LM350 Adjustable Voltage Regulator PSU

Oct 082020

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LM350 Adjustable Voltage Regulator PSU

This variable power supply uses the LM350 adjustable voltage regulator and can deliver 1.25 to 16 volts and a maximum current of 3 amps.

The LM350 voltage regulator can deliver a higher current than the LM317. This is very useful, as it can be used with circuits or equipment that demand more current. The formula for the output voltage is the same for both regulators.

Variable voltage source operation

The formula for the output voltage is Vo = 1.25 (1 + R2 / R1) + I_adj x R2.

The current Iadj, which is the current that passes through the Adj (adjustment) pin of the regulator, is negligible; this means that the product I_adj x R2 can be neglected.

So the formula is simplified, and we get: Vo = 1.25 (1 + R2/R1). In our case, P1 is equal to R2, and (R1 + P2) is equal to R1 (see diagram).

This source is very easy to implement, as the LM350 voltage regulator internally incorporates protection against excess current consumption.

LM350 Adjustable Voltage Regulator Power Supply

Final voltage source adjustment

Adjustment after the circuit is fully assembled is very important.

To achieve this adjustment, the potentiometer P1 is regulated until the output voltage is maximum, and then the potentiometer P2 is regulated until obtaining 16 volts in Vo.

What are the diodes used for?

Diodes are for protection and prevent capacitors from discharging (when the voltage source is turned off) through low current points within the regulator.

D3 protects against C5 discharge.
D4 protects against C4 discharge.

What are the capacitors used for?

Capacitor C3 is recommended for any application that has the regulator located away from the voltage source.
Capacitor C4 serves to improve ripple at the regulator output and …
Capacitor C5 serves to improve the output impedance.

LM350 voltage regulator pin out