Written by: Newton C. Braga

 Using the configuration shown in the figure, the circuit operates as a current regulator, keeping the current constant across a load.

 

Figure 1  Constant current source using the LM350T (3 A).
Figure 1 Constant current source using the LM350T (3 A).

 

The potentiometer is used to adjust the current across the load, and the resistor limits its highest value. The IC must be mounted on a heat sink, and the input voltage typically must be in the range between 12 and 24 V. Other ICs in the same series as the LM150T and LM250T can be used in this block.