This device is designed to operate from an input supply voltage from at least V_OUT + 1 V up to a maximum of 40 V. The input supply should be well regulated and free of spurious noise. To ensure that the LM2936 output voltage is well regulated the input supply should be at least V_OUT + 2 V. A capacitor at the IN pin may not be specifically required if the bulk input supply filter capacitors are within three inches of the IN pin, but adding one will not be detrimental to operation.

While the LM2936 maintains regulation to V_IN = 60 V, it will not withstand a short circuit on the output with V_IN above 40 V because of safe operating area limitations in the internal PNP pass device. With V_IN above 60 V the LM2936 will break down with catastrophic effects on the regulator and possibly the load as well. Do not use this device in a design where the input operating voltage, including transients, is likely to exceed 60 V.