Minimum load current

[Jon Slaughter]

In the datasheets for regulators does a minimum load current represent the
minimum current needed to turn on the regulator?

Thanks,
Jon

 

[Anthony Fremont]

In the datasheets for regulators does a minimum load current
represent the minimum current needed to turn on the regulator?

I believe that means the minimum current to have the output voltage within
spec.

 

[Peter Bennett]

In the datasheets for regulators does a minimum load current represent the
minimum current needed to turn on the regulator?

Thanks,
Jon

For linear regulators, like the 78xx family, it is the minimum current
at which the regulator will meet its specifications. How it fails to
meet specs at lower currents is unspecified.

In practice, I don't recall ever seeing a 78xx-type regulator that
produced an out-of-spec voltage with only a DVM as a load.


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