconds): 260℃; (6)ESD Tolerance TBD Operating Temperature Range: LM338 0℃ ≦ TJ ≦ +125℃.

Features

Features: (1)Guaranteed 7A peak output current; (2)Guaranteed 5A output current; (3)Adjustable output down to 1.2V; (4)Guaranteed thermal regulation; (5)Current limit constant with temperature; (6)P+ Product Enhancement tested; (7)Output is short-circuit protected.

Diagrams

Image Part No Mfg Description Data Sheet Download Pricing
(USD)
Quantity
LM338K
LM338K

STMicroelectronics

Linear Regulators - Standard 1.2-32V Adj Positive

Data Sheet

0-1: $5.69
1-10: $4.70
10-100: $4.21
100-250: $3.88
LM338K STEEL
LM338K STEEL

National Semiconductor (TI)

Linear Regulators - Standard

Data Sheet

Negotiable 
LM338K STEEL/NOPB
LM338K STEEL/NOPB

National Semiconductor (TI)

Linear Regulators - Standard

Data Sheet

Negotiable 
LM338K/STEEL
LM338K/STEEL


IC REG LDO ADJ 5A TO-3

Data Sheet

0-1: $30.41
1-10: $28.44
10-25: $26.30
25-100: $24.66
100-250: $23.02
250-500: $21.87
500-1000: $21.04
1000-2500: $20.39
2500-5000: $19.73
LM338KSTEEL
LM338KSTEEL

National Semiconductor (TI)

Linear Regulators - Standard

Data Sheet

0-50: $26.30
50-100: $24.66
100-250: $23.02
LM338KSTEEL/NOPB
LM338KSTEEL/NOPB

National Semiconductor (TI)

Linear Regulators - Standard

Data Sheet

0-1: $31.24
1-25: $27.29
25-100: $25.48
100-250: $23.84