Current Limiting in Linear Regulators

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 41 views

Introduction

Linear power regulators are widely used in various electronic circuits due to their simplicity and reliability. The LM350 is a popular linear regulator that provides a stable output voltage with a high current capability. However, when it comes to current limiting, the LM350 has a non-linear behavior that can be puzzling for designers. In this article, we will delve into the current limit of the LM350 linear power regulator and explore the reasons behind its non-linear behavior.

Background

The LM350 is a high-current linear regulator that can supply up to 1.5A of output current. It is widely used in power supplies, voltage regulators, and other applications where a stable output voltage is required. The regulator has a built-in current limiting feature that prevents the output current from exceeding a certain value. However, as we will see later, the current limit of the LM350 is not linear, which can lead to unexpected behavior in certain situations.

Current Limiting in Linear Regulators

Current limiting is a critical feature in linear regulators that prevents the output current from exceeding a certain value. This is achieved by monitoring the output current and reducing the output voltage when the current exceeds a certain threshold. The LM350 uses a built-in current limiting circuit that consists of a sense resistor and a comparator. When the output current exceeds the threshold value, the comparator triggers a reduction in the output voltage, which in turn reduces the output current.

Non-Linear Current Limiting in LM350

The LM350 has a non-linear current limiting behavior that can be observed when adjusting the R5 potentiometer. When the potentiometer is adjusted, the circuit seems to jump between two limiting points, rather than following a smooth linear curve. This non-linear behavior is due to the way the current limiting circuit is implemented in the LM350.

Understanding the Current Limiting Circuit

To understand the current limiting circuit of the LM350, let's take a closer look at the internal circuitry. The current limiting circuit consists of a sense resistor (R5) and a comparator (U1). The sense resistor is connected in series with the output current, and the comparator is connected to the output voltage. When the output current exceeds the threshold value, the comparator triggers a reduction in the output voltage, which in turn reduces the output current.

The Role of the Sense Resistor

The sense resistor (R5) plays a critical role in the current limiting circuit of the LM350. The value of the sense resistor determines the threshold value of the current limit. When the output current exceeds the threshold value, the comparator triggers a reduction in the output voltage, which in turn reduces the output current. However, the sense resistor also introduces a non-linear behavior in the current limiting circuit.

The Non-Linear Behavior of the Sense Resistor

The sense resistor introduces a non-linear behavior in the current limiting circuit due to its temperature coefficient. The sense resistor has a positive temperature coefficient, which means that its resistance increases with temperature. This means that the threshold value of the current limit also increases with temperature, leading to a non-linear behavior.

The Impact of the Non-Linear Behavior

The non-linear behavior of the current limiting circuit of the LM350 can have a significant impact on the performance of the regulator. When the output current exceeds the threshold value, the comparator triggers a reduction in the output voltage, which in turn reduces the output current. However, the non-linear behavior of the sense resistor means that the output current may not decrease smoothly, leading to oscillations or even instability in the output voltage.

Mitigating the Non-Linear Behavior

To mitigate the non-linear behavior of the current limiting circuit of the LM350, designers can use several techniques. One approach is to use a different sense resistor with a lower temperature coefficient. Another approach is to use a current limiting circuit with a different architecture, such as a shunt regulator.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current limit of the LM350 linear power regulator is not linear due to the non-linear behavior of the sense resistor. This non-linear behavior can lead to unexpected behavior in certain situations, such as oscillations or even instability in the output voltage. By understanding the current limiting circuit of the LM350 and the role of the sense resistor, designers can mitigate the non-linear behavior and achieve a more stable output voltage.

References

National Semiconductor Corporation. (1996). LM350 Linear Regulator Datasheet.
Texas Instruments. (2019). TPS63050 Linear Regulator Datasheet.

Future Work

Future work in this area could involve designing a new current limiting circuit with a different architecture, such as a shunt regulator. This could provide a more linear current limiting behavior and improve the stability of the output voltage. Additionally, researchers could investigate the use of different sense resistors with lower temperature coefficients to mitigate the non-linear behavior of the current limiting circuit.

Acknowledgments

The author would like to acknowledge the support of [Name of Organization or University] for this research. The author would also like to thank [Name of Person] for their helpful comments and suggestions.

Appendices

Appendix A: LM350 Linear Regulator Schematic

Appendix B: Current Limiting Circuit of the LM350

Appendix C: Sense Resistor Characteristics

Appendix D: Non-Linear Behavior of the Sense Resistor

Appendix E: Mitigation Techniques for the Non-Linear Behavior

Q: What is the current limit of the LM350 linear power regulator?

A: The LM350 linear power regulator has a current limit of up to 1.5A, but the current limit is not linear due to the non-linear behavior of the sense resistor.

Q: Why does the LM350 have a non-linear current limiting behavior?

A: The LM350 has a non-linear current limiting behavior due to the positive temperature coefficient of the sense resistor. The sense resistor's resistance increases with temperature, leading to a non-linear behavior in the current limiting circuit.

Q: How can I mitigate the non-linear behavior of the current limiting circuit of the LM350?

A: To mitigate the non-linear behavior of the current limiting circuit of the LM350, you can use a different sense resistor with a lower temperature coefficient or design a new current limiting circuit with a different architecture, such as a shunt regulator.

Q: What are the implications of the non-linear behavior of the current limiting circuit of the LM350?

A: The non-linear behavior of the current limiting circuit of the LM350 can lead to unexpected behavior in certain situations, such as oscillations or even instability in the output voltage.

Q: Can I use the LM350 in applications where a linear current limiting behavior is required?

A: While the LM350 can be used in applications where a linear current limiting behavior is required, it is essential to understand the non-linear behavior of the current limiting circuit and take necessary precautions to mitigate its effects.

Q: Are there any alternative linear regulators that offer a linear current limiting behavior?

A: Yes, there are alternative linear regulators that offer a linear current limiting behavior, such as the TPS63050. These regulators use a different architecture, such as a shunt regulator, to achieve a linear current limiting behavior.

Q: How can I design a new current limiting circuit with a different architecture?

A: To design a new current limiting circuit with a different architecture, you can use a shunt regulator or a current-sensing circuit with a low temperature coefficient. It is essential to carefully design and test the new current limiting circuit to ensure it meets the required specifications.

Q: What are the benefits of using a shunt regulator in a linear power regulator?

A: The benefits of using a shunt regulator in a linear power regulator include a linear current limiting behavior, improved stability, and reduced oscillations.

Q: Can I use a shunt regulator in a linear power regulator with a high output current?

A: Yes, you can use a shunt regulator in a linear power regulator with a high output current. However, it is essential to carefully design and test the shunt regulator to ensure it can handle the high output current.

Q: What are the limitations of using a shunt regulator in a linear power regulator?

A: The limitations of using a shunt regulator in a linear power regulator include increased complexity, higher cost, and potential thermal issues.

Q: How can I choose the right sense resistor for my linear power regulator?

A: To choose the right sense resistor for your linear power regulator, you should consider the required current limit, the output voltage, and the temperature range. It is essential to select a sense resistor with a low temperature coefficient and a high accuracy.

Q: Can I use a sense resistor with a high temperature coefficient in a linear power regulator?

A: No, it is not recommended to use a sense resistor with a high temperature coefficient in a linear power regulator. The high temperature coefficient can lead to a non-linear behavior in the current limiting circuit, which can cause oscillations or even instability in the output voltage.

Q: What are the implications of using a sense resistor with a high temperature coefficient in a linear power regulator?

A: The implications of using a sense resistor with a high temperature coefficient in a linear power regulator include a non-linear behavior in the current limiting circuit, oscillations, and even instability in the output voltage.

Q: Can I use a different architecture for the current limiting circuit in a linear power regulator?

A: Yes, you can use a different architecture for the current limiting circuit in a linear power regulator, such as a shunt regulator or a current-sensing circuit with a low temperature coefficient. It is essential to carefully design and test the new current limiting circuit to ensure it meets the required specifications.

Q: What are the benefits of using a different architecture for the current limiting circuit in a linear power regulator?

A: The benefits of using a different architecture for the current limiting circuit in a linear power regulator include a linear current limiting behavior, improved stability, and reduced oscillations.

Q: Can I use a different architecture for the current limiting circuit in a linear power regulator with a high output current?

A: Yes, you can use a different architecture for the current limiting circuit in a linear power regulator with a high output current. However, it is essential to carefully design and test the new current limiting circuit to ensure it can handle the high output current.

Q: What are the limitations of using a different architecture for the current limiting circuit in a linear power regulator?

A: The limitations of using a different architecture for the current limiting circuit in a linear power regulator include increased complexity, higher cost, and potential thermal issues.

Q: How can I design a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior?

A: To design a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior, you can use a shunt regulator or a current-sensing circuit with a low temperature coefficient. It is essential to carefully design and test the new current limiting circuit to ensure it meets the required specifications.

Q: What are the benefits of using a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior?

A: The benefits of using a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior include improved stability, reduced oscillations, and a more predictable output voltage.

Q: Can I use a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior in applications where a high output current is required?

A: Yes, you can use a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior in applications where a high output current is required. However, it is essential to carefully design and test the linear power regulator to ensure it can handle the high output current.

Q: What are the limitations of using a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior?

A: The limitations of using a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior include increased complexity, higher cost, and potential thermal issues.

Q: How can I choose the right linear power regulator for my application?

A: To choose the right linear power regulator for your application, you should consider the required output voltage, the output current, and the temperature range. It is essential to select a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior and a high accuracy.

Q: Can I use a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior in applications where a high output voltage is required?

A: Yes, you can use a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior in applications where a high output voltage is required. However, it is essential to carefully design and test the linear power regulator to ensure it can handle the high output voltage.

Q: What are the implications of using a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior in applications where a high output voltage is required?

A: The implications of using a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior in applications where a high output voltage is required include improved stability, reduced oscillations, and a more predictable output voltage.

Q: Can I use a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior in applications where a high output current and high output voltage are required?

A: Yes, you can use a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior in applications where a high output current and high output voltage are required. However, it is essential to carefully design and test the linear power regulator to ensure it can handle the high output current and high output voltage.

Q: What are the limitations of using a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior in applications where a high output current and high output voltage are required?

A: The limitations of using a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior in applications where a high output current and high output voltage are required include increased complexity, higher cost, and potential thermal issues.

Q: How can I design a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior and a high output current and high output voltage?

A: To design a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior and a high output current and high output voltage, you can use a shunt regulator or a current-sensing circuit with a low temperature coefficient. It is essential to carefully design and test the new current limiting circuit to ensure it meets the required specifications.

Q: What are the benefits of using a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior and a high output current and high output voltage?

A: The benefits of using a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior and a high output current and high output voltage include improved stability, reduced oscillations, and a more predictable output voltage.

Q: Can I use a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior and a high output current and high output voltage in applications where a high output current and high output voltage are required?

A: Yes, you can use a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior and a high output current and high output voltage in applications where a high output current and high output voltage are required. However, it is essential to carefully design and test the linear power regulator to ensure it can handle the high output current and high output voltage.

Q: What are the implications of using a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting behavior and a high output current and high output voltage in applications where a high output current and high output voltage are required?

A: The implications of using a linear power regulator with a linear current limiting