FEATURES A unique feature of the LM138 family is timedependent current limiting. The current limit circuitry
2• Specified 7A Peak Output Current allows peak currents of up to 12A to be drawn from
• Specified 5A Output Current the regulator for short periods of time. This allows the
• Adjustable Output Down to 1.2V LM138 to be used with heavy transient loads and
speeds start-up under full-load conditions. Under
• Specified Thermal Regulation sustained loading conditions, the current limit
• Current Limit Constant with Temperature decreases to a safe value protecting the regulator.
• P Also included on the chip are thermal overload + Product Enhancement Tested
protection and safe area protection for the power • Output is Short-Circuit Protected transistor. Overload protection remains functional
even if the adjustment pin is accidentally APPLICATIONS disconnected.
• Adjustable Power Supplies Normally, no capacitors are needed unless the device
• Constant Current Regulators is situated more than 6 inches from the input filter
• Battery Chargers capacitors in which case an input bypass is needed.