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LM338: Question about 5A current regulator example circuit.

Part Number: LM338

Hello,

According to Figure 37. 5A Current Regulator example, 0.24ohm 2W resistor is recommended.

If Iout is 5A constant current, its power is I*I*R = 5*5*0.24 = 6W. 

Why this 2W resistor is recommended, not over 6W resistor?

Could you explain the reason?

Regards,

Nicky

  • Hello Nicky,

    Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

    You are correct that this resistor should have a 6W rating, at a minimum.

    I suspect that this is a reworked image from another datasheet, the resistance value was changed for 5A, but the required dissipation rating was not changed.

    This will be corrected in an upcoming revision of the datasheet.