The LT3081 has many key attributes and these are: Wide Safe Operating Area – offering Robustness, surge voltage tolerance, facilitating high V_IN-V_OUT applications with less output power limitations. A Precision 50µA Current Source Reference that Allows V_OUT operation down to 0V. A user can directly parallel IC’s without an op amp; output errors and susceptibility to poor PCB cleaning are reduced; excellent accuracy over temperature performance where a nearly “0” tempco is realized. A Single Resistor Programs Output Voltage. This makes the IC Easy to design – the output voltage equals simply the reference current multiplied by the resistor value. Outputs May be Easily & Directly Paralleled to enable Higher-current capability than a single regulator may provide, plus it spreads heat across a PCB. The Wide Input Voltage Range of 1.2V to 36V offers Flexibility, and works well in systems where multiple voltage rails are needed. The Adjustable Output Voltage of down to 0V and up to 34.5V gives a Wide range of outputs: V_OUT can be adjusted below 1.2V with no circuit tricks. The Temperature Monitor Monitors die junction temperature – the IC outputs a current proportional to average die temperature, 25µA at 25° C with 1µA/°C slope. The Current Monitor - Monitors system load current. A Programmable Current Limit allows the user to set current limit as low as 115% of maximum load, without affecting normal operation load regulation. This reduces upstream power supply output current requirements. No Input capacitor or Output capacitor are Required – this is Beneficial for intrinsic safety applications where magnetic or storage elements can arc, spark or discharge quickly. Packages available include the 4mm x 4mm 12-lead DFN, TSSOP-16, TO-220, and DD-Pak. The Small DFN & TSSOP packages provide plenty of current in a small footprint with great thermal performance. The power packages are good for mounting to heat sinks like the TO-220 or directly to the PCB in the DD-Pak case for higher power dissipation.