High performance switching regulators have moved in to fill this gap, providing lower output voltages and minimizing the heat buildup. However, the downside is cost and complexity. That’s where the LT308x family of LDOs fits in. The LT3085 is a 500mA, NPN, single-resistor adjustable LDO which can be directly paralleled for PCB heat spreading. It also features next generation LDO technology with the ability to regulate output voltage down to 0V. In addition it can be easily configured as an accurate current source due to its current reference-based architecture.

