LM317 pdf datasheet

The LM117 series of adjustable 3-terminal positive voltage
regulators is capable of supplying in excess of 1.5A over a
1.2V to 37V output range. They are exceptionally easy to
use and require only two external resistors to set the output
voltage. Further, both line and load regulation are better than
standard fixed regulators. Also, the LM117 is packaged in
standard transistor packages which are easily mounted and
handled.
In addition to higher performance than fixed regulators, the
LM117 series offers full overload protection available only in
IC’s. Included on the chip are current limit, thermal overload
protection and safe area protection. All overload protection
circuitry remains fully functional even if the adjustment ter-
minal is disconnected.
Normally, no capacitors are needed unless the device is
situated more than 6 inches from the input filter capacitors in
which case an input bypass is needed. An optional output
capacitor can be added to improve transient response. The
adjustment terminal can be bypassed to achieve very high
ripple rejection ratios which are difficult to achieve with stan-
dard 3-terminal regulators.