Application Note 2
August 1984
Performance Enhancement Techniques for
Three-Terminal Regulators
Jim Williams
Three terminal regulators provide a simple, effective solu-
tion to voltage regulation requirements. In many situations
the regulator can be used with no special considerations.
Some applications, however, require special techniques
to enhance the performance of the device.
Probably the most common modification involves extend-
ing the output current of regulators. Conceptually, the
simplest way to do this is by paralleling devices. In practice,
the voltage output tolerance of the regulators can cause
problems. Figure 1 shows a way to use two regulators to
achieve an output current equal to their sum. This circuit
capitalizes on the 1% output tolerance of the specified
regulators to achieve a simple paralleled configuration.
Both regulators sense from the same divider string and
the small value resistors provide ballast to account for the
slightly differing output voltages. This added impedance
degrades total circuit regulation to about 1%.
VIN ≥ 6.5V IN LT1083 OUT
ADJ
IN LT1083 OUT
ADJ
+ 200μF
100μF
Figure 1
Figure 2 shows another way to extend current capability
in a regulator. Although this circuit is more complex than
Figure 1, it eliminates the ballasting resistor’s effects
and has a fast-acting logic-controlled shutdown feature.
Additionally, the current limit may be set to any desired
value. This circuit extends the 1A capacity of the LT®1005
multifunction regulator to 12A, while retaining the LT1005’s
enable feature and auxiliary 5V output. Q1, a booster
transistor, is servo-controlled by the LT1005, while Q2
senses the current dependent voltage across the 0.05Ω
shunt. When the shunt voltage is large enough, Q2 comes
on, biasing Q3 and shutting down the regulator via the
LT1005’s enable pin. The shunt’s value can be selected
for the desired current limit. The 100°C thermo-switch
limits dissipation in Q1 during prolonged short circuits
by disabling the LT1005. It should be mounted on Q1’s
heat sink.
L, LT, LTC, LTM, Linear Technology and the Linear logo are registered trademarks of Linear
Technology Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
0.01Ω
5V
15A
UPDATE
The LT3080 and LT3083
0.01Ω
are better for parallel operation
121Ω
+
AN02 F01
365Ω
NOTE: THIS CIRCUIT
WILL NOT WORK WITH
LM-TYPE DEVICES
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AN2-1
Application Note 2
Boosted regulator schemes of this type are often poorly
dynamically damped. Such improper loop compensation
results in large output transients for shifts in the load. In
particular, because Q1’s common emitter configuration
has voltage gain, transients approaching the input voltage
are possible when the load drops out. Here, the 100μF
capacitor damps Q1’s tendency to overshoot, while the
20Ω value provides turn-off bias. The 250μF unit maintains
Q1’s emitter at DC. Figure 3 shows that this “brute force”
compensation works quite well. Normally the regulator
sees no load. When Trace A goes high, a 12A load (regula-
tor output current is Trace C) is placed across the output
terminals. The regulator output voltage recovers quickly,
with minimal aberration.
While the 100μF output capacitor aids stability, it prevents
the regulator output from dropping quickly when the enable
command is given. Because Q1 cannot sink current, the
100μF unit’s discharge time is load limited. Q4 corrects
this problem, even when there is no load. When the enable
command is given (Trace A, Figure 4) Q3 comes on, cut-
ting off the LT1005 and forcing Q1 off. Simultaneously, Q4
comes on, pulling down the regulator output (Trace B), and
sinks the 100μF capacitor’s discharge current (Trace C). If
fast turn-off is not needed, Q4 may be omitted.

250μF
+

Q1
2N4398
0.05Ω* (HEAT SINK) OUTPUT
8.5 MIN
5V
INPUT + 12A
1k 20Ω 0.05Ω 100μF
Q2
2N2907
IN OUT
LT1005 GND Q4
2N6387
AUXILIARY ENABLE

10k
10k
ENABLE
“LO”
10k
Q3
2N2222
1k *SELECT FOR I LIMIT = 12A
100°C N.0.
THERMO-SWITCH
1k ON HEAT SINK
AN02 F02

Figure 2

A = 10V/DIV A = 10V/DIV

B = 2V/DIV
B = 0.5V/DIV
AC-COUPLED

C = 5A/DIV C = 2A/DIV

AN02 F03
HORIZONTAL = 10μs/DIV HORIZONTAL = 100μs/DIV
AN02 F04

Figure 3 Figure 4

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AN2-2

Power dissipation control is another area where regulators
can be helped by additional circuitry. Increasing heat sink
area can be used to offset dissipation problems, but is a
wasteful and inefficient approach. Instead, the regulator can
be placed within a switched-mode loop that servo-controls
the voltage across the regulator. In this arrangement the
regulator functions normally while the switched-mode con-
trol loop maintains the voltage across it at a minimal value,
regardless of line or load changes. Although this approach
is not quite as efficient as a classical switching regulator,
it offers lower noise and the fast transient response of
the linear regulator. Figure 5 details a DC driven version
Application Note 2
of the circuit. The LT350A functions in the conventional
fashion, supplying a regulated output at 3A capacity. The
remaining components form the switched-mode dissipa-
tion limiting control. This loop forces the potential across
the LT350A to equal the 3.7V value of VZ. When the input
of the regulator (Trace A, Figure 6) decays far enough, the
LT1018 output (Trace B) switches low, turning on Q1 (Q1
collector is Trace D). This allows current flow (Trace C)
from the circuit input into the 4500μF capacitor, raising
the regulator’s input voltage. When the regulator input
rises far enough, the comparator goes high, Q1 cuts off
and the capacitor ceases charging.

2.2k

Q1 VZ
2N6667
1MHY
28V
IN LT350A OUT OUTPUT
INPUT + ADJ
1N4003 4500 240Ω* 15k
10k
LT1004
1.2 2.0k 10k
VZ
68pF LT1004
1M 2.5

28V 15k
UPDATE
The LT3083 allows adjustment
+ to zero. Various single chip
1k
LT1018 10k switching regulators can be used
*1% FILM RESISTOR
– 1MHY = DALE TD-5 TYPE
AN02 F05

Figure 5

A = 100mV/DIV
AC-COUPLED ON
15.7V DC LEVEL
B = 50V/DIV

C = 4A/DIV

D = 20V/DIV

AN02 F06
HORIZONTAL = 100μs/DIV

Figure 6

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AN2-3
Application Note 2
The 1N4003 damps the flyback spike of the current-limit-
ing inductor. The 4.7kΩ unit ensures circuit start-up and
the 68pF-1MΩ combination sets loop hysteresis at about
80mVP-P . This free-running oscillation control mode
substantially reduces dissipation in the regulator, while
preserving its performance. Despite changes in the input
voltage, different regulated outputs or load shifts, the
loop always ensures the minimum possible dissipation
in the regulator.
Figure 7 shows the dissipation limiting technique applied
in a more sophisticated circuit. The AC-powered version
provides 0V-35V, 10A regulation under high line-low line
(90VAC-140VAC) conditions with good efficiency. In this
version, two SCRs and a center-tapped transformer source
power to the inductor-capacitor combination. The trans-
former output is also diode rectified (Trace A, Figure 8),
divided down, and used to reset the 0.1μF unit (Trace B)

VZ

† 1MHY 0V-35V
LT1038 OR
STANCOR 0A-10A
P-8675 + LT1083 + (7.5A FOR LT1083)
1N4003 10,000μF 750Ω* 100μF
20Ω
3 4
110AC t LT1004
T1
20Ω 1 t 2 1.2 20k
† VZ
LT1004 2.7k
2.5 –15V
1N4003 1N4003 LT1004
1k 16k* 1.2V
1μF +
15V 15V
82k 15V
2 8 11k*
+ 200k
10k C1 7
LT1011
3 1 0.1
–
4

–15V
*1% FILM RESISTOR
T1 = SPRAGUE 11Z-2003 15k
†SCRs = G.E. C-220B 15V
1MHY = DALE TD-5 TYPE 1N4148 2N3904
100pF
15V
UPDATE 15V
8
Paralled LT3083s allow – 3 15V
adjustment to zero 7 C2 1
without the LT1004 LT1011
15k 8 +
+ 2 10k A1
1 16k*
LM301A
4 –
1μF
–15V 11k*
–15V
AN02 F07

Figure 7

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AN2-4

via C1. The resulting AC line synchronous ramp at C1’s
output is compared to A1’s offset output by C2. A1’s output
represents the deviation from the VZ value that the loop is
trying to force across the LT1038. When the ramp output
exceeds C2’s “+” input value, C2 pulls low, dumping current
through T1’s primary (Trace C). This fires the appropriate
SCR and a path from the main transformer to the LC pair
occurs (Trace D). The resultant current flow (Trace E) is
limited by the inductor and charges the capacitor. When
the AC line cycle drops low enough, the SCR commutates
and charging ceases. On the next half cycle the process
repeats, except that the alternate SCR does the work. In
this fashion, the loop controls the phase angle at which
the SCRs fire to keep the voltage across the LT1038 at VZ
Application Note 2
(3.7V). As a result, the circuit functions over all line, load
and output voltage conditions with good efficiency. The
1.2V LT1004 at the LT1038 allows the output voltage to
be set down to 0.00 and the 2N3904 clamp at A1 prevents
loop “hang-up”. Figure 7A shows a way to trigger the SCRs
without using a transformer.
Although A1’s output is an analog voltage, the AC-driven
nature of the circuit makes it approximate a smoothed,
sample loop response. Conversely, the regulator consti-
tutes a true linear system. Because these two feedback
systems are interlocked, frequency compensation can
be difficult.

1N4148 1MHY

20Ω 10,000μF
TO 10k
SCR
GATES 20Ω

15V 15V
TO 10k-15k JUNCTION
FROM A1 OUTPUT 3 – 0.68
10k
C2 2N2219
2 +
TO
C1 OUTPUT 1N4148
AN02 F07A

Figure 7A

A = 50V/DIV

B = 10V/DIV

C = 100mA/DIV

D = 50V/DIV

E = 10A/DIV

AN02 F08
HORIZONTAL = 2ms/DIV

Figure 8

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AN2-5
Application Note 2
In practice, A1’s 1μF capacitor keeps dissipation loop High voltage output is another area for regulator enhance-
gain at a low enough frequency for stable characteristics, ment. In theory, because the regulator does not have a
without influencing the LT1038’s transient response char- ground pin, it can regulate high voltages. In normal opera-
acteristic. Trace A, Figure 9 shows the output noise while tion the regulator floats at the supply’s upper level, and as
the circuit is operating at 35V into a 10A load (350W). Note long as the VIN–VOUT maximum differential is not exceeded
the absence of fast switching transients and harmonics. there are no problems. However, if the output is shorted,
The output noise is made up of residual 120Hz ripple and the VIN–VOUT maximum is exceeded and device destruc-
regulator noise. Reflected noise into the AC power line is tion will occur. The circuit of Figure 11 shows a complete
also negligible (Trace B) because the inductor limits cur- high voltage regulator that delivers 100V at 100mA and
rent rise time to about 1ms, much slower than the normal withstands shorts to ground. Even at 100V output the
switching supplies. Figure 10 shows a plot of efficiency LT317A functions in the normal mode, maintaining 1.2V
versus output voltage for a 10A load. At low output volt- between its output and adjustment pin.
ages, where the static losses across the regulator and SCRs
are significant, efficiency suffers, but 85% is attained at
the upper extreme.
100
90 P = 300W
P = 200W
80
10mV/DIV 70
P = 100W
AC-COUPLED EFFICIENCY (%)
60
ON 35V OUTPUT
50 P = 50W
40
30
200V/DIV 20
P = 10W
10 LOAD CURRENT = 10A
FOR ALL CONDITIONS
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
AN02 F09
HORIZONTAL = 2ms/DIV OUTPUT VOLTAGE
AN02 F10

Figure 9 Figure 10

TRIAD 1N4004
N-48X 1N4004 100V
OUTPUT

≈120V
115AC IN LT317AT OUT
+ ADJ
500μF 10Ω
Q1
2N6533 0.02μF
1N4148 332Ω

UPDATE 1k
Newer regulators such as 500pF OUTPUT
the LT3080 and LT3081 ADJ
allow adjustment to zero 25.5k
1N3031
2k 30V
5W
AN02 F11

Figure 11

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AN2-6

Under these conditions the 30V Zener is off and Q1 con-
ducts. When an output short occurs, the Zener conducts,
forcing Q1’s base to 30V. This causes Q1’s emitter to clamp
2 VBEs below VZ, well within the VIN–VOUT rating of the
regulator. Under these conditions, Q1, a high voltage device,
sustains 90V VCE at whatever current the transformer and
the regulator’s current limit will support. The transformer
specified saturates at 130mA, keeping Q1 well within its
safe area as it dissipates 12W. If Q1 and the LT317A are
thermally coupled, the regulator will soon go into thermal
shutdown and oscillation will commence. This action will
continue, protecting the load and the regulator as long as
the output remains shorted. the 500pF capacitor and the
10Ω-0.02μF damper aid transient response and the diodes
provide safe discharge paths for the capacitors.
This approach to high voltage regulation is primarily lim-
ited by the power dissipation capability of the device in
series with the regulator. Figure 11A uses a vacuum tube
(remember them?) to achieve very high short-circuit dis-
sipation capability. The tube allows high voltage operation
and is extremely tolerant of overloads. This circuit allows
the LT317A to control 600W at 2000V (V1’s plate limit is
300mA) with full short-circuit protection.
Application Note 2
Power is not the only area in which regulator performance
can be augmented. Figure 12 shows a way to increase the
stability of a regulator’s output over time and temperature.
This is particularly useful in powering strain gauge-based
transducers. In this circuit the output voltage is divided
down and compared to the 2.5V reference by A1, a precision
amplifier. A1’s output is used to force the LT317A’s adjust-
ment pin to whatever voltage is required to maintain the
10V output. A1 contributes negligible error. The resistors
specified will track within 5ppm/°C and the reference con-
tributes about 20ppm/°C. The regulator’s internal circuitry
protects against short circuits and thermal overload.
Figure 13’s circuit allows a regulator to remotely sense the
feedback voltage, eliminating the effects of voltage drop
in the supply lines. This is a concern where high currents
must be transmitted over relatively long supply rails or PC
traces. Figure 13’s circuit uses A1 to sense the voltage at
the point of load. A1’s output, summed with the regulator’s
output, modifies the adjustment pin voltage to compensate
for the voltage lost across RDROP . The feedback divider is
returned through a separate lead from the load, complet-
ing the remote sensing scheme. The 5μF capacitor filters
noise and the 1k value limits bypass capacitor discharge
when power is turned off.

75-TH
FILIMENT
EIMAC
V1
2500V
OUTPUT OUTPUT
IN LT317AT OUT VIN IN LT317AH OUT
2000V 10V
ADJ ADJ
180k 2k 15k*
1.2k
50W 1N3031

2k
+
A1
500k LT1001
UPDATE OUTPUT –
TRIM
The LT3085 will allow
VOUT to go to zero 1.8M *RESISTORS = TRW MAR-6 LT1009 4.99k*
2W 2.5V
AN02 F11A AN02 F12

Figure 11A Figure 12

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Information furnished by Linear Technology Corporation is believed to be accurate and reliable.

However, no responsibility is assumed for its use. Linear Technology Corporation makes no representa-
tion that the interconnection of its circuits as described herein will not infringe on existing patent rights. AN2-7
Application Note 2
A final circuit allows voltage regulator-powered circuity to
run from 110VAC or 220VAC without having to switch trans-
former windings. Regulator dissipation does not increase
for 220VAC inputs. In Figure 14, when T1 is driven from
110VAC, the LT1011 output goes high, allowing the SCR
to receive gate bias through the 1.2k resistor. The 1N4002
is off. T1’s output is rectified by the SCR and the regulator
sees about 8.5V at its input. If T1 is plugged into a 220VAC
source, the negative input at the LT1011 is driven beyond
2.5V and the device’s output clamps low. This steers the
SCR’s gate bias to ground through the LT1011’s output
transistor. The diodes in the LT1011 output line prevent
reverse voltages from reaching the SCR or the LT1011
output. Now, the SCR goes off and the 1N4002 sources
current to the regulator from T1’s center tap. Although
T1’s input voltage has doubled, its output potential has
halved and the regulator power dissipation remains the
same. Figure 15 shows the AC line input versus regulator
input voltage transfer function. The switch to center tap
drive occurs midway between 110VAC and 220VAC. The
hysteresis, a desirable characteristic, occurs because T1’s
output voltage shifts with the step change in loading.

RDROP 5V AT 3A
(MAX DROP = 300mV)
VIN IN LT350A OUT
ADJ
VIN
–
22Ω A1 RLOAD
LM301A 1k
1
+
121Ω 8
4
365Ω 100pF 25Ω

5μF
+ AN02 F13

HIGH CURRENT
RETURN
TO GROUND

Figure 13

C-106 (G.E.)
T1 VOUT
IN LT1086 OUT
+ + 5V
5000μF ADJ 240Ω* 10μF
1N4002
110-220AC
720Ω*
1k 18
AN02 F14
16
1.2k
REGULATOR INPUT VOLTAGE

14

1.6k *1% FILM RESISTOR 12

1k T1 = STACO #SP05A012
= 1N4148 UNLESS MARKED 10

3 8 8
–
1M
7 UPDATE 6
1μF LT1011
2 1 6.2k The LT3080 regulator 4
+ allows VOUT to go to zero
4 2

0
0 40 80 120 160 200 240 280
LT1009C
AC LINE VOLTAGE—RMS
2.5V
AN02 F15

Figure 14 Figure 15
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