LM338T5 A adjustable positive regulator

LM338T is a three-terminal adjustable positive linear regulator in a TO-220 package. Its floating reference is typically 1.24 V between OUTPUT and ADJUST; two resistors set a nominal output in the 1.2–32 V range when sufficient headroom and minimum load are provided. The device is specified for 5 A with suitable cooling and safe-area conditions. Its time-dependent current limit allows a specified 7 A minimum peak during the stated 0.5 ms test, while 12 A is only a typical limit. Sustained high differential voltage reduces the available current. This page follows TI SNVS771D for LM338T/NOPB. Front-view leads are ADJUST 1, OUTPUT 2 and INPUT 3; the silver mounting tab is OUTPUT. A modest 9 V input, 110 Ω / 330 Ω divider and 50 Ω load illustrate approximately 4.96 V before adjustment current and tolerances, with about 0.45 W pass-stage loss.