BETAEstablish the reference
The loop regulates OUTPUT relative to ADJUST; the package has no dedicated ground pin.
5 A adjustable positive regulator
LM338T Basic Circuit
Build a basic LM338T circuit with labeled pins, component values and connection guidance.
LM338T in a circuit
Physical TO-220 regulator, feedback divider and a resistive load.
Connect it, step by step
Follow the component values and pin connections
Set the ratio and minimum load
110 Ω from OUT to ADJ and 330 Ω from ADJ to ground give a ratio of three. Divider current is approximately 11.27 mA.
Check the thermal path
The 50 Ω load draws about 99.2 mA at 4.96 V. Include divider current when calculating dissipation and selecting a heatsink.