AMS1117 (adjutable version) as a constant current regulator ?

[cosmicray]

Is there any reason why the AMS1117 (adjustable version) can't be used for a constant current regulator (in the same basic circuit as a LM317L) ?

My maximum voltage drop across the CC will be 5v (sometimes as low as 1.5v) and the current draw is nominally 55 mA. Based on the datasheets, the AMS1117 has the same adjustment pin voltage as the LM317L, has better thermals, and a higher maximum current (although I do not expect to ever go above 110 mA).

Package for the AMS1117 is SOT-223 vs SOP-8 for the LM317L.

datasheet http://www.advanced-monolithic.com/pdf/ds1117.pdf

[magic]

Stability could possibly be an issue, because 1117 are normally supposed to work with a capacitor on the output. Maybe it would still work with a capacitor between OUT and ADJ (across the current setting resistor), but I don't know. Differences between vendors possible..

[cosmicray]

One of the issues I have run into today is that across five different datasheets for the (very) generic AMS1117, I have observed four different Absolute Maximum Ratings for the input voltage. They are 9v, 12v, 15v, and 30v. Other than the 9v, the others might be usable. Then I read about the problem with the generic Chinese AMS1117 crop, and that they mostly do not implement over-current graceful shutdown. While I'm still willing to use the xxx1117 style of chip, it will not be the AMS and/or it will come from a reputable distributor.

[magic]

I guess they save a penny by making the transistors smaller and incapable of surviving 30V. There is certainly a market for that and they still call it "1117" because that's what people search for.

I have heard that somebody in China even makes fixed output, very low dropout P-ch CMOS regulators which are branded "1117" despite being nothing like the real thing.

Whatever gets you the attention of designers
TI sells a CMOS opamp which they call TL072H.