12/10/2014

3A Adjustable Power Supply

Labs
free energy
Q&A
quizzes
Comments
Contact
Register
Login
Arduino
555
Alarms
Audio
Basic
DIY
Hobby
Lights
Measure
Power supply
Radio
Solar
Tested
Theory
Various
Tools
Search

3A Adjustable Power Supply

Posted by P. Marian in Power supply with 4 comments
Tagged with: LM350variable power supplies
Share

Tw eet

This is a compact adjustable power supply that delivers a stable voltage and currents up to 3 amperes. The circuit is
very conventional and its voltage output can be varied from 1.25 volts to 25 volts.
The main module is the LM350 IC which integrates a voltage regulator and a power stage. It also has a built-in
overload protection which activates at 30 watts of power dissipation. The voltage output is set by connecting the adj
pin of the IC to the voltage divider made of R1 and P1.

http://www.electroschematics.com/6996/3a-adjustable-power-supply/

1/6

12/10/2014

3A Adjustable Power Supply

The output voltage can be calculated using the following formula:

1.25V x (1 + P1/R1)
where the P1 value is between 0 and 2.5 K. Capacitor C1 is a common ripple filter while capacitors C2 and C3
improves the regulation. The diodes D1 and D2 serves as protection for the regulator IC when the IC output is turned
off. Resistor R1 is 120. This ensures that the minimal load current for the IC (around 3.4mA) is high enough to
maintain good performance.

3 Ampere power supply circuit schematic

One thing that is most important in building the electronic circuit: provide adequate heatsink for the LM350 IC. The
power dissipation at the IC is very high, around 85 watts.
Consider that the heat resistance of a TO-3 package is 1.5oC/W and the maximum allowable temperature is 150oC. If
a heatsink is used with a heat resistance of 1.5oC/W, when the total heat resistance is 4oC/W. At 30 watts dissipation
and 25oC outside temperature, the resulting internal IC temperature is 145oC. Once this dissipation level is reached,
the internal protection activates shutting down the IC.

Adjustable Power supply PCB

http://www.electroschematics.com/6996/3a-adjustable-power-supply/

2/6

12/10/2014

3A Adjustable Power Supply

One way to avoid high dissipation levels is to use a lower voltage transformers when needed output voltages are low.
To put it simply: if you are using the circuit to supply voltages around 9 volts, do not use a 25 volts transformer but use
a lower voltage one instead (e.g. 12 or 15 volts).
LM350 datasheet
Share

Tw eet

Search

Stabilized
Adjustable Power
Supply 0-15V/5A

Adjustable power
supply 0 30V /
1A

Variable Power
Supply with
UA78G/UA79G

3V to 24V
Variable Power
Supply

4 Responses to "3A Adjustable Power Supply"

1.

KROKKENOSTER says: on September 3, 2014 at 11:51 am

reply
Guys hi! we must make sure that we do not overload the WATT RATING of the TO220 package AS ON A
HEAT SINK IS ONLY FIFTEEN WATTS I had problems with LM 317 T in this package this
***********internally protected for power overload is misleading and leads to failure or shut down

http://www.electroschematics.com/6996/3a-adjustable-power-supply/

3/6

12/10/2014

3A Adjustable Power Supply

prematurely I would rather use LM338Ksteel TO3 package if you want a supply that can supply for argument 5
volt output and the input is 30 volts You have 3X 25 volts and that is 75 watts and that makes an ideal hotplate
to keep your tea warm !! I am not aware that the TO 220 is increased in the meantime
2.

roland says: on December 4, 2014 at 3:51 pm

reply

Hi. I have built the above circuit with all new parts exactly as shown three times on new boards. Each time the
adj. potentiometer smoked and burned out when I turned the unit on. I am using the LM350 with a 24volt AC
center tapped transformer with 12volts each side wired to put 24 volts into the rectifier. It shows 34volts after
the 4700uF cap which I understand to be peak voltage. I have not found out much info on what to do. I have
seen other sites with the same circuit and parts. I found one site that mentions adding a switch to use 12 or
24volts for lower or higher voltages, but prefer to run as shown in your diagram. Please help. Thank you!

3.

Jim Keith says: on December 4, 2014 at 6:20 pm

reply
My guess is that the LM350 is connected reverse the schem and layout appear to be OK in this regard. Try
wiring the input as full-wave center-tapped (center tap grounded) to reduce the voltage then when working,
rewire as a full-wave bridge.
Also put a 470 resistor in series with the voltage adjust pot it will prevent the voltage from turning below
approx 5V, but will protect the pot under fault conditions when it is set for zero resistance.
Roland says: on December 5, 2014 at 7:51 am
reply
Thank you, Jim Keith. I will try that. This project has been frustrating for me, to say the least.

What do you think about this article? Leave a comment!

Name (required)
Mail (will not be published) (required)

You may add a picture too (related to electronics) Choose File No file chosen

http://www.electroschematics.com/6996/3a-adjustable-power-supply/

4/6

12/10/2014

3A Adjustable Power Supply

Submit Comment

Check this checkbox to get notifications of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without
commenting.
electroschematics partners

Login
Username

Password

Remember Me
Log In

Recent Questions
WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE 240 WATTS 2.1 AMPLIFIER
BOARD SHOWN IN THE LINK ?
10KV Surge Protection Circuit
thermopile sensor design
recently added electronic circuits
LM2596 Datasheet
USB Car Charger with LM2596
8051 Microcontroller Overview & Hardware Tutorial #1
Smartphone Quick-Jack
I2C Temperature Sensor & Real Time Clock

http://www.electroschematics.com/6996/3a-adjustable-power-supply/

5/6

12/10/2014

3A Adjustable Power Supply

Links - Policy - Disclaimer - Copyright 2008 - 2014

http://www.electroschematics.com/6996/3a-adjustable-power-supply/

6/6