Meaning of this sumbol

Hello Friends

Please tell me the meaning of the highlighted symbol.I have taken this block diagram from LM317 datasheet.

Sounds like the general symbol for a transformer(see RSA transformer) or current source.

It is the symbol for a current source.

Keith

Typically the symbol in question implies a property/entity related to a DC current source, unfortunately the exact meaning can frequently only be ascertained by its use and accompanying description, e.g., constant current source, current limiting, controlled current source and even, although to the opinion of many incorrectly as the more commonly used symbol is quite similar, thermal overload/shutdown protection.

Reference: KA317 / LM317 3-Terminal Positive Adjustable Regulator Datasheet

Features

• Output-Current In Excess of 1.5 A
• Output-Adjustable Between 1.2 V and 37 V
• Internal Thermal Overload Protection
• Internal Short-Circuit Current Limiting
• Output-Transistor Safe Operating Area Compensation
• TO-220 Package

Description

This monolithic integrated circuit is an adjustable 3-termi-
nal positive-voltage regulator designed to supply more
than 1.5 A of load current with an output voltage adjust-
able over a 1.2 V to 37 V range. It employs internal cur-
rent limiting, thermal shutdown, and safe area
compensation.

Click to expand...

I would not recommend becoming too concerned as the diagram is an over simplified block diagram, not an attempt to model the device's characteristics.

Obviously, it does not represent a transformer, although a similar symbol for this purpose exists, there are small differences and a transformer simply does not fit the context of this particular diagram.

BigDog