
++,3
One of the distinguishing factors of the 
LM
2931 series 
regulators is the requirement of an output capacitor for device 
stability. The value required varies greatly depending upon the 
application circuit and other factors. Thus some comments on 
the characteristics of both capacitors and the regulator are in 
order. 
High frequency characteristics of electrolytic capacitors 
depend greatly on the type and even the manufacturer. As a 
result, a value of capacitance that works well with the 
LM
2931 
for one brand or type may not necessary be sufficient with an 
electrolytic of different origin. Sometimes actual bench 
testing, as described later, will be the only means to determine 
the proper capacitor and value. Experience has shown that, as 
a rule of thumb, the more expensive and higher quality 
electrolytics generally allow a smaller value for regulator 
stability. As an example, while a high-quality 100
"
F 
aluminum electrolytic covers all general application circuits, 
similar stability can be obtained with a tantalum electrolytic of 
only 47
"
F. This factor of two can generally be applied to any 
special application circuit also. 
Another critical characteristic of electrolytics is their 
performance over temperature. While the 
LM
2931 is designed 
to operate to -40
, the same is not always true with all 
electrolytics(hot is generally not a problem). The electrolyte in 
many aluminum types will freeze around  -30
effective value to zero. Since the capacitance is needed for 
regulator stability, the natural result is oscillation (and lots of 
it)at the regulator output. For all application circuits where 
cold operation is necessary, the output capacitor must be rated 
to operate at the minimum temperature. By coincidence, 
worst-case stability for the 
LM
2931 also occurs at minimum 
temperatures. As a result, in applications where the regulator 
junction temperature will never be less than 25
capacitor can be reduced approximately by a factor of two 
over the value needed for the entire temperature range. To 
continue our example with the tantalum electrolytic, a value of 
only 22
"
F would probably thus suffice. For high-quality 
aluminum, 47
"
F would be adequate in such an application. 
Another regulator characteristic that is noteworthy is that 
stability decreases with higher output currents. This sensible 
fact has important connotations. In many applications, the 
LM
2931 is operated at only a few milliamps of output current 
or less. In such a circuit, the output capacitor can be further 
reduced in value. As a rough estimation, a circuit that is 
required to deliver a maximum of 10mAof output current from 
the regulator would need an output capacitor of only half the 
value compared to the same regulator required to deliver the 
full output current of 100mA. If the example of the tantalum 
capacitor in the circuit rated at 25
above were continued to include a maximum of 10 mA of 
output current, then the 22
#"
F output capacitor could be 
reduced to only 10
#"
F.   
,reducing their 
, the output 
 junction temperature and 
In the case of the 
LM
2931CT adjustable regulator, the 
minimum 
 value of output capacitance is a function of the output voltage. 
As a general rule, the value decreases with higher output 
voltages, since internal loop gain is reduced. 
At this point, the procedure for bench testing the minimum 
value of an output capacitor in a special application circuit 
should be clear. Since worst-case occurs at minimum 
operating temperatures and maximum operating currents, the 
entire circuit, including the electrolytic, should be cooled to 
the minimum temperature. The input voltage to the regulator 
should be maintained at 0.6V above the output to keep internal 
power dissipation and die heating to a minimum. Worst-case 
occurs just after input power is applied and before the die has 
had a chance to heat up. Once the minimum value of 
capacitance has been found for the brand and type of 
electrolytic in question, the value should be doubled for actual 
use to account for production variations both in the capacitor 
and the regulator.(All the values in this section and the 
remainder of the data sheet were determined in this fashion.) 
--'
'+ 4
The input-output voltage differential at 
which the circuit ceases to regulate against further reduction  
in input voltage. Measured when the output voltage has 
dropped 100 mV from the nominal value obtained at 14V 
input, dropout voltage is dependent upon load current and 
junction temperature. 
+4
The DC voltage applied to the input terminals 
with respect to ground. 
+#+ --'4
The voltage difference between 
the unregulated input voltage and the regulated output voltage 
for which the regulator will operate. 
4
 The change in output voltage for a change 
in the input voltage. The measurement is made under 
conditions of low dissipation or by using pulse techniques 
such that the average chip temperature is not significantly 
affected. 
(4
The change in output voltage for a change 
in load current at constant chip temperature. 
' *4
Output voltage stability under 
accelerated life-test conditions after 1000 hours with 
maximum rated voltage and junction temperature. 
+ 54
The rms AC voltage at the output, 
with constant load and no input ripple, measured over a 
specified frequency range. 
6, ''4
That part of the positive input current 
that does not contribute to the positive load current. The 
regulator ground lead current. 
++7,4
The ratio of the peak-to-peak input ripple 
voltage to the peak-to-peak output ripple voltage. 
+'' * - 4
output voltage for a thermal variation from room temperature 
true to either temperature extreme. 
 The percentage change in 
LM2931-5.0