November 1994
LM120/LM320
Series 3-Terminal Negative Regulators
General Description
Features
The LM120 series are three-terminal negative regulators
Y
g
Preset output voltage error less than 3%
b
b
b
with a fixed output voltage of 5V, 12V, and 15V, and
up to 1.5A load current capability. Where other voltages are
required, the LM137 and LM137HV series provide an output
Y
Y
Y
Preset current limit
Internal thermal shutdown
Operates with input-output voltage differential down to
1V
b
b
voltage range of 1.2V to 47V.
The LM120 need only one external componentÐa compen-
sation capacitor at the output, making them easy to apply.
Worst case guarantees on output voltage deviation due to
any combination of line, load or temperature variation as-
sure satisfactory system operation.
Y
Y
Y
Excellent ripple rejection
Low temperature drift
Easily adjustable to higher output voltage
LM120 Series Packages and Power Capability
Exceptional effort has been made to make the LM120 Se-
ries immune to overload conditions. The regulators have
current limiting which is independent of temperature, com-
bined with thermal overload protection. Internal current limit-
ing protects against momentary faults while thermal shut-
down prevents junction temperatures from exceeding safe
limits during prolonged overloads.
Rated
Power
Dissipation
Design
Load
Current
Device
Package
LM120/LM320
TO-3 (K)
20W
2W
1.5A
0.5A
1.5A
0.5A
TO-39 (H)
TO-220 (T)
TO-202 (P)
Although primarily intended for fixed output voltage applica-
tions, the LM120 Series may be programmed for higher out-
put voltages with a simple resistive divider. The low quies-
cent drain current of the devices allows this technique to be
used with good regulation.
LM320
15W
7.5W
LM320M
Typical Applications
Dual Trimmed Supply
Fixed Regulator
TL/H/7767–2
*Required if regulator is separated from filter capacitor by more than 3 . For
×
value given, capacitor must be solid tantalum. 25 mF aluminum electrolytic
may be substituted.
²
Required for stability. For value given, capacitor must be solid tantalum. 25
mF aluminum electrolytic may substituted. Values given may be increased
without limit.
For output capacitance in excess of 100 mF, a high current diode from
input to output (1N4001, etc.) will protect the regulator from momentary
input shorts.
TL/H/7767–3
C
1995 National Semiconductor Corporation
TL/H/7767
RRD-B30M115/Printed in U. S. A.