In normal operation, the LT1083 family does not need any
protection diodes. Older adjustable regulators required
protection diodes between the adjustment pin and the
output and from the output to the input to prevent overstressing
the die. The internal current paths on the LT1083
adjustment pin are limited by internal resistors. Therefore,
even with capacitors on the adjustment pin, no protection
diode is needed to ensure device safety under short-circuit
conditions.
Diodes between input and output are usually not needed.
The internal diode between the input and the output pins
of the LT1083 family can handle microsecond surge
currents of 50A to 100A. Even with large output capacitances,
it is very difficult to get those values of surge
currents in normal operations. Only with a high value of
output capacitors, such as 1000mF to 5000mF and with the
input pin instantaneously shorted to ground, can damage
occur. A crowbar circuit at the input of the LT1083 can
generate those kinds of currents, and a diode from output
to input is then recommended. Normal power supply
cycling or even plugging and unplugging in the system will
not generate current large enough to do any damage.
The adjustment pin can be driven on a transient basis
±25V, with respect to the output without any device
degradation. Of course, as with any IC regulator, exceeding
the maximum input to output voltage differential
causes the internal transistors to break down and none of
the protection circuitry is functional.