lm138 338

LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
SNVS771B MAY 1998 REVISED APRIL 2013
LM138/LM338 5-Amp Adjustable Regulators

Check for Samples: LM138, LM338
FEATURES
Specified 7A Peak Output Current

Specified 5A Output Current
Adjustable Output Down to 1.2V
Specified Thermal Regulation
Current Limit Constant with Temperature
P+ Product Enhancement Tested
Output is Short-Circuit Protected
APPLICATIONS
Adjustable Power Supplies

Constant Current Regulators
Battery Chargers
DESCRIPTION
The LM138 series of adjustable 3-terminal positive
voltage regulators is capable of supplying in excess
of 5A over a 1.2V to 32V output range. They are
exceptionally easy to use and require only 2 resistors
to set the output voltage. Careful circuit design has
resulted
in
outstanding
load
and
line
regulationcomparable to many commercial power
supplies. The LM138 family is supplied in a standard
3-lead transistor package.
A unique feature of the LM138 family is timedependent current limiting. The current limit circuitry
allows peak currents of up to 12A to be drawn from
the regulator for short periods of time. This allows the
LM138 to be used with heavy transient loads and
speeds start-up under full-load conditions. Under
sustained loading conditions, the current limit
decreases to a safe value protecting the regulator.
Also included on the chip are thermal overload
protection and safe area protection for the power
transistor. Overload protection remains functional
even if the adjustment pin is accidentally
disconnected.
Normally, no capacitors 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 output capacitor can be added to improve
transient response, while bypassing the adjustment
pin will increase the regulator's ripple rejection.
Besides replacing fixed regulators or discrete
designs, the LM138 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., do not short-circuit output to ground.
The part numbers in the LM138 series which have a
K suffix are packaged in a standard Steel TO-3
package, while those with a T suffix are packaged in
a TO-220 plastic package. The LM138 is rated for
55C TJ +150C, and the LM338 is rated for 0C
TJ +125C.
Connection Diagram
Connection Diagrams
Figure 1. (TO-3) Metal Can Package

Bottom View
See Package Number NDS0002A
Figure 2. (TO-220) Plastic Package

Front View
See Package Number NDE0003B
Please be aware that an important notice concerning availability, standard warranty, and use in critical applications of
Texas Instruments semiconductor products and disclaimers thereto appears at the end of this data sheet.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
PRODUCTION DATA information is current as of publication date.

Products conform to specifications per the terms of the Texas
Instruments standard warranty. Production processing does not
necessarily include testing of all parameters.
Copyright 19982013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
These devices have limited built-in ESD protection. The leads should be shorted together or the device placed in conductive foam
during storage or handling to prevent electrostatic damage to the MOS gates.
Absolute Maximum Ratings (1) (2) (3)

Power Dissipation
Internally limited
+40V, 0.3V
Input/Output Voltage Differential
65C to +150C
Storage Temperature
Lead Temperature
TO-3 Package (Soldering, 10 seconds)
TO-220 Package (Soldering, 4 seconds)
300C
260C
ESD Tolerance
(1)
TBD
Absolute Maximum Ratings indicate limits beyond which damage to the device may occur. Operating Ratings indicate conditions for
which the device is intended to be functional, but do not ensure specific performance limits. For ensured specifications and test
conditions, see the Electrical Characteristics.
Refer to RETS138K drawing for military specifications of LM138K.
If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required, please contact the TI Sales Office/ Distributors for availability and specifications.
(2)
(3)
Operating Temperature Range

LM138
55C TJ +150C
LM338
0C TJ +125C
Electrical Characteristics
Specifications with standard type face are for TJ = 25C, and those with boldface type apply over full Operating
Temperature Range. Unless otherwise specified, VIN VOUT = 5V; and IOUT = 10 mA. (1)
Symbol
Parameter
VREF
Reference Voltage
3V (VIN VOUT) 35V,

10 mA IOUT 5A, P 50W
VRLINE
Line Regulation
3V (VIN VOUT) 35V
VRLOAD
Load Regulation
Thermal Regulation
LM138
Conditions
10 mA IOUT 5A
Typ
Max
1.19
1.24
1.29
0.005
0.01
%/V
0.02
0.04
%/V
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.6
0.002
0.01
%/W
45
100
0.2
mA
(2)
(2)
20 ms Pulse
IADJ
Adjustment Pin Current
IADJ
Adjustment Pin Current Change
10 mA IOUT 5A,
3V (VIN VOUT) 35V
VR/T
Temperature Stability
TMIN TJ TMAX
ILOAD(Min)
Minimum Load Current
VIN VOUT = 35V
3.5
ICL
Current Limit
VIN VOUT 10V

DC
0.5 ms Peak
12
60
dB
75
dB
10 Hz f 10 kHz
Ripple Rejection Ratio
VOUT = 10V, f = 120 Hz, CADJ = 0 F

VOUT = 10V, f = 120 Hz, CADJ = 10 F
0.003
RMS Output Noise, % of VOUT
(2)
VR/VIN
(1)
VIN VOUT = 30V

VN
JC
Units
Min
Long-Term Stability
TJ = 125C, 1000 Hrs
Thermal Resistance,
Junction to Case
NDS Package
60
0.3
C/W
These specifications are applicable for power dissipations up to 50W for the TO-3 (NDS) package and 25W for the TO-220 (NDE)
package. Power dissipation is specified at these values up to 15V input-output differential. Above 15V differential, power dissipation will
be limited by internal protection circuitry. All limits (i.e., the numbers in the Min. and Max. columns) are specified to TI's AOQL (Average
Outgoing Quality Level).
Regulation is measured at a constant junction temperature, using pulse testing with a low duty cycle. Changes in output voltage due to
heating effects are covered under the specifications for thermal regulation.
Submit Documentation Feedback
Product Folder Links: LM138 LM338
LM138, LM338
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Electrical Characteristics (continued)

Specifications with standard type face are for TJ = 25C, and those with boldface type apply over full Operating
Temperature Range. Unless otherwise specified, VIN VOUT = 5V; and IOUT = 10 mA. (1)
Symbol
JA
Parameter
Thermal Resistance, Junction to
Ambient (No Heat Sink)
Conditions
LM138
Min
NDS Package
Typ
Max
35
Units
C/W
Electrical Characteristics
Symbol
Parameter
Conditions
VREF
Reference Voltage
3V (VIN VOUT) 35V,

10 mA IOUT 5A, P 50W
VRLINE
Line Regulation
3V (VIN VOUT) 35V
VRLOAD
Load Regulation
Thermal Regulation
10 mA IOUT 5A
LM338
Typ
Max
1.19
1.24
1.29
0.005
0.03
%/V
0.02
0.06
%/V
0.1
0.5
0.3
0.002
0.02
%/W
45
100
0.2
(1)
(1)
20 ms Pulse
IADJ
Adjustment Pin Current
IADJ
Adjustment Pin Current Change
10 mA IOUT 5A,
3V (VIN VOUT) 35V
VR/T
TMIN TJ TMAX
ILOAD(Min)
Minimum Load Current
VIN VOUT = 35V
3.5
ICL
Current Limit
VIN VOUT 10V
mA
12
VIN VOUT = 30V

10 Hz f 10 kHz
VR/VIN
Ripple Rejection Ratio
VOUT = 10V, f = 120 Hz, CADJ = 0 F

VOUT = 10V, f = 120 Hz, CADJ = 10 F
(1)
10
0.5 ms Peak
RMS Output Noise, % of VOUT
JA
DC
VN
JC
Units
Min
60
0.003
60
dB
75
0.3
dB
Long-Term Stability
TJ = 125C, 1000 hrs
Thermal Resistance
NDS Package
C/W
Junction to Case
NDE Package
Thermal Resistance, Junction to
NDS Package
35
C/W
C/W
Ambient (No Heat Sink)
NDE Package
50
C/W
Regulation is measured at a constant junction temperature, using pulse testing with a low duty cycle. Changes in output voltage due to
heating effects are covered under the specifications for thermal regulation.
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
Typical Performance Characteristics
Current Limit
Current Limit
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Current Limit
Load Regulation
Figure 5.
Figure 6.
Dropout Voltage
Adjustment
Current
Figure .
Figure 7.
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
Typical Performance Characteristics (continued)

Output Impedance
Figure 8.
Figure 9.
Minimum Operating
Current
Ripple Rejection
Figure 10.
Figure 11.
Ripple Rejection
Ripple Rejection
Figure 12.
Figure 13.
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
Typical Performance Characteristics (continued)
Line Transient Response
Load Transient Response
Figure 14.
Figure 15.
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
APPLICATION HINTS
In operation, the LM138 develops a nominal 1.25V reference voltage, VREF, between the output and adjustment
terminal. The reference voltage is impressed across program resistor R1 and, since the voltage is constant, a
constant current I1 then flows through the output set resistor R2, giving an output voltage of
(1)
Since the 50 A current from the adjustment terminal represents an error term, the LM138 was designed to
minimize IADJ and make it very constant with line and load changes. To do this, all quiescent operating current is
returned to the output establishing a minimum load current requirement. If there is insufficient load on the output,
the output will rise.
EXTERNAL CAPACITORS
An input bypass capacitor is recommended. A 0.1 F disc or 1 F solid tantalum on the input is suitable input
bypassing for almost all applications. The device is more sensitive to the absence of input bypassiing when
adjustment or output capacitors are used but the above values will eliminate the possiblity of problems.
The adjustment terminal can be bypassed to ground on the LM138 to improve ripple rejection. This bypass
capacitor prevents ripple from being amplified as the output voltage is increased. With a 10 F bypass capacitor
75 dB ripple rejection is obtainable at any output level. Increases over 20 F do not appreciably improve the
ripple rejection at frequencies above 120 Hz. If the bypass capacitor is used, it is sometimes necessary to
include protection diodes to prevent the capacitor from discharging through internal low current paths and
damaging the device.
In general, the best type of capacitors to use are solid tantalum. Solid tantalum capacitors have low impedance
even at high frequencies. Depending upon capacitor construction, it takes about 25 F in aluminum electrolytic to
equal 1 F solid tantalum at high frequencies. Ceramic capacitors are also good at high frequencies; but some
types have a large decrease in capacitance at frequencies around 0.5 MHz. For this reason, 0.01 F disc may
seem to work better than a 0.1 F disc as a bypass.
Although the LM138 is stable with no output capacitors, like any feedback circuit, certain values of external
capacitance can cause excessive ringing. This occurs with values between 500 pF and 5000 pF. A 1 F solid
tantalum (or 25 F aluminum electrolytic) on the output swamps this effect and insures stability.
LOAD REGULATION
The LM138 is capable of providing extremely good load regulation but a few precautions are needed to obtain
maximum performance. The current set resistor connected between the adjustment terminal and the output
terminal (usually 240) should be tied directly to the output of the regulator (case) rather than near the load. This
eliminates line drops from appearing effectively in series with the reference and degrading regulation. For
example, a 15V regulator with 0.05 resistance between the regulator and load will have a load regulation due to
line resistance of 0.05 IL. If the set resistor is connected near the load the effective line resistance will be
0.05 (1 + R2/R1) or in this case, 11.5 times worse.
Figure 16 shows the effect of resistance between the regulator and 240 set resistor.
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
Figure 16. Regulator with Line Resistance in Output Lead

With the TO-3 package, it is easy to minimize the resistance from the case to the set resistor, by using 2
separate leads to the case. The ground of R2 can be returned near the ground of the load to provide remote
ground sensing and improve load regulation.
PROTECTION DIODES
When external capacitors are used with any IC regulator it is sometimes necessary to add protection diodes to
prevent the capacitors from discharging through low current points into the regulator. Most 20 F capacitors have
low enough internal series resistance to deliver 20A spikes when shorted. Although the surge is short, there is
enough energy to damage parts of the IC.
When an output capacitor is connected to a regulator and the input is shorted, the output capacitor will discharge
into the output of the regulator. The discharge current depends on the value of the capacitor, the output voltage
of the regulator, and the rate of decrease of VIN. In the LM138 this discharge path is through a large junction that
is able to sustain 25A surge with no problem. This is not true of other types of positive regulators. For output
capacitors of 100 F or less at output of 15V or less, there is no need to use diodes.
The bypass capacitor on the adjustment terminal can discharge through a low current junction. Discharge occurs
when either the input or output is shorted. Internal to the LM138 is a 50 resistor which limits the peak discharge
current. No protection is needed for output voltages of 25V or less and 10 F capacitance. Figure 17 shows an
LM138 with protection diodes included for use with outputs greater than 25V and high values of output
capacitance.
D1 protects against C1
D2 protects against C2
Figure 17. Regulator with Protection Diodes
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
Typical Applications
Regulator and Voltage Reference
1.2V25V Adjustable Regulator
Temperature Controller
Full output current not available at high input-output voltages

Optionalimproves transient response. Output capacitors in the range of 1 F to 1000 F of aluminum or tantalum electrolytic are
commonly used to provide improved output impedance and rejection of transients.
*Needed if device is more than 6 inches from filter capacitors.
**R1 = 240 for LM138. R1, R2 as an assembly can be ordered from Bourns:
MIL part no. 7105A-AT2-502
COMM part no. 7105A-AT7-502
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
Schematic Diagram
Typical Applications
Precision Power Regulator with Low Temperature Coefficient
* Adjust for 3.75 across R1
10
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
Slow Turn-On 15V Regulator
Adjustable Regulator with Improved Ripple Rejection
Solid tantalum
*Discharges C1 if output is shorted to ground
**R1 = 240 for LM138
High Stability 10V Regulator
Digitally Selected Outputs
*Sets maximum VOUT

**R1 = 240 for LM138
11
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
15A Regulator
* Minimum load100 mA
5V Logic Regulator with Electronic Shutdown**
Light Controller
** Minimum output 1.2V
12
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
0 to 22V Regulator
* R1 = 240, R2 = 5k for LM138

Full output current not available at high input-output voltages
12V Battery Charger
13
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
Adjustable Current Regulator
Precision Current Limiter
5A Current Regulator
Tracking Preregulator
Adjusting Multiple On-Card Regulators with Single Control*
Minimum load10 mA
* All outputs within 100 mV
14
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
Power Amplifier
AV = 1, RF = 10k, CF = 100 pF
AV = 10, RF = 100k, CF = 10 pF
Bandwidth 100 kHz
Distortion 0.1%
Simple 12V Battery Charger
Use of RS allows low charging rates with fully charged battery.

**The 1000 F is recommended to filter out input transients
15
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
Adjustable 15A Regulator
Current Limited 6V Charger
* Set max charge current to 3A

** THE 1000 F is recommended to filter out input transients.
16
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
10A Regulator
* Minimum load100 mA
17
LM138, LM338
www.ti.com
REVISION HISTORY
Changes from Revision A (April 2013) to Revision B
18
Page
Changed layout of National Data Sheet to TI format .......................................................................................................... 17
PACKAGE OPTION ADDENDUM
www.ti.com
7-Dec-2014
PACKAGING INFORMATION
Orderable Device
Status
(1)
Package Type Package Pins Package

Drawing
Qty
Eco Plan
Lead/Ball Finish
MSL Peak Temp
(2)
(6)
(3)
Op Temp (C)
Device Marking
(4/5)
LM138K STEEL
ACTIVE
TO-3
NDS
50
TBD
Call TI
Call TI
-55 to 125
LM138K
STEELP+
LM138K STEEL/NOPB
ACTIVE
TO-3
NDS
50
Green (RoHS
& no Sb/Br)
Call TI
Level-1-NA-UNLIM
-55 to 125
LM138K
STEELP+
LM338K STEEL
ACTIVE
TO-3
NDS
50
TBD
Call TI
Call TI
0 to 125
LM338K
STEELP+
LM338K STEEL/NOPB
ACTIVE
TO-3
NDS
50
Green (RoHS
& no Sb/Br)
Call TI
Level-1-NA-UNLIM
0 to 125
LM338K
STEELP+
LM338T
NRND
TO-220
NDE
45
TBD
Call TI
Call TI
0 to 125
LM338T P+
LM338T/NOPB
ACTIVE
TO-220
NDE
45
Green (RoHS
& no Sb/Br)
CU SN
Level-1-NA-UNLIM
0 to 125
LM338T P+
(1)
The marketing status values are defined as follows:

ACTIVE: Product device recommended for new designs.
LIFEBUY: TI has announced that the device will be discontinued, and a lifetime-buy period is in effect.
NRND: Not recommended for new designs. Device is in production to support existing customers, but TI does not recommend using this part in a new design.
PREVIEW: Device has been announced but is not in production. Samples may or may not be available.
OBSOLETE: TI has discontinued the production of the device.
(2)
Eco Plan - The planned eco-friendly classification: Pb-Free (RoHS), Pb-Free (RoHS Exempt), or Green (RoHS & no Sb/Br) - please check http://www.ti.com/productcontent for the latest availability
information and additional product content details.
TBD: The Pb-Free/Green conversion plan has not been defined.
Pb-Free (RoHS): TI's terms "Lead-Free" or "Pb-Free" mean semiconductor products that are compatible with the current RoHS requirements for all 6 substances, including the requirement that
lead not exceed 0.1% by weight in homogeneous materials. Where designed to be soldered at high temperatures, TI Pb-Free products are suitable for use in specified lead-free processes.
Pb-Free (RoHS Exempt): This component has a RoHS exemption for either 1) lead-based flip-chip solder bumps used between the die and package, or 2) lead-based die adhesive used between
the die and leadframe. The component is otherwise considered Pb-Free (RoHS compatible) as defined above.
Green (RoHS & no Sb/Br): TI defines "Green" to mean Pb-Free (RoHS compatible), and free of Bromine (Br) and Antimony (Sb) based flame retardants (Br or Sb do not exceed 0.1% by weight
in homogeneous material)
(3)
MSL, Peak Temp. - The Moisture Sensitivity Level rating according to the JEDEC industry standard classifications, and peak solder temperature.
(4)
There may be additional marking, which relates to the logo, the lot trace code information, or the environmental category on the device.
(5)
Multiple Device Markings will be inside parentheses. Only one Device Marking contained in parentheses and separated by a "~" will appear on a device. If a line is indented then it is a continuation
of the previous line and the two combined represent the entire Device Marking for that device.
Addendum-Page 1
Samples
PACKAGE OPTION ADDENDUM
www.ti.com
7-Dec-2014
(6)
Lead/Ball Finish - Orderable Devices may have multiple material finish options. Finish options are separated by a vertical ruled line. Lead/Ball Finish values may wrap to two lines if the finish
value exceeds the maximum column width.
Important Information and Disclaimer:The information provided on this page represents TI's knowledge and belief as of the date that it is provided. TI bases its knowledge and belief on information
provided by third parties, and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of such information. Efforts are underway to better integrate information from third parties. TI has taken and
continues to take reasonable steps to provide representative and accurate information but may not have conducted destructive testing or chemical analysis on incoming materials and chemicals.
TI and TI suppliers consider certain information to be proprietary, and thus CAS numbers and other limited information may not be available for release.
In no event shall TI's liability arising out of such information exceed the total purchase price of the TI part(s) at issue in this document sold by TI to Customer on an annual basis.
Addendum-Page 2
MECHANICAL DATA
NDS0002A
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MECHANICAL DATA
NDE0003B
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
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LM138, LM338

SNVS771B MAY 1998 REVISED APRIL 2013

LM138/LM338 5-Amp Adjustable Regulators

Specified 7A Peak Output Current

Adjustable Power Supplies

Figure 1. (TO-3) Metal Can Package

Figure 2. (TO-220) Plastic Package

PRODUCTION DATA information is current as of publication date.

Copyright 19982013, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Absolute Maximum Ratings (1) (2) (3)

Input/Output Voltage Differential

Operating Temperature Range

3V (VIN VOUT) 35V,

3V (VIN VOUT) 35V

Adjustment Pin Current

Adjustment Pin Current Change

Minimum Load Current

VIN VOUT = 35V

VIN VOUT 10V

Ripple Rejection Ratio

VOUT = 10V, f = 120 Hz, CADJ = 0 F

RMS Output Noise, % of VOUT

VIN VOUT = 30V

TJ = 125C, 1000 Hrs

Copyright 19982013, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Product Folder Links: LM138 LM338

SNVS771B MAY 1998 REVISED APRIL 2013

Electrical Characteristics (continued)

3V (VIN VOUT) 35V,

3V (VIN VOUT) 35V

Adjustment Pin Current

Adjustment Pin Current Change

Minimum Load Current

VIN VOUT = 35V

VIN VOUT 10V

VIN VOUT = 30V

Ripple Rejection Ratio

VOUT = 10V, f = 120 Hz, CADJ = 0 F

TJ = 125C, 1000 hrs

Thermal Resistance, Junction to

Ambient (No Heat Sink)

Submit Documentation Feedback

Copyright 19982013, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Product Folder Links: LM138 LM338

Typical Performance Characteristics

Submit Documentation Feedback

Copyright 19982013, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Product Folder Links: LM138 LM338

SNVS771B MAY 1998 REVISED APRIL 2013

Typical Performance Characteristics (continued)

Submit Documentation Feedback

Copyright 19982013, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Product Folder Links: LM138 LM338

Typical Performance Characteristics (continued)

Line Transient Response

Load Transient Response

Submit Documentation Feedback

Copyright 19982013, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Product Folder Links: LM138 LM338