I need to know If I can use values as shown in the sample schematic.

Of course you can use the values shown; why would you not be able to use them?

and if I need to be concerned with ESR. The LM3940 seems to be very particular on ESR. I want to make sure it is not the same for this device.

I don't see any mention of ESR anywhere in the data sheet, so I assume it isn't important. It probably isn't, given the LD1117 uses an NPN pass device unlike most LDOs which use PNP pass devices.

 

Why not simply use a small resistor 3.3v Zener and cap?
Max.

Will voltage regulation be stable enough with a zener? This is for a pic that only has a max VDD of 3.6V so I would not want to exceed that. I also need to make sure it does not drop below 3.1V. I have a backup battery that will kick in below 3V.

 

Of course you can use the values shown; why would you not be able to use them?


I don't see any mention of ESR anywhere in the data sheet, so I assume it isn't important. It probably isn't, given the LD1117 uses an NPN pass device unlike most LDOs which use PNP pass devices.

Just checking. Those sample schematics in datasheets sometimes don't tell the whole story.

 

Will voltage regulation be stable enough with a zener? This is for a pic that only has a max VDD of 3.6V so I would not want to exceed that. I also need to make sure it does not drop below 3.1V. I have a backup battery that will kick in below 3V.

I have used the 5v versions for powering simple 12f pic that have no other significant load present.
Max.

 

I will have a 5V wall wart supplying a 78L33. Will I need both the typical input and output filter caps on the 78L33?

You can make the input filter as big as you like - the reservoir caps in some linear wall warts are not all created equal. SMPSU wall warts are usually better, but there may be some RF "hash" on the output. They won't need as much electrolytic, but a disc ceramic in parallel might be worth having.

You don't need much output filtering - too much capacitance will discharge back through the regulator and destroy it when you remove power. Multilayer ceramic chip capacitors have *VERY* low ESR and can cause instability - especially on LDO regulators, I'd go for about 22uF aluminium electrolytic, maybe a 100n ceramic disc in parallel.

Not everyone bothers - but its good practice to put a reverse flow shunt diode from input to output, Its reverse biased in normal operation and only comes into play if power goes down quicker than the output filter discharges.