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FrozenGate by Avery

Lm317 driver still best cheap option?

Dunno, I always used the TO-3 and assumed the plastic packages are pants. 4x worse heat transfer
according to the datasheet

Anyone care to weigh in? :anyone:
 





The Lightning Stalker said:
Because there isn't a metal side.
Click to expand...

I know the package type you are talking about, it seems like a bad design especially for higher current loads where the metal tab package makes heatsinking much easier. So might as well always go with metal tab package imo.
 
The Lightning Stalker said:
Dunno, I always used the TO-3 and assumed the plastic packages are pants. 4x worse heat transfer
according to the datasheet
Click to expand...

TO-3? You sure you don't mean TO-220?

The plastic package is called TO-220FP, and it's used to electrically isolate the case from the heat sink. All materials that are electrically insulative, but thermally conductive... are going to be less thermally conductive than that of an electrically conductive material. But sometimes you need seven ICs bolted to the same heat sink, so they need to be isolated. It's a trade-off.

If you don't need it, don't use it. Doesn't mean it's useless though. :)
 
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Here is the one I've been using (on the right). I hope it doesn't burn out, it's the last one.

LM338K.jpg


This was my first attempt at a small LM1117 driver. It ended up not working out. For some
reason, it needs more capacitance than an LM317 or it will kill diodes. Currently waiting on
some boards, and waiting (what the heck Oshpark?)

LM1117%20Driver.jpg
 
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