Suggest alternate to LM317?

[EasyGoing1]

The only adjustable voltage regulator that I've messed with is the LM317.

I'm looking for input from people who have any experience with any other adjustable voltage regulators along with any comments as to why you think it might be a better alternative.

Thank you,

[stj]

Re: Suggest alternate to LM317?

for what?

the lm317 has a pretty high maximum input.
whats your input?
what current do you need?

[EasyGoing1]

Re: Suggest alternate to LM317?

for what?

the lm317 has a pretty high maximum input.
whats your input?
what current do you need?

I didn't want to get into the specifics, I was merely looking for alternatives to the LM317 and whether or not anyone had any experience with different adjustable voltage regulators.

[stj]

Re: Suggest alternate to LM317?

there are lots,
that's why i asked.

these days i prefer to play with chinese buck modules - just to avoid heatsinks.

[PeteS in CA]

Re: Suggest alternate to LM317?

The LM317 (and the LM337, for negative voltages) is one of those parts that works too well to be obsoleted. Easily adjusted for a fixed voltage or with a pot for adjustable voltages. You can even put a cap across the adjustment resistor that connects to ground if you want to control the output voltage rise.

[EasyGoing1]

Re: Suggest alternate to LM317?

there are lots,
that's why i asked.

these days i prefer to play with chinese buck modules - just to avoid heatsinks.

I do too ... but you can't vary the voltage with a microcontroller with one of those. With an adjustable regulator, you can use a digital pot and vary the voltage as needed.

[stj]

Re: Suggest alternate to LM317?

i'm not so sure about that claim.

[EasyGoing1]

Re: Suggest alternate to LM317?

i'm not so sure about that claim.

I've done it.

[stj]

Re: Suggest alternate to LM317?

i meant not being able to tie an mcu to a buck module