LM338 | Datasheet | Adjustable Power Supply 5A and 10A

Here is the LM338 Adjustable DC power supply circuit, 1.2V to 30V.  It can provide a current maximum to 5A and 10A. If you have used  LM317 or LM350. They are similar, so easy to use with a few components. But LM338 has higher a current than LM317. You can look at a datasheet below more spec.

LM338 _ Datasheet _ Adjustable Power Supply 5A and 10A

LM338 Datasheet and Pinout

The LM138/LM238/LM338 are adjustable 3-terminal positive voltage regulators capable of supplying in excess of 5A over a 1.2V to 32V output range. They are exceptionally easy to use and require only 2 resistors to set the output voltage. The careful circuit design has resulted in outstanding load and line regulation comparable to many commercial power supplies.

The LM338 or LM138 family is supplied in a standard 3-lead transistor package.

LM338 features

  • 7A Maximum output current
  • 5A output current
  • Adjustable output 1.2V to 37V
  • Line regulation typically 0.005% /V
  • Line regulation typically 0.1%
  • Thermal regulation
  • Current limit constant with temperature
LM338T, LM338K Pinout


Pinout of LM338K To-03 and LM338T TO-220

Schematic Diagram

Look at the Schematic Diagram inside LM338.

Schematic Diagram of LM338

It has a lot of transistors, Zener diodes, resistors, and capacitors. We cannot learn all about it. But I think we can do it.

LM338 Basic circuit Voltage Calculator

Look at a basic circuit. We use only 2 resistors can set the constant output voltage.

LM338 Basic circuit Voltage Calculator

Vout = 1.25V x {1+R2/R1} + Iadj x R2

Some said Iadj is very low current(approx 50uA only).
So, we may chop them up. It is shorter and easy to calculate.

Vout = 1.25V x {1+R2/R1}

Which is better?

For example:
You use R1 = 270 ohms and R2= 390 ohms. It causes output is 3.06V

You can use this like LM317 or LM350 or MC34063

Is it easy? If you have voltages choice with most resistors. In local stores near you.

Look at the Resistors list (without calculating):

You don’t have a calculator, right or too little time or really slow brain. See below, I have an easy solution. For you (me too) choose the right resistor according to the voltage we need.

1.43V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 68Ω
1.47V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 82Ω
1.47V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 68Ω
1.51V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 68Ω
1.51V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 82Ω
1.52V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 100Ω
1.53V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 82Ω
1.56V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 82Ω
1.57V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 68Ω
1.57V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 120Ω
1.57V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 100Ω
1.59V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 100Ω
1.60V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 68Ω
1.63V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 100Ω
1.63V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 82Ω
1.64V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 120Ω
1.64V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 68Ω
1.65V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 150Ω
1.66V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 120Ω
1.68V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 82Ω
1.71V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 120Ω
1.71V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 100Ω
1.72V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 82Ω
1.72V : R1 = 180Ω, R2 = 68Ω
1.73V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 180Ω
1.73V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 150Ω
1.76V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 150Ω
1.77V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 100Ω
1.81V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 120Ω
1.82V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 68Ω
1.82V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 150Ω
1.82V : R1 = 180Ω, R2 = 82Ω
1.83V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 180Ω
1.84V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 220Ω
1.86V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 180Ω
1.88V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 120Ω
1.89V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 240Ω
1.93V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 180Ω
1.93V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 82Ω
1.94V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 150Ω
1.96V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 220Ω
1.97V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 270Ω
1.99V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 220Ω
2.02V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 240Ω
2.03V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 150Ω
2.06V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 240Ω
2.08V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 220Ω
2.10V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 150Ω
2.12V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 270Ω
2.13V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 330Ω
2.16V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 240Ω
2.16V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 270Ω
2.19V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 180Ω
2.23V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 390Ω
2.25V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 120Ω
2.27V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 220Ω
2.27V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 270Ω
2.29V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 390Ω
2.29V : R1 = 180Ω, R2 = 150Ω
2.31V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 330Ω
2.36V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 240Ω
2.37V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 330Ω
2.40V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 220Ω
2.44V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 390Ω
2.50V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 470Ω
2.57V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 390Ω
2.61V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 240Ω
2.65V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 390Ω
2.66V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 270Ω
2.73V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 390Ω
2.74V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 560Ω
2.75V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 180Ω
2.76V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 470Ω
2.78V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 330Ω
2.78V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 270Ω
2.84V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 470Ω
2.92V : R1 = 180Ω, R2 = 240Ω
2.96V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 390Ω
2.97V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 330Ω
3.03V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 470Ω
3.05V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 560Ω
3.06V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 390Ω
3.06V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 680Ω
3.08V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 220Ω
3.13V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 330Ω
3.14V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 560Ω
3.18V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 390Ω
3.25V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 240Ω
3.28V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 390Ω
3.35V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 390Ω
3.37V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 560Ω
3.43V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 470Ω
3.43V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 680Ω
3.43V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 820Ω
3.47V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 390Ω
3.50V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 270Ω
3.54V : R1 = 180Ω, R2 = 330Ω
3.55V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 680Ω
3.70V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 470Ω
3.82V : R1 = 180Ω, R2 = 390Ω
3.83V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 680Ω
3.84V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 560Ω
3.88V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 820Ω
3.91V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 1K
3.92V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 470Ω
3.96V : R1 = 180Ω, R2 = 390Ω
4.00V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 330Ω
4.02V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 820Ω
4.17V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 560Ω
4.33V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 390Ω
4.36V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 820Ω
4.40V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 680Ω
4.43V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 560Ω
4.44V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 1.2K
4.46V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 1K
4.50V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 390Ω
4.51V : R1 = 180Ω, R2 = 470Ω
4.63V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 1K
4.79V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 680
5.04V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 1K
5.05V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 820Ω
5.10V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 1.2K
5.11V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 680Ω
5.14V : R1 = 180Ω, R2 = 560Ω
5.17V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 470Ω
5.24V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 1.5K
5.30V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 1.2K
5.52V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 820Ω
5.80V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 1.2K
5.88V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 1K
5.91V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 820Ω
5.92V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 560Ω
5.97V : R1 = 180Ω, R2 = 680Ω
6.04V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 1.8K
6.06V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 1.5K
6.32V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 1.5K
6.46V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 1K
6.81V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 1.2K
6.92V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 680Ω
6.93V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 1.5K
6.94V : R1 = 180Ω, R2 = 820Ω
7.02V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 1.8K
7.10V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 2.2K
7.33V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 1.8K
7.50V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 1.2K
8.07V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 1.8K
8.08V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 820Ω
8.19V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 1.5K
8.30V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 2.2K
8.43V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 2.7K
8.68V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 2.2K
9.06V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 1.5K
9.58V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 2.2K
9.77V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 1.5K
9.90V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 2.7K
10.03V : R1 = 470Ω, R2 = 3.3K
10.37V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 2.7K
10.63V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 1.8K
11.25V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 1.2K
11.44V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 2.2K
11.48V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 2.7K
11.67V : R1 = 180Ω, R2 = 1.5K
11.83V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 3.3K
12.40V : R1 = 390Ω, R2 = 3.3K
12.71V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 2.2K
13.75V : R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 3.3K
15.31V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 2.7K
16.25V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 1.8K
16.53V : R1 = 270Ω, R2 = 3.3K
16.59V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 2.7K
18.44V : R1 = 240Ω, R2 = 3.3K
19.58V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 2.2K
20.00V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 3.3K
23.75V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 2.7K
24.17V : R1 = 180Ω, R2 = 3.3K
28.75V : R1 = 150Ω, R2 = 3.3K

Table R1 and R2

R2\R1150Ω180Ω220Ω240Ω270Ω330Ω370Ω390Ω470Ω
68Ω1.82V1.72V1.64V1.60V1.56V1.51V1.48V1.47V1.43V
82Ω1.93V1.82V1.72V1.68V1.63V1.56V1.53V1.51V1.47V
100Ω2.08V1.94V1.82V1.77V1.71V1.63V1.59V1.57V1.52V
120Ω2.25V2.08V1.93V1.88V1.81V1.70V1.66V1.63V1.57V
150Ω2.50V2.29V2.10V2.03V1.94V1.82V1.76V1.73V1.65V
180Ω2.75V2.50V2.27V2.19V2.08V1.93V1.86V1.83V1.73V
220Ω3.08V2.78V2.50V2.40V2.27V2.08V1.99V1.96V1.84V
240Ω3.25V2.92V2.61V2.50V2.36V2.16V2.06V2.02V1.89V
270Ω3.50V3.13V2.78V2.66V2.50V2.27V2.16V2.12V1.97V
330Ω4.00V3.54V3.13V2.97V2.78V2.50V2.36V2.31V2.13V
370Ω4.33V3.82V3.35V3.18V2.96V2.65V2.50V2.44V2.23V
390Ω4.50V3.96V3.47V3.28V3.06V2.73V2.57V2.50V2.29V
470Ω5.17V4.51V3.92V3.70V3.43V3.03V2.84V2.76V2.50V
560Ω5.92V5.14V4.43V4.17V3.84V3.37V3.14V3.04V2.74V
680Ω6.92V5.97V5.11V4.79V4.40V3.83V3.55V3.43V3.06V
820Ω8.08V6.94V5.91V5.52V5.05V4.36V4.02 V3.88V3.43V
1kΩ9.58V8.19V6.93V6.46V5.88V5.04V4.63V4.46V3.91V
1.2kΩ11.25V9.58V8.07V7.50V6.81V5.80V5.30V5.10V4.44V
1.5kΩ13.75V11.67V9.77V9.06V8.19V6.93V6.32V6.06V5.24V
1.8kΩ16.25V13.75V11.48V10.63V9.58V8.07V7.33V7.02V6.04V
2.2kΩ19.58V16.53V13.75V12.71V11.44V9.58V8.68V8.30V7.10V
2.7kΩ23.75V20.00V16.59V15.31V13.75V11.48V10.37V9.90V8.43V
3.3kΩ28.75V24.17V20.00V18.44V16.53V13.75V12.40V11.83V10.03V

For example, you need 20V 5A power supply. You look at 20.00V : R1 = 220Ω, R2 = 3.3K.

Read next: Simple transformerless power supply circuit

Protection Diodes

You do not want to see this IC damage, right? As it is expensive. Read now to keep it is healthy.

In the circuit diagram above. We use the external capacitors with any IC regulator. Sometimes, we need to add the protection diodes to prevent low current parts in the regulator.

When these capacitors(like 20uF) discharge. It will have low enough internal series resistance to deliver 20A spikes when shorted. Although this surge is short. But it has enough energy to
damage parts of the IC.

LM338 Regulator with protection Diodes

Look at n the circuit diagram.

We connect the output capacitor(C1) to the regulator. Then, the input shorts. Next, the output capacitor will discharge into the output of the regulator.

We use D1, D2 1N4002 to absorb this current spike to protect the regulator circuits. The discharge current depends on 3 factors.

  • Value of the capacitor
  • The output voltage of the regulator
  • The rate of decrease of VIN.

In the LM138. this discharge path is through a large junction. It can tolerate a 25A surge with no problem.

This is not true of other types of positive regulators.

Note: For output capacitors of 100 uF or less at the output of 15V or less, there is no need to use diodes. The bypass capacitor(C2) on the adjustment terminal can dis-
charge through a low current junction.

The Discharge occurs when either the input or output is shorted. Internal to the LM138 is a 50X resistor. which limits the peak discharge current.

No protection is needed for output voltages of 25V or less and 10uF capacitance.

So, In-the circuit shows an LM138 with protection diodes included for use with outputs greater than 25V and high values of output capacitance.

It is easy, right?

1.25V to 30V,  5A Variable power supply using LM338

We may have many ways such as:  to modify the LM317 Variable Regulator 0-30V 1A. By adding the power transistor MJ2955 in a circuit.  As following Adjustable Voltage and current regulator IC power supply .

Or  You may build the Variable dc regulator 0-30V 5A circuit,  as well. But these methods. Rather cumbersome and wasting too much money.

However, we can build this circuit easily and cheaply, By using the packages IC No. LM338 only one, Similar to the LM317 IC number, but it can supply up to 5A, like the circuit shown in Fig.

How this circuit works

The transformer T1 converts the AC 220V to 24 Vac, so be rectified the current by the bridge diode rectifier BD1 – 10A 400V. Until DCV has come out that the filter capacitor C1 is equal to 35 volts.

The IC1 is the heart of the operation of this circuit. By the voltage output value obtained from the IC depends on the voltage value at the Adj pin of IC1, or can be varied by adjusting the VR1.

However, the output voltage will be approximately equal to 1.25+1.25VR1/R1
The output voltage at the output pin of the IC1 is a more powerful filter with the capacitor C3.

Adjustable power supply 1.2-30V 5A using LM338

Parts you will need

IC1: LM338K, LM338P Buy it here
D1: Bridge Diode 10A
D2, D3: 1N4007, 1000V 1A diode
R1: 220Ω 0.5W resistors 5%
R2: 12K 0.5W Resistors 5%
VR1: 10K Potentiometer
C1,C3: 4700uF 50V Electrolytic
C2: 0.1uF 50V
LED 5mm
T1: Transformer, 24V 5A secondary

Note: There are affiliate links on this post. This does not change the cost of the item for you. Thanks for your support.

The Building

You must solder all devices in the PCB to completely, for the IC LM338K should install with a large heat sink. and all device has the poles. Caution connected the correct, especially electrolytic capacitor.

pcb-of-adjustable-power-supply-1-2-30v-5a-using-lm0338

Figure 2 The PCB layout and components layout

NOTE:

Because IC number is high price.You may use the LM317 and transistor, to expand the current demand.
Click HERE >>> Best DC power supply 3Amp to adjust 1.2V-20V & 3V-6V-9V-12V add transistor 2N3055 parallel from 3A to 5A easily.

Related: Dual 15V Power Supply Schematic With PCB, +15V -15V 1A

1-20V, 10A Adjustable DC Power Supply

1.2V-20V 10A adjustable dc power supply  using LM338

If you want Variable Regulated Power Supply high current more than 10A up. I  would recommend this circuit.  Because build easy, use LM338 and LM107 again.

The normal LM338 has the current about 5A. Then, must use 2 pcs. It causes more current up to  10A.

The VR1 adjusts an output voltage of 1.2V to 20V to cover usual usability. This idea can protect all errors with two LM338.

1-20V, 10A Adjustable DC Power Supply using LM338
1-20V, 10A Adjustable DC Power Supply using LM338

See other LM338 circuits

I want you to get the most out. The LM338 is very usable. Because we can use it in many circuits as follows. Of course, we would like to focus on simple circuits as the main.

0 to 22V Adjustable voltage regulator

How to start the output voltage at “zero”. In normal it will begin at 1.2V.

But we can use other negative voltage to offset this voltage to the zero.

We use the LM113 Zener regulator IC, 1.2V.

0 to 22V Regulator using LM338

Recommended: 0-30V dual regulator using LM317 and LM337

Precision Current Limiter

This is a simple constant current regulator. It will limit the output current by adjusting R1.

Iout = Vref / R1

5A current Regulator circuit

The current will get a constant current of 5A. We use only one resistor to control the output current.
The output current = Vref / R1.

R1 = 0.24 ohms at 2 watts.

We need to use the right power of Resistor, too.

5A Current Regulator using LM338

Adjustable Current Regulator circuit

If you want to adjust the output current. We adjust R2 to set the current from 0A to 5A.

This circuit uses LM117 to set the current at Adj of LM338.

Check out these related articles, too:

If you want to see examples of projects. Using LM338 to multiple connections in parallel. To boost the higher current. 

Learn next: 0-30V 20A High current power supply Project using LM338

41 thoughts on “LM338 | Datasheet | Adjustable Power Supply 5A and 10A”

  1. Dear friend before publishing any circuit you should review,still thanks for sending circuit
    you can see my circuits 3d sound which have been patented in 3 countries international application no PCT/US2011/000854. by the way how may r2s you are using, and what is the connection with r1 which is powering led with regulation that is all
    i will say copy with sense. Thanks

    Reply
  2. Dear sir
    ref- adj power supply using LM338 1.2 to 30 v

    I tried this circuit and i could make a variable voltage only with 1k VR1 variable and not the 10 k , with this the voltage is from 1.5 to 24 volts. But the problem is there is no current at all!!. Please help
    Using 10k makes voltage from 24 to 27v only.

    Reply
  3. Ill try this circuit to heat my model airplane engine´s glow plug. However, since I will use 12 VDC battery instead of AC,I imagine don´t need neither big capacitance filter condenser nor the 1N4007.Will experiment, anyway Thanks a lot and will let you know if I could fly or remained grounded.

    Reply
  4. Dear all,
    if you insist on building that 1.2V-30V / 5A using the same circuit diagram as mentionned above , you would not really get it adjusted up to 30V , instead you will all get it adjusted from 1.2V – about 8V & that’s all you’ll get! If you really want to have it adjusted from 1.2V -30V , you’ll simply have to remove the R2 -12K resistor & replace it by a 10microfarad 50V electrolytic capacitor & place a 100nF ceramic capacitor in parallel with that 10microfarad 50V electrolytic capacitor that’s it.

    Reply
  5. dear sir…….
    please can any one tell me how can i make 30v 10A adjustable power supply using lm338 , and can it be possible with pwm…………
    thank you ………

    Reply
  6. dear Sir, can anyone put me through on how to construct a 19v 3.5A regulated DC power supply using solar panel as input for the project. thanks

    Reply
  7. hi friends,
    Can anyone please tell me the voltages of the capacitors (filters) and wattage of the resisters given in the above circuit diagram..

    Reply
  8. This is a high quality bench power supply with adjustable output voltage from 0 to 30V and adjustable output current from few miliamperes to 4 amperes. Built-in electronic output current limiter that effectively controls the output current makes this power supply indispensable in the experimenters laboratory as it is possible to limit the current to the typical maximum that a circuit under test may require, and power it up then, without any fear that it may be damaged if something goes wrong. There is also a visual indication that the current limiter is in operation so that you can see at a glance that your circuit is exceeding or not its preset limits.

    Reply
  9. I’m Married!,
    I see only one adjustable potentiometer in the circuit. Where would you place the second to control the current, as you say, and what other components would be needed to complete a power supply that is capable of the separate regulation of both voltage and current output, such as you described in your comment above? Adding a meter for each, also, would be particularly useful, wouldn’t you agree? ;~)

    Reply
  10. Hello, what is the maximum voltage that can be supplied to the “1-20V, 10A Adjustable DC Power Supply using LM338”? and can lm107 be replaced by lm741?

    Reply
    • Hi Kishok,
      Thanks your question.
      Thanks your question. How are you?

      I like LM338. It is linear regulator IC, 5A output.

      But if you use 14V 500mA. I think the output is under 0.5A max.
      It is lost in the LM338.

      If you have other question. I like to talk with you. Please do not wait. Tell me again.

      Thanks
      Apichet

      Reply
  11. some of these circuits are theoretical, some can “damage the regulator” … for example you can not apply more than 25vdc between input and output output of regulator and have load of 1ampere… LM338 maxipun power it is aprox 20-25watts. non-connoisseurs believe that the LM338 can regulate for example from 0 to 30 volts and 5 amperes whit the same input value of voltage.

    Reply
  12. I clarify, you can regulate Vin=36vdc Vout=30vdc at 5 amps . but if you have Vin=36vdc Vout=5 vdc at 5A the regulator can be damaged. Will be Vin=10vdc Volt=5vdc at 5 amperes. ( never P >30watss P=VI P = (Vin-Vout) * 5A )

    Reply
    • Hello Victor Hugo,
      Thanks for your visit. Oh…You are a great man.

      Hello Victor Hugo,
      Thanks for your visit. Oh…You are a great man.
      You are an expert, so much about LM338. Your message. Make me and my friends Understand more.

      Thanks a lot again.
      Apichet

      Reply
      • Hello , Thanks fot this Blog. I recommend always using the Texas Insttruments or National brands for these projects. Unfortunately, in some countries we get Chinese regulators which when asking for more than 1 Ampreere and burn. Money and money are los

        Reply
          • Yes , Sir , I used some LM338 , the Vi (dc) is : 9 vdc , 1 capacitor 6800Mf 400v in parallel . I try otutput of 5vdc whit a load of 1 ampere adjunsting a reostat . 0.1 to 0.9 amperes it is regulated ok , but when rises 1 amperes the IC burns
            ( the LM338 has a big heat sink disipator ) . I had burns 6 IC.
            Thansk for your interest…

          • Oh, In normal LM338 can power up to 5A. Why is lower than this?

            I never use LM338. But I use LM350T on Motorola Bands. It is great the current to 3A full.

            I bought them for long time ago.

            Sometimes You may buy LM338 at Amazon on USA. or Ebay.

            I hope your project finished full power.

            Thanks again.
            Apichet

          • If you allow me, I want to complement something of what I said before … in fact for fine regulators such as the National or Texas or Morola the data sheet does not indicate the power because they are designed and they sense their voltages and currents at the output and they are auto power off. For this reason, I estimate that even so, an output of 30vdc at 5 A (P0VxI 30 * 50 = 150watss with a Vi of 40vdc) cannot be asked (what they can give is Vout 30vdc with 5amps and a Vin of 35vdc) that They would give them to us, they turn off but they are not damaged. On the other hand, the Chinese do not pay themselves … they burn …

  13. I still don’t get the 5A power source which is copied right out of the datasheet.
    But 1.25 V squared divided by 0.24 Ohms is still 6.5W and not 2W.
    The suggested resistor will smoke. 10W recommended.

    Reply
    • Hello Exxxxxxx bxxxxxx,
      Thanks for your visit. I am happy that you are interested in LM338.

      Yes, If you want 5A of load. We use 0.24 ohms at 10W up. You are correct.

      Thanks
      Apichet.

      PS, I hope you share your test circuit again. I like you to read your story.

      Reply
  14. hola todo esto esta muy bien pero no he encontrado aun ,niguna pcb con las medidas de impresion ,hay alguna solucion saludos

    Reply
  15. Przeczytałem komentarze ale nikt nie wspomniał gdy ktoś zrobi zwarcie na wyjściu przy nastawionym 30V i 5A.
    Jak odbywa się płynna regulacja prądu (nie ma żadnego potencjometru)

    Reply

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