>>> How about an LT3080.

>>Yes, that's the basic system.
>>As long as they have not got it so tied up i patents that it strangles it=
self
>>http://cds.linear.com/docs/Datasheet/3080fc.pdf

> Way too expensive to ever be a general-purpose part, like much of LT's ra=
nge.
> 78xx devices will be around forever - for any application for which they =
are adequate, they are the

As above

> As long as they have not got it so tied up i patents that it strangles it=
self

The pricing is entirely a marketing / "what the market will bear" issue.
There is nothing inherently superior about the 78XX device which will
protect it against the new system once everyone starts making it and
prices start to reflect true cost. IF that happens 78xx is gone.
Result "To be seen"  :-)




                 Russell
--=20
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