6234

Power Dissipation
(Note 2)
                                                                            Internally Limited
Input-Output Voltage Differential
                                                                            +40V, -0.3V
Maximum Junction Temperature
                                                                            150 C
Storage Temperature Range
                                                                            -65 C to +150 C
Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 seconds)
                                                                            300 C
Thermal Resistance
   ThetaJA
     (Still Air)                                                          38 C/W
     (500LF/Min Air flow)                                        TBD
   ThetaJC                                                            3 C/W
ESD Tolerance
(Note 3)
                                                                           3kV
Note 1: Absolute Maximum Ratings indicate limits beyond which damage to the device may occur. Operating Ratings indicate conditions for which the device is functional, but do not guarantee specific performance limits. For guaranteed specifications and test conditions, see the Electrical Characteristics. The guaranteed specifications apply only for the test conditions listed. Some performance characteristics may degrade when the device is not operated under the listed test conditions. 

Note 2: The maximum power dissipation must be derated at elevated temperatures, and is dictated by Tjmax (maximum junction temperature), ThetaJA (package junction to ambient thermal resistance), and TA (ambient temperature). The maximum allowable power dissipation at any temperature is Pdmax = (Tjmax - TA)/ThetaJA or the number given in the Absolute Maximum Ratings, whichever is lower. 

Note 3: Human body model, 1.5K Ohms in series with 100pF.

The LM117 adjustable 3-terminal positive voltage regulator is capable of supplying in excess of 1.5A over a 1.2V to 37V output range. LM117 is exceptionally easy to use and requires only two external resistors to set the output voltage. Further, both line and load regulation are better than standard fixed regulators.

In addition to higher performance than fixed regulators, the LM117 offers full overload protection available only in IC's. Included on the chip are current limit, thermal overload protection and safe area protection. All overload protection circuitry remains fully functional even if the adjustment terminal is diconnected.

Normally, no capacitors of LM117 are needed unless the device is situated more than 6 inches from the input filter capacitors in which case an input bypass is needed. An optional output capacitor can be added to improve transient response. The adjustment terminal of LM117 can be bypassed to achieve very high ripple rejection ratios which are difficult to achieve with standard 3-terminal regulators.

Besides replacing fixed regulators, the LM117 is useful in a wide variety of other applications. Since the regulator is "Floating" and sees only the input-to-output differential voltage, supplies of several hundred volts can be regulated as long as the maximum input to output differential is not exceeded, (i.e., avoid short-circuiting the output).

For applications requiring greater output current, see LM150 (3A) and LM138 (5A) data sheets.  For the negative complement, see LM137 data sheet.