( Brand: National Semiconductor ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: LM138K ), ( Part Type: Voltage Regulator )
The LM138K, produced by National Semiconductor, is a robust and reliable 5-volt linear voltage regulator. This military-grade semiconductor device is housed in a robust steel body, making it suitable for various high-stress and high-reliability applications.
The LM138K is a 7-pin DIP (Dual In-line Package) integrated circuit. It is a monolithic voltage regulator that provides seven individual 5-volt outputs, each capable of delivering up to 150 milliamperes of current. This makes it an excellent choice for applications that require multiple low-current voltage supplies.
The LM138K features a wide input voltage range of 7 to 36 volts, ensuring flexibility in power sources. It also has a single adjustable voltage setting, which can be easily adjusted using an external resistor. The device is equipped with thermal shutdown protection, ensuring safe operation by turning off the output if the junction temperature exceeds the set limit.
The LM138K is designed to have a low noise output, with a typical output noise of less than 5 millivolts rms. It also has a high input and output impedance, ensuring minimal load effects and power supply ripple. The device can operate over a wide temperature range of -55 to 150 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for various environmental conditions.
In summary, the LM138K is a high-performance 5-volt linear voltage regulator that offers multiple low-current outputs, wide input voltage range, adjustable output voltage, thermal shutdown protection, low noise output, and high impedance. Its robust steel body and military-grade specifications make it an excellent choice for high-stress and high-reliability applications.
Pros of buying LM138K National Semiconductor 5A Voltage Regulator (Steel Body, Military Semiconductor):1. High Reliability: LM138K is a military-grade semiconductor, which means it is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and provide a high level of reliability.
2. Wide Input Voltage Range: The LM138K can operate from a wide input voltage range, making it suitable for various power supply applications.
3. Adjustable Output Voltage: The LM138K can be used to generate output voltages from 1.2V to 15V, making it versatile for a wide range of applications.
4. High Current Capacity: The LM138K can deliver up to 5A of output current, making it suitable for powering devices with high power requirements.
Cons of buying LM138K National Semiconductor 5A Voltage Regulator (Steel Body, Military Semiconductor):1. Higher Cost: Due to its military-grade nature, the LM138K is typically more expensive than commercial-grade voltage regulators.
2. Limited Availability: Due to its military-grade nature, the LM138K may not be as widely available as commercial-grade voltage regulators, which could make it harder to source.
3. Complexity: The LM138K requires external components such as resistors and capacitors to be properly implemented, which could add to the complexity of the circuit design.
Conclusion:The LM138K National Semiconductor 5A Voltage Regulator is a high-performance, military-grade voltage regulator that offers a wide input voltage range, adjustable output voltage, and high current capacity. However, its higher cost and limited availability could be a downside for some applications. If reliability and performance are paramount, the LM138K is a great choice. However, for cost-sensitive applications, commercial-grade voltage regulators may be more suitable.
Recommendation:If you require a high-performance, reliable voltage regulator for a critical application, the LM138K National Semiconductor 5A Voltage Regulator is a great choice. However, if cost is a concern, consider evaluating commercial-grade voltage regulators with similar specifications to determine if they meet your requirements.