The LM323 are three-terminal positive voltage regulators with a preset 5 V output and a load driving capability of 3 A. New circuit design and processing techniques are used to provide the high output current without sacrificing the regulation characteristics of lower current devices. The 3 A regulator is virtually blowout proof. Current limiting, power limiting and thermal shutdown provide the same high level of reliability obtained with these techniques in the LM209, 1 A regulator. An overall worst case specification for the combined effects of input voltage, load current, ambient temperature, and power dissipation ensure that the LM323 will perform satisfactorily as a system element.