LM117HV,LM317HV
LM117HV/LM317HV 3-Terminal Adjustable Regulator
Literature Number: SNVS773B
LM117HV/LM317HV
3-Terminal Adjustable Regulator
General Description
The LM117HV/LM317HV are adjustable 3-terminal positive
voltage regulators capable of supplying in excess of 1.5A
over a 1.2V to 57V output range. They are exceptionally
easy to use and require only two external resistors to set the
output voltage. Further, both line and load regulation are
better than standard fixed regulators. Also, the LM117HV is
packaged in standard transistor packages which are easily
mounted and handled.
In addition to higher performance than fixed regulators, the
LM117HV series offers full overload protection available only
in IC’s. Included on the chip are current limit, thermal over-
load protection and safe area protection. All overload protec-
tion circuitry remains fully functional even if the adjustment
terminal is 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 optional output
capacitor can be added to improve transient response. The
adjustment terminal can be bypassed to achieve very high
ripple rejections ratios which are difficult to achieve with
standard 3-terminal regulators.
Besides replacing fixed regulators, the LM117HV is useful in
a wide variety of other applications. Since the regulator is
“floating” and sees only the input-to-output differential volt-
age, supplies of several hundred volts can be regulated as
long as the maximum input to output differential is not ex-
ceeded, i.e. do not short the output to ground.
Also, it makes an especially simple adjustable switching
regulator, a programmable output regulator, or by connecting
a fixed resistor between the adjustment and output, the
LM117HV 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 1.2V where most loads draw little current.
The LM117HVK STEEL and LM317HVK STEEL are pack-
aged in standard TO-3 transistor packages, while the
LM117HVH and LM317HVH are packaged in a solid Kovar
base TO-39 transistor package. The LM317HVT uses a
TO-220 plastic package. The LM117HV is rated for operation
from −55˚C to +150˚C, and the LM317HV from 0˚C to
+125˚C.
Features
nAdjustable output down to 1.2V
nGuaranteed 1.5A output current
nLine regulation typically 0.01%/V
nLoad regulation typically 0.1%
nCurrent limit constant with temperature
n100% electrical burn-in
nEliminates the need to stock many voltages
nStandard 3-lead transistor package
n80 dB ripple rejection
nOutput is short-circuit protected
nP
+
Product Enhancement tested
Connection Diagrams (See Physical Di-
mension section for further information)
(TO-3)
Metal Can Package
(TO-39)
Metal Can Package
00906229
Case is Output
Bottom View
Order Number LM117HVKSTL/883
See NS Package Number K02C
Order Number LM317HVK STEEL
See NS Package Number K02A
00906230
Case is Output
Bottom View
Order Number LM117HVH,
LM117HVH/883
or LM317HVH
See NS Package Number H03A
April 2000
LM117HV/LM317HV 3-Terminal Adjustable Regulator
© 2004 National Semiconductor Corporation DS009062 www.national.com
Connection Diagrams (See Physical Dimension section for further information) (Continued)
(TO-220)
Plastic Package
00906231
Front View
Order Number LM317HVT
See NS Package Number T03B
Typical Applications
1.2V-45V Adjustable Regulator
00906201
Full output current not available at high input-output voltages
†Optional — improves transient response. Output capacitors in the range of 1 µF to 1000 µF 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.
LM117HV/LM317HV
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Typical Applications (Continued)
Digitally Selected Outputs
00906202
*Sets maximum VOUT
5V Logic Regulator with
Electronic Shutdown*
00906203
*Min. output ≈1.2V
LM117HV/LM317HV
www.national.com3
Absolute Maximum Ratings (Note 1)
If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required,
please contact the National Semiconductor Sales Office/
Distributors for availability and specifications.
(Note 4)
Power Dissipation Internally limited
Input — Output Voltage Differential +60V, −0.3V
Operating Junction Temperature Range
LM117HV −55˚C to +150˚C
LM317HV 0˚C to +125˚C
Storage Temperature −65˚C to +150˚C
Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 sec.) 300˚C
ESD Tolerance (Note 5) 2000V
Electrical Characteristics (Note 2)
Parameter Conditions LM117HV LM317HV Units
Min Typ Max Min Typ Max
Line Regulation T
J
= 25˚C, 3V ≤V
IN
−V
OUT
≤60V 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.04 %/V
(Note 3) I
L
=10mA
Load Regulation T
J
= 25˚C, 10 mA ≤I
OUT
≤I
MAX
0.1 0.3 0.1 0.5 %
Thermal Regulation T
J
= 25˚C, 20 ms Pulse 0.03 0.07 0.04 0.07 %/W
Adjustment Pin Current 50 100 50 100 µA
Adjustment Pin Current Change 10 mA ≤I
L
≤I
MAX
0.2 5 0.2 5 µA
3.0 V ≤(V
IN
−V
OUT
)≤60V
Reference Voltage 3.0 V ≤(V
IN
−V
OUT
)≤60V, (Note 4) 1.20 1.25 1.30 1.20 1.25 1.30 V
10 mA ≤I
OUT
≤I
MAX
,P≤P
MAX
Line Regulation 3.0V ≤(V
IN
−V
OUT
)≤60V, 0.02 0.05 0.02 0.07 %/V
I
L
= 10 mA, (Note 3)
Load Regulation 10 mA ≤I
OUT
≤I
MAX
(Note 3) 0.3 1 0.3 1.5 %
Temperature Stability T
MIN
≤T
J
≤T
MAX
11%
Minimum Load Current (V
IN
−V
OUT
) = 60V 3.5 7 3.5 12 mA
Current Limit (V
IN
−V
OUT
)≤15V
K, T Packages 1.5 2.2 3.5 1.5 2.2 3.7 A
H Package 0.5 0.8 1.8 0.5 0.8 1.9 A
(V
IN
−V
OUT
)≤60V
K, T Packages 0.3 0.3 A
H Package 0.03 0.03 A
RMS Output Noise, % of V
OUT
T
J
= 25˚C, 10 Hz ≤f≤10 kHz 0.003 0.003 %
Ripple Rejection Ratio V
OUT
= 10V, f = 120 Hz 65 65 dB
C
ADJ
=10µF 66 80 66 80 dB
Long-Term Stability T
J
= 125˚C 0.3 1 0.3 1 %
Thermal Resistance, H Package 12 15 12 15 ˚C/W
Junction to Case T Package 4 5 ˚C/W
K Package 2.3 3 2.3 3 ˚C/W
Thermal Resistance, H Package 140 140 ˚C/W
Junction to Ambient T Package 50 ˚C/W
(no heat sink) K Package 35 35 ˚C/W
Note 1: “Absolute Maximum Ratings” indicate limits beyond which damage to the device may occur. Operating Ratings indicate conditions for which the device is
functional, but do not guarantee specific performance limits.
Note 2: Unless otherwise specified, these specifications apply: −55˚C ≤TJ≤+150˚C for the LM117HV, and 0˚C ≤TJ≤+125˚C for the LM317HV; VIN −V
OUT =5V
and IOUT = 0.1A for the TO-39 package and IOUT = 0.5A for the TO-3 and TO-220 packages. Although power dissipation is internally limited, these specifications
are applicable for power dissipations of 2W for the TO-39 and 20W for the TO-3 and TO-220. IMAX is 1.5A for the TO-3 and TO-220 and 0.5A for the TO-39 package.
Note 3: Regulation is measured at constant junction temperature. Changes in output voltage due to heating effects must be taken into account separately. Pulse
testing with low duty cycle is used.
Note 4: Refer to RETS117HVH for LM117HVH or RETS117HVK for LM117HVK military specificatioins.
Note 5: Human body model, 1.5 kΩin series with 100 pF.
LM117HV/LM317HV
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Typical Performance Characteristics
Output capacitor=0µFunless otherwise noted.
Load Regulation Current Limit
00906232 00906233
Adjustment Current Dropout Voltage
00906234 00906235
Temperature Stability Minimum Operating Current
00906236 00906237
LM117HV/LM317HV
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Typical Performance Characteristics Output capacitor=0µFunless otherwise noted. (Continued)
Ripple Rejection Ripple Rejection
00906238 00906239
Ripple Rejection Output Impedance
00906240 00906241
Line Transient Response Load Transient Response
00906242 00906243
LM117HV/LM317HV
www.national.com 6
Application Hints
In operation, the LM117HV develops a nominal 1.25V refer-
ence voltage, V
REF
, between the output and adjustment
terminal. The reference voltage is impressed across pro-
gram resistor R1 and, since the voltage is constant, a con-
stant current I
1
then flows through the output set resistor R2,
giving an output voltage of
Since the 100 µA current from the adjustment terminal rep-
resents an error term, the LM117HV was designed to mini-
mize I
ADJ
and make it very constant with line and load
changes. To do this, all quiescent operating current is re-
turned 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 µF disc or
1 µF solid tantalum on the input is suitable input bypassing
for almost all applications. The device is more sensitive to
the absence of input bypassing 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
LM117HV to improve ripple rejection. This bypass capacitor
prevents ripple from being amplified as the output voltage is
increased. With a 10 µF bypass capacitor 80 dB ripple
rejection is obtainable at any output level. Increases over 10
µF do not appreciably improve the ripple rejection at fre-
quencies 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 con-
struction, it takes about 25 µF in aluminum electrolytic to
equal 1 µF 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 µF disc may seem to work
better than a 0.1 µF disc as a bypass.
Although the LM117HV is stable with no output capacitors,
like any feedback circuit, certain values of external capaci-
tance can cause excessive ringing. This occurs with values
between 500 pF and 5000 pF. A 1 µF solid tantalum (or 25 µF
aluminum electrolytic) on the output swamps this effect and
insures stability. Any increase of load capacitance larger
than 10 µF will merely improve the loop stability and output
impedance.
LOAD REGULATION
The LM117HV is capable of providing extremely good load
regulation but a few precautions are needed to obtain maxi-
mum performance. The current set resistor connected be-
tween the adjustment terminal and the output terminal (usu-
ally 240Ω) should be tied directly to the output of the
regulator 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
0.05Ωresistance between the regulator and load will have a
load regulation due to line resistance of 0.05ΩxI
L
. If the set
resistor is connected near the load the effective line resis-
tance will be 0.05Ω(1 + R2/R1) or in this case, 11.5 times
worse.
Figure 2 shows the effect of resistance between the regula-
tor and 240Ωset resistor.
With the TO-3 package, it is easy to minimize the resistance
from the case to the set resistor, by using two separate leads
to the case. However, with the TO-5 package, care should be
taken to minimize the wire length of the output lead. 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 10 µF 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 V
IN
. In the LM117HV,
this discharge path is through a large junction that is able to
sustain 15A surge with no problem. This is not true of other
types of positive regulators. For output capacitors of 25 µF or
less, there is no need to use diodes.
00906205
FIGURE 1.
00906206
FIGURE 2. Regulator with Line
Resistance in Output Lead
LM117HV/LM317HV
www.national.com7
Application Hints (Continued)
The bypass capacitor on the adjustment terminal can dis-
charge through a low current junction. Discharge occurs
when either the input or output is shorted. Internal to the
LM117HV is a 50Ωresistor which limits the peak discharge
current. No protection is needed for output voltages of 25V
or less and 10 µF capacitance. Figure 3 shows an LM117HV
with protection diodes included for use with outputs greater
than 25V and high values of output capacitance.
CURRENT LIMIT
Internal current limit will be activated whenever the output
current exceeds the limit indicated in the Typical Perfor-
mance Characteristics. However, if during a short circuit
condition the regulator’s differential voltage exceeds the Ab-
solute Maximum Rating of 60V (e.g. V
IN
≥60V, V
OUT
= 0V),
internal junctions in the regulator may break down and the
device may be damaged or fail. Failure modes range from an
apparent open or short from input to output of the regulator,
to a destroyed package (most common with the TO-220
package). To protect the regulator, the user is advised to be
aware of voltages that may be applied to the regulator during
fault conditions, and to avoid violating the Absolute Maxi-
mum Ratings.
Note: D1 protects against C1
D2 protects against C2
Schematic Diagram
00906208
00906207
FIGURE 3. Regulator with Protection Diodes
LM117HV/LM317HV
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Typical Applications
Slow Turn-On 15V Regulator
00906209
Adjustable Regulator with Improved
Ripple Rejection
00906210
†Solid tantalum
*Discharges C1 if output is shorted to ground
High Stability 10V Regulator
00906211
High Current Adjustable Regulator
00906212
†Solid tantalum
*Minimum load current = 30 mA
‡Optional — improves ripple rejection
0 to 30V Regulator
00906213
Full output current not available at high input-output voltages
Power Follower
00906214
LM117HV/LM317HV
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Typical Applications (Continued)
5A Constant Voltage/Constant Current Regulator
00906215
†Solid tantalum
*Lights in constant current mode
1A Current Regulator
00906216
1.2V–20V Regulator with
Minimum Program Current
00906217
*Minimum load current ≈4mA
LM117HV/LM317HV
www.national.com 10
Typical Applications (Continued)
High Gain Amplifier
00906218
Low Cost 3A Switching Regulator
00906219
†Solid tantalum
*Core — Arnold A-254168-2 60 turns
LM117HV/LM317HV
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Typical Applications (Continued)
4A Switching Regulator with Overload Protection
00906220
†Solid tantalum
*Core — Arnold A-254168-2 60 turns
Precision Current Limiter
00906221
* 0.8Ω≤R1 ≤120Ω
Tracking Preregulator
00906222
LM117HV/LM317HV
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Typical Applications (Continued)
Adjustable Multiple On-Card Regulators
with Single Control*
00906223
*All outputs within ±100 mV
†Minimum load — 10 mA
AC Voltage Regulator
00906224
12V Battery Charger
00906225
Use of RSallows low charging rates with fully charged battery.
**The 1000 µF is recommended to filter out input transients
50 mA Constant Current Battery Charger
00906226
Adjustable 4A Regulator
00906227
LM117HV/LM317HV
www.national.com13
Typical Applications (Continued)
Current Limited 6V Charger
00906228
*Sets peak current (0.6A for 1Ω)
**The 1000 µF is recommended to filter out input transients
LM117HV/LM317HV
www.national.com 14
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters)
unless otherwise noted
Order Number LM117HVH, LM117HVH/883, or LM317HVH
NS Package Number H03A
LM117HV/LM317HV
www.national.com15
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted (Continued)
Metal Can Package (K)
Order Number LM317HVK STEEL
NS Package Number K02A
Metal Can Package (K)
Mil-Aero Product
Order Number LM117HVKSTL/883
NS Package Number K02C
LM117HV/LM317HV
www.national.com 16
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted (Continued)
Order Number LM317HVT
NS Package Number T03B
National does not assume any responsibility for use of any circuitry described, no circuit patent licenses are implied and National reserves
the right at any time without notice to change said circuitry and specifications.
For the most current product information visit us at www.national.com.
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LM117HV/LM317HV 3-Terminal Adjustable Regulator
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