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5 A adjustable positive regulator

LM338T Internal Circuitry

Explore the internal circuitry and functional stages of LM338T.

Inside LM338T

A compact floating reference and pass-control loop inside the package.

LM338 functional package cutaway with 1.24 V reference, error amplifier, series pass stage and protection. ADJ1 OUT2 IN3.
Functional architecture; the loop regulates OUTPUT minus ADJUST.

Explore the circuit

Select a stage to see its role and connections

Floating reference

The error amplifier compares OUT minus ADJ with approximately 1.24 V.

Series pass control

The pass transistor meters input current to the load.

Overload limits

Time-dependent current limiting, safe-area protection and thermal shutdown constrain abnormal stress.

Component view