LM323AT

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Overview

The LM323AT is a monolithic three-terminal positive voltage regulator providing a fixed 5.0 V output with load driving capability exceeding 3.0 A. It features internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and safe-area compensation. The 'A' suffix indicates superior electrical characteristics with a 2% output voltage tolerance compared to the standard 4%. Operating within a junction temperature range of 0 °C to +125 °C, it requires no external components for basic regulation. Minimum input voltage is typically 7.5 V, maintaining stability under ripple conditions.

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Feature Summary

• Internal thermal overload protection shuts down the circuit during excessive power conditions
• Integrated short-circuit current limiting protects against fault currents
• Output transistor safe-area compensation reduces short-circuit current as voltage across the pass transistor increases
• Fixed 5.0 V output eliminates the need for external feedback components

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Applications

• General-purpose AC switching power supplies requiring stable 5 V rails
• Current source circuits utilizing external resistors
• High-current boost regulators using external PNP transistors
• Adjustable voltage regulators when paired with operational amplifiers

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix matches the required package type and temperature grade. Confirm that the 'A' designation aligns with the necessary 2% output voltage tolerance specification. Ensure the plastic power package (Case 221A) fits the mechanical constraints of the target design. Cross-reference the datasheet revision date to confirm the validity of the electrical parameters provided.

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Selection Notes

Select this component for applications requiring a robust 3 A fixed 5 V supply without external feedback networks. The device is suitable for designs needing high immunity to line and load variations. Consider the minimum input-to-output differential voltage requirement when designing the upstream power stage. Evaluate thermal management needs based on the specified junction-to-case thermal resistance.

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Part Context

This regulator belongs to the LM323 family of three-terminal positive voltage regulators manufactured by ON Semiconductor. The series includes variants with different output voltage tolerances and operating temperature ranges. The LM323AT specifically denotes the improved 'A' grade version housed in the T-suffix plastic power package, designed for cost-effective high-current regulation solutions.

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Replacement Considerations

LM323T serves as a direct functional substitute with identical pinout but offers a wider 4% output voltage tolerance instead of the 2% tolerance found in the LM323AT.