The LM317L-N is an adjustable 3-terminal positive voltage regulator capable of supplying 100 mA over a 1.2-V to 37-V output range. The LM317L-N is easy to use and requires only two external resistors to set the output voltage. Both line and load regulation are better than standard fixed regulators. The LM317L-N is available packaged in a standard, easy-to-use TO-92 transistor package.

In addition to higher performance than fixed regulators, the LM317L-N offers full overload protection. Included on the chip are current limit, thermal overload protection, and safe area protection. All overload protection circuitry remains fully functional even if the adjustment terminal is disconnected.

Normally, no capacitors are required unless the device is situated more than 6 inches from the input filter capacitors, in which case an input bypass is required. An optional output capacitor can be added to improve transient response. The adjustment terminal can be bypassed to achieve very high ripple rejection ratios, which are difficult to achieve with standard 3-terminal regulators.

Besides replacing fixed regulators, the LM317L-N is useful in a wide variety of other applications. Because the regulator is floating and sees only the input-to-output differential voltage, supplies of several hundred volts can be regulated, provided the maximum input-to-output differential is not exceeded.

The LM317L-N makes a simple adjustable switching regulator, a programmable output regulator, or by connecting a fixed resistor between the adjustment and output, the LM317L-N can be used as a precision current regulator. Supplies with electronic shutdown can be achieved by clamping the adjustment terminal to ground which programs the output to 1.2 V, where most loads draw little current.

The LM317L-N is available in a standard 3-pin TO-92 transistor package, the 8-pin SOIC package, and 6-pin DSBGA package. The LM317L-N is rated for operation over a −40°C to 125°C range.