INDEX

SR PAGE
TITLE
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1 INTRODUCTION

2 TYPES OF VOLTAGE REGULATOR

Zener Diode Voltage Regulator

Transistor Series Voltage Regulator

Series Feedback Voltage Regulator

Transistor Shunt Voltage Regulator

Shunt Feedback Voltage Regulator

Glow Tube Voltage Regulator

Series Triode Voltage Regulator

Series Double Triode Voltage Regulator

IC Voltage Regulator

3 ADVANTAGES

4 DISADVANTAGES

5 CONCLUSION

6 REFERENCE
INTRODUCTION
A voltage regulator is a voltage stabilizer that is designed to
automatically stabilize a constant voltage level. A voltage
regulator circuit is also used to change or stabilize the voltage
level according to the necessity of the circuit. Thus, a voltage
regulator is used for two reasons:-

1. To regulate or vary the output voltage of the circuit.

2. To keep the output voltage constant at the desired value in-

spite of variations in the supply voltage or in the load current.

Voltage regulators find their applications in computers,

alternators, power generator plants where the circuit is used to
control the output of the plant. Voltage regulators may be
classified as electromechanical or electronic. It can also be
classified as AC regulators or DC regulators.

In general, these regulators can be divided into several classes:

 Linear series regulators

 Switching regulators

Series Regulators use a power transistor connected in series

between the unregulated DC input and the load. The output
voltage is controlled by the continuous voltage drop taking place
across the series pass transistor. Since the transistor conducts
in the active or linear region, these regulators are also called
linear regulators. Linear Regulators may have fixed or variable
output voltage and could be positive or negative.

Switching regulators on the other hand, operate the power

transistor as a high frequency on/off switch, so that the power
transistor does not conduct current continuously. This gives
improved efficiency over series regulator.
TYPES OF VOLTAGE REGULATOR

Zener Diode Voltage Regulator

The zener diode voltage regulator is based on a particular

characteristic of zener diodes. When the zener diode is
operated in the breakdown or zener region, the voltage across
it is substantially constant for a large change of current
through it. And it is this characteristic of a zener diode that
permits it to be used as a voltage regulator.

Circuit Diagram of Zener Diode Voltage Regulator

As long as input voltage Vin is greater than zener voltage VZ , the zener
operates in the breakdown region and maintains constant voltage across
the load. The series limiting resistance RS limits the input current.

The zener will maintain constant voltage across the load inspite of
changes in load current or input voltage. As the load current
increases, the zener current decreases so that current through resistance
RS is constant. As output voltage = Vin – IRS, and I is constant, therefore,
output voltage remains unchanged. The reverse would be true shouldthe
load current decrease. The circuit will also correct for the changes in input
voltages. Should the input
voltage Vin increase, more current will flow through the zener, the voltage
drop across RS will increase but load voltage would remain constant. The
reverse would be true should the input voltage decrease.
Transistor Series Voltage Regulator

In the figure below, you can see a simple series voltage regulator that is
using a transistor and Zener diode.

You can see in the figure that the load current is passing through the
series transistor Q1 & that’s the reason why we call the circuit a series
voltage regulator . You can see that we feed the unregulated d.c. supply
through the input terminals so that we can get the regulated across the
load. Here, the zener diode is providing the reference voltage.

Advantage of Transistor Series Voltage Regulator

The advantage of this circuit is that the changes in zener current are
reduced by a factor ß. Hence, the effect of zener impedance is
tremendously reduced and we get a more stabilised output.

Disadvantage of Transistor Series Voltage Regulator

 Despite the fact that changes in zener current are reduced to a
considerable extent, the output is not absolutely constant. This
happens because both VBE and VZ decrease with the increase in
room temperature.
 It is not easy to change the output voltage as no such means is
provided.



 Series Feedback Voltage Regulator

You can see the the circuit diagram of series feedback voltage regulator
in the figure below.

So as to keep the output voltage constant (almost constant) despite

changes in the load current and line voltage, it employs principles of
negative feedback .

All the load current passes through the transistor Q2 and that’s why it is
called a pass transistor. The voltage divider consisting of R1 and R2 is
the sample and adjust circuit. The function of the voltage divider is to
sample the output voltage and then deliver a negative feedback voltage
to the base of Q1. The collector current of Q1 is controlled by the
feedback voltage VF.

Operation of Series Feedback Voltage Regulator

As you can see in the circuit diagram, we feed the unregulated d.c.
supply to the voltage regulator. The function of the circuit is to maintain
constant output voltage despite variations in load or input voltage.
 Transistor Shunt Voltage Regulator

The transistor shunt voltage regulator , regulates voltage by shunting

current away from the load to regulate the output voltage.

The circuit diagram of a shunt voltage regulator is shown below.

The voltage drop across series resistance depends upon the current
supplied to the load RL. The output voltage is equal to the sum of
zener voltage (VZ) and transistor base-emitter voltage (VBE)
Vout = VZ + VBE
If the load resistance decreases, the current through base of transistor
decreases. As a result, less collector current is shunted. Therefore,
the load current becomes larger, thereby maintaining the regulated
voltage across the load. Reverse happens should the load resistance
increase.


 Shunt Feedback Voltage Regulator

You can see the circuit diagram of a shunt feedback voltage regulator
below.

This circuit uses an error detector (Q2) to control the conduction of a

shunt transistor (Q1). Note that transistor Q1 is in parallel with the load,
it is called shunt transistor and hence the name of the regulator.The
error detector (Q2) receives two inputs : a reference voltage and a
sample voltage. The sample circuit is a simple voltage divider circuit
(R2 – R3 – R4) and derives the sample voltage from the regulated
output voltage. The reference circuit is made up of zener D1 and R1
and derives the reference voltage from the unregulated d.c. input
voltage. The outputs from the sample and reference circuits are applied
to the error detector (Q2). The output from Q2 is used to control the
conduction of the shunt transistor Q1. Since Q1 (shunt transistor) is in
parallel with load RL, the change in the current conduction through Q1
can control the load voltage.

Working of Shunt Feedback Voltage Regulator

In a shunt feedback voltage regulator, the outputs from the sample
and reference circuits are applied to the error detector/amplifier Q2.
The output from Q2 controls the conduction current through the shunt
transistor Q1 to maintain the constant load voltage VL.


 Glow Tube Voltage Regulator

A glow tube voltage regulator uses a particular characteristic of a glow

tube. When a glow tube (cold cathode gas diode) is operated in the
normal glow region, the voltage across the tube remains constant over
a wide range of tube current. It is this characteristic that is used by the
glow tube voltage regulator .

Circuit Diagram of Glow Tube Voltage Regulator

The unregulated d.c. input voltage must exceed the striking voltage of
the tube. Once the gas in the tube ionises, the voltage across the tube
and the load will drop to the ionising voltage. The tube will maintain
constant voltage so long as the input d.c. voltage is greater than this
value. The resistance RS is used to limit the input current.

Working of Glow Tube Voltage Regulator

The glow tube will maintain constant voltage across the load inspite of
the changes in load current or input voltage. Now, should the load
decrease, the output voltage would tend to increase. The glow tube will
draw more current *without any increase in the output voltage.
Meanwhile, the drop in load current is offset by the increase in tube
current and the current through RS remains constant. As output voltage
= Vin − IRS , therefore, output voltage remains unchanged.
Similarly, the circuit will maintain constant output voltage if the input
voltage changes. Suppose the input voltage decreases due to any
reason. This would result in less current flow through the glow tube.
Consequently, the voltage drop across RS decreases, resulting in
constant voltage across the load.
  Series Triode Voltage Regulator

The series triode voltage regulator is similar to series

transistor regulator except that here triode and glow tube are used
instead of transistor and zener diode.

Circuit Diagram of Series Triode Voltage Regulator

You can see the circuit diagram of a series triode voltage regulator
below . The resistance R and glow tube (V.R.) help to maintain constant
potential across the load. A potentiometer Rp is connected across the
glow tube and its variable point is connected to the grid of the triode.

Working of Series Triode Voltage Regulator

The d.c. input Vin from the unregulated power supply is fed to the
voltage regulator. The circuit will maintain constant output voltage
(Vout) inspite of changes in load current or input voltage. The output
voltage is given by :

Vout = Ep + Eg

Now, Ep is constant because the glow tube is operating in the normal

glow region. Also grid voltage Eg is constant because it hardly depends
upon plate current. Therefore, output will remain accurately fixed at one
value. Any increase in the output voltage causes greater voltage drop
across the limiting resistance R, tending to restore the output voltage to
the original value.
  Series Double Triode Voltage Regulator

Triodes T1 and T2 are used as direct coupled feedback amplifier in

which output voltage variations are returned as feedback to oppose the
input changes. The glow tube VR maintains the cathode of triode T2 at
constant potential w.r.t. ground. The triode T2 functions as a control
tube and obtains bias from the potentiometer R3. The resistances R3
and R4 are range limiting resistors. The capacitor across VR tube helps
to minimise the tendency of the circuit to generate audio frequency
oscillations.

Working of Series Double Triode Voltage Regulator

The unregulated d.c. supply is fed to the voltage regulator. The circuit
will produce an output voltage (Vout) which is independent of changes
in input voltage and of changes in the load over a wide range. With a
decrease in load or increase in the input voltage, there would be
tendency for the voltage across the resistive network R2, R3 and R4 to
rise. The result is that voltage on the grid of triode T2 becomes less
negative. The triode T2 then conducts more current and a greater
current flows through R1 which causes a greater voltage drop across
this resistor. The increase in voltage across R1 will raise the negative
potential on the grid of triode T1. This increases the resistance of
T1 and hence the voltage across it. The rise in voltage across T1 tends
to decrease the output voltage. The reverse would be true should the
load increase or input voltage decrease.
  IC Voltage Regulator

IC Voltage Regulator uses integrated circuits for voltage regulation

. One advantage of IC voltage regulator is that properties like thermal
compensation, short circuit protection and surge protection can be built
into the device. Most of the commonly used IC voltage regulators are
three-terminal devices.

Schematic Symbol for a Three-terminal IC Voltage

Regulator
The figure below shows the schematic symbol for a three-terminal IC
voltage regulator .

Types of IC Voltage Regulators

There are basically four types of IC voltage regulators :

1. Fixed positive voltage regulator

2. Fixed negative voltage regulator
3. Adjustable voltage regulator
4. Dual-tracking voltage regulator
ADVANTAGES

The EVR is the modern standard for voltage regulation in

most power quality applications. While an EVR will be about
25% higher in cost than a comparable mechanical voltage
regulator, the difference in correction speed often precludes
the use of mechanical units.
 Output voltage regulation is good (tap switching) to very
good (double conversion)
 Ultrafast voltage correction speed
 No restrictions on the number of correction cycles
 Versatility of kVA rating, voltage and configuration
 Very low or no regular maintenance
 Good line isolation
The ST type of EVR has a current overload capacity and
durability that can surpass that of brush-type mechanical
regulators since brushes can be damaged quickly when
regularly subjected to high currents. By eliminating the
inherent overload weakness of the FPS and double
conversion units, the series transformer electronic voltage
regulator is good in any application but is the best choice for
industrial, heavy commercial and medical imaging
applications.
DISADVANTAGES

 Poor current overload capacity (except the series

transformer design)
 More expensive than mechanical voltage regulators
As discussed above, the principle drawback of electronic
voltage regulators is the limitation imposed by the SCRs or
other power semiconductors. FPS voltage regulators as well
as double conversion and UPS units can fail in a matter of
hours or days when put in an application with high inrush or
overload currents – without exercising due precautions such
as sizing for the peak currents.
CONCLUSION.
The voltage regulator, with its accurate and specific reverse
breakdown voltage, allows for a simple, inexpensive voltage
regulator. Combined with the right resistor, fine control over
both the voltage and the supply current can be attained
REFERENCE

1. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_regulator
2. https://www.elprocus.com/types-of-voltage-regulators-
and-working-principle/
3. https://www.electrical4u.com/voltage-regulator/
4. https://sciencing.com/function-voltage-regulator-
5380230.html
5. http://www.circuitstoday.com/voltage-regulators