Electrical – LM317 Get Stable Output voltage at 1,25 V

lm317

I am currently trying to use the LM317 with a stable output voltage of 1,25 V.
The general formula is
$$
Vo = Vref\cdot\left(1+\frac{R2}{R1}\right) + Iadj\cdot R2
$$
The formula is according to this schematic

I used this circuit to create the 1,25 V output voltage:

schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

This circuit is directly according to the formula. R1 is infinitely high, R2 is zero. In general I measure the 1,25 V output voltage. But when the load is drawing current, everything gets unstable. Then I measure voltages higher and lower than 1,25 V…

I read some things regarding the minimum current in Adj Terminal. Therefore I thought about calculating R1 to create Iadj at ~50µA (according to ST LM317 datasheet). But whats with R2, should it be shortened to ground in this case?

I also thought about inserting a series resistor at the output, just to create a small load of ~1mA. Maybe the LM317 needs a minimum load…
Are there any suggestions? Thanks for your help.

Best Answer

Yes, as suggested, the LM317 DOES need a minimum load. The specification sheet suggests about 10 mA, LM317 see table 7.5 "minimum load current".

The bias current to run the internal error amplifier comes from the input pin (#3 of the TO220 package) and the circuit is completed by output current at the output pin (#2), while the sense pin (#1) carries only a small trickle of sense current. If the R1 resistor is 120 ohms, it will be an adequate load resistance (R2 = zero ohms). Lacking an adequate load, though, the formula is inapplicable, because the internal amplifiers are lacking the needed power supply current.