The LT3081 is a rugged 1.5A wide input voltage range linear regulator with key usability, monitoring and protection features. It has an extended safe operating area (SOA) compared to existing regulators, making it ideal for high input-to-output voltage and high output current applications where older regulators limit the output. This device uses a current source reference for single resistor output voltage settings and output adjustability down to "0." Output current limit can be set externally with a single resistor. This architecture, combined with low millivolt regulation, enables multiple ICs to be paralleled easily for heat spreading and higher output current. The current from the device's current monitor can be summed with the set current for line-drop compensation where the output of the LT3081 increases with current to compensate for line drops.The LT3081 achieves unmatched line and load regulation of under 2mV independent of output voltage and features an input voltage range from 1.2V to 40V. The device fits well in applications requiring multiple rails. Output voltage is programmable with a single resistor from 0V to 38.5V with a 1.2V dropout. The on-chip trimmed 50µA current reference is ±1% accurate. The regulation, transient response and output noise (30µVrms) are independent of output voltage due to the device's voltage follower architecture. The LT3081 is configurable as a 2-terminal current source with just two resistors. Input or output capacitors for stability are optional in either linear regulator or current-source mode of operation.The LT3081 is offered in a variety of thermally enhanced surface-mount compatible packages, all dissipate 2W in surface mount applications with no heat sink. A wide variety of grades/temperature ranges are also offered and 1,000-piece pricing starts at $2.60 each.
