The LT?1083 series of positive adjustable regulators are
designed to provide 3A, 5A and 7.5A with higher efficiency
than currently available devices. All internal circuitry is
designed to operate down to 1V input to output differential
and the dropout voltage is fully specified as a function of
load current. Dropout is guaranteed at a maximum of 1.5V
at maximum output current, decreasing at lower load
currents. On-chip trimming adjusts the output voltage to
1%. Current limit is also trimmed, minimizing the stress
on both the regulator and power source circuitry under
overload conditions.
The LT1083 series devices are pin compatible with older
three-terminal regulators. A 10μF output capacitor is
required on these new devices; however, this is usually
included in most regulator designs.
Unlike PNP regulators, where up to 10% of the output
current is wasted as quiescent current, the LT1083 quiescent
current flows into the load, increasing efficiency.