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LM317: Minimum Load Current

Tom Ragsdale
Prodigy 30 points
Part Number: LM317


I am trying to use a LM317 with a 12 VDC input and regulated Voltage of 3.3VDC. The Minimum Load Current to Maintain Regulation (VI − VO = 40 V) line in the Spec has  a "-" for the Minimum current and 3.5 mA and 10mA for the Typical and Max.

The load can be less than 1 mA and as much as ~ 20 mA

If I size the a load resistor in parallel with the load at 825 ohm will I be ok?

  • 0
    TI__Genius 10490 points

    Hi Tom,

    Table 6.3 in the datasheet lists the recommended operating conditions for the LM317:

    If the load for your application can go below 10 mA, the parallel load resistor should be sized to provide at least 10 mA. 

    R = Vo / Io = 3.3 V / 10 mA = 330 ohms

    Thanks,

    Gerard