Ensuring Stability of Linear Regulators with Ceramic Capacitors

In this article, Martin Warnke describes in detail how elderly voltage regulators like the LM317 can be stabilized when using modern low-ESR ceramic capacitors.

This white paper shows the measurements and methods to characterize the output impedance of a LM317 linear regulator using the Bode 100. With the gathered information, a suitable output capacitance and ESR value are derived to achieve a non-peaking impedance curve. A circuit tweak is shown to replace the required ESR by external resistors to optimize the impedance curves even further without disturbing the regulator's control loop. Check out the PDF document below to learn more.

Article: Stabilizing Voltage Regulators with Ceramic Capacitors

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Martin Warnke got interested in circuit design when he was exposed to audio electronics already at a young age. After graduating from TUM with specialization in analog IC design, he held several application and system engineering positions in the semiconductor industry. He lives out his passion for circuit design by designing audio electronics as a hobby.
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