When not to use Low ESR capacitors

Thread Starter

Dynaman

Joined Jan 17, 2008
94
Mr. Simpson, would this apply to 78xx's? Particularly a 7812?
Here is a graph of the output capacitor for a LDO voltage regulator. If the "R" is too low the regulator will be unstable.
View attachment 197768
And... when you say "unstable" do you mean a jittery performance in holding the voltage at a regulated point, or other issues? If so what kind of issues would instability cause?
 

OBW0549

Joined Mar 2, 2015
3,566
You need to consult the data sheet for the particular regulator you're using; there is no universal "correct" answer.

In the "unstable" regions, the regulator either oscillates or shows poor transient response in the presence of changing load current.
 
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