The LM330 5V 3-terminal positive voltage regulator features an ability to source 150 mA of output current with an input-output differential of 0.6V or less. Familiar regulator features such as current limit and thermal overload protection are also provided. The low dropout voltage makes the LM330 useful for certain battery applications since this feature allows a longer battery discharge before the output falls out of regulation. For example, a battery supplying the regulator input voltage may discharge to 5.6V and still properly regulate the system and load voltage. Supporting this feature, the LM330 protects both itself and regulated systems from negative voltage inputs resulting from reverse installations of batteries. Other protection features include line transient protection up to 26V, when the output actually shuts down to avoid damaging internal and external circuits. Also, the LM330 regulator cannot be harmed by a temporary mirror-image insertion.