Linear technology power supply design

[qpit3a]

I was sent this design from Linear Technology for a power supply that I think is interesting as it has 3A output capacity from linear regulators without heatsinking and without large capacitors.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz-LaovGlmDOa1d0ak5xOHhyMGM/view?usp=sharing

[Marco]

I get that they want to push their ICs, but the two parallel linear regulators I find a bit iffy.

[qpit3a]

Perhaps this idea of the parallel regulators could allow easy design alterations to allow larger current supplies to be built.

My main interest would be to see if all the components could be obtained for a through hole implementation and if it could then be made cheaply without a pcb...

The populated board turns out to be $200 from LT...

[Smokey]

I bet they are showing two parallel linear regulators to point out the fact that you can do that.  Unless you matched old 7805s, if you put them in parallel one would take all the current and overheat. 

That's cool that they made the new chips parallel-able.

[Tac Eht Xilef]

My main interest would be to see if all the components could be obtained for a through hole implementation and if it could then be made cheaply without a pcb...

AFAIK only the LT3081 comes in a TH (TO220-7?) package.

c.f. This earlier discussion on the LT3081, which includes a similar circuit.

[nowlan]

Also Here.
linear-technology-dc2132a-cvcc-adj-bench-power-supply-board

[qpit3a]

Thanks, should have checked.

[David Hess]

I get that they want to push their ICs, but the two parallel linear regulators I find a bit iffy.

It is no more iffy than using parallel output transistors.  In both cases resistive ballasting is used to enforce current sharing even if that only exists in the output resistance of the devices and the circuit wiring.