• Introduced in the mid-1970s, National Semiconductor’s LM317 condensed linear regulation into a three-terminal building block and turned voltage selection into a resistor choice.
Article Summaries:
- In the mid‑1970s, National Semiconductor released the LM317, a three‑terminal adjustable linear regulator that streamlined voltage regulation into a single, compact component. By enabling users to set output voltage through a simple resistor network, the LM317 eliminated the need for multiple discrete parts and complex circuitry. This innovation made adjustable linear power supplies more accessible and cost‑effective, fostering widespread adoption in consumer electronics, industrial controls, and prototyping. The LM317’s versatility and ease of use established it as a foundational building block for modern power‑management designs.
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