ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM

SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

Regulated D.C. Power Supply

1.1 OPERATION OF DC POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT

1.1.1 Importance of DC power supply

A power supply unit (PSU) supply DC power to the other components in an

electrical instrument. The power supply of an electronic system is used to
convert an ac line input to a dc output. The output from a power supply is used
to provide the dc voltages that the circuits in the system require to operate.

1.1.2 Block diagram of Dc power supply

TRANSFORMER RECTIFIER FILTER REGULATOR LOAD

Figure 1 : Block diagram of power supply

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

1.1.3 Function of each block

Component function

i. Transformer
Steps up or steps down the
input line AC voltage typically
240V and isolates the power
supply from the power line.
ii. Rectifier
converts the alternating
current input signal to a
pulsating direct current.
pulsating dc is not desirable.

iii. Filter
Filter is used to convert
pulsating dc to a purer, more
desirable form of dc voltage.

iv. ic regulator
maintains the output of the
power supply at a constant
level in spite of large changes
in load current or input line
voltages.

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

Figure 1 : Block diagram of power supply and waveform for each stage

1.2 APPLICATION OF DIODE AS HALF-WAVE RECTIFIER

1.2.1 Construct half-wave rectifier circuit

This is the simplest and probably the most widely used rectifier circuit for small
power levels. The output voltage and current of this rectifier are strongly influenced
by the type of the load.

Positive Half wave rectifier

(a)

Negative Half wave rectifier

(b)

Figure 1.2.1

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

1.2.2 Explain the operation of half-wave rectifier.

Figure 1.2.1 (a) and (b) illustrates the process called half-wave rectification. A diode
is connected to an ac source and to a load resistor, RL, forming a half-wave rectifier.

When the sinusoidal input voltage (Vin) goes positive, the diode is forward-biased and
conducts current through the load resistor, as shown in part (a). The current produces
an output voltage across the load RL, which has the same shape as the positive half-
cycle of the input voltage.

When the input voltage goes negative during the second half of its cycle, the diode is
reverse-biased. There is no current, so the voltage across the load resistor is 0 V, as
shown in Figure 1.2.1(a).
The net result is that only the positive half-cycles of the ac input voltage appear
across the load. Since the output does not change polarity, it is a pulsating dc voltage.

1.3 OPERATION OF FULL- WAVE RECTIFIER

1.3.1 Construct full-wave rectifier circuit with center tap transformer

The full-wave rectifier consists of two diodes that are connected between a
transformer and its load as shown in Figure 1.3.1. Note that the circuit requires the
use of a center-tapped transformer. The circuit shown produces two positive half-
cycles out for each cycle of its ac line input. Reversing the direction of the diodes
converts the circuit into a negative full-wave rectifier.

Figure 1.3.1

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

1.3.2 Explain the operation of the circuits.

For a positive half-cycle of the input voltage, the polarities of the secondary voltages
are as shown in Figure 1.3.2. This condition forward-biases diode D1 and reverse-
biases diode D2. The current path is through D1 and the load resistor RL, as indicated.
For a negative half-cycle of the input voltage, the voltage polarities on the secondary
are as shown in Figure 1.3.2 (b). This condition reverse-biases D1 and forward-biases
D2. The current path is through D2 and RL, as indicated. Because the output current
during both the positive and negative portions of the input cycle is in the same
direction through the load, the output voltage developed across the load resistor is a
full-wave rectified dc voltage, as shown.

Figure 1.3.2.(a)

(a) During positive half-cycles, D1 is forward-biased and D2 is reverse-biased.

Figure 1.3.2.(b)

(b) During negative half-cycles, D2 is forward-biased and D1 is reverse-biased

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

Because it uses a center-tapped transformer, the ideal peak load voltage for the full-
wave rectifier is approximately equal to half the secondary voltage. Examples 3.9 and
3.10 demonstrate how the peak and average output voltage and current values for a
full-wave rectifier are found. The PIV for a full-wave rectifier is approximately equal
to the peak secondary voltage.

1.3.3 Sketch the input and output waveforms of the circuits.

1.3.4 Explain the input and output waveforms.

Effect of the Turns Ratio on the Output Voltage

If the transformer’s turns ratio is 1, the peak value of the rectified output voltage
equals half the peak value of the primary input voltage less the barrier potential, as
illustrated in Figure 1.3.4.a. Half of the primary voltage appears across each half of the
secondary winding (Vp(sec) = Vp( pri)).We will begin referring to the forward voltage
due to the barrier potential as the diode drop.

Figure 1.3.4.a

In order to obtain an output voltage with a peak equal to the input peak (less the
diode drop), a step-up transformer with a turns ratio of n = 2 must be used, as shown
in Figure 1.3.4.b. In this case, the total secondary voltage (Vsec) is twice the primary
voltage (2Vpri), so the voltage across each half of the secondary is equal to Vpri.

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

Figure 1.3.4.b

1.4 UNDERSTAND THE OPERATION OF BRIDGE RECTIFIER

1.4.1 Construct the full-wave bridge rectifier circuit.

Figure 1.4.1 - Full-wave bridge rectifier circuit

1.4.2 Explain the operation of the circuit and the function of the
diode pairs in the bridge rectifier.

When the input cycle is positive as in figure 1.4.2 (a), diodes D1 and D2 are forward-
biased and conduct current in the direction shown. A voltage is developed across RL
that looks like the positive half of the input cycle. During this time, diodes D3 and D4
are reverse-biased.

figure 1.4.2 (a)

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

When the input cycle is negative as in figure 1.4.2 (b), diodes D3 and D4 are
forwardbiased and conduct current in the same direction through RL as during the
positive half-cycle.
During the negative half-cycle, D1 and D2 are reverse-biased. A full-wave rectified
output voltage appears across RL.

figure 1.4.2 (b)

1.4.3 Draw the input and output waveforms of the circuits.

1.4.4 Explain the input and output waveforms.

A bridge rectifier with a transformer-coupled input is shown in Figure 1.4.4 a. During

the positive half-cycle of the total secondary voltage, diodes D1 and D2 are forward-
biased. Neglecting the diode drops, the secondary voltage appears across the load
resistor. The same is true when D3 and D4 are forward-biased during the negative
half-cycle.

Vp(out) = Vp

As you can see in Figure 1.4.4 b, two diodes are always in series with the load resistor
during both the positive and negative half-cycles. If these diode drops are taken into
account, the output voltage is

Vp(out) = Vp - 1.4 V

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

Figure 1.4.4 b

1.4.5 Relate the positive and negative cycles of the output waveforms to the
operation of the diode pairs in the circuit.

1.4.6 Clarify the application of bridge rectifier in a power supply unit.

General purpose use in AC/DC bridge full wave rectification for monitor, TV,
printer, SMPS, adapter, audio equipment, and home appliances applications.

1.4.7 Discuss the operation of integrated circuit bridge rectifier

The Rectifier Diodes

There are two approaches for implementing the full-wave bridge:

a. Four individual diodes or
b. a single IC package containing four diodes connected as a bridge rectifier,

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

a. Data sheet of a bridge rectifier IC

b. Pin configuration and assignments

c. Application of bridge rectifier IC

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

General purpose use in AC/DC bridge full wave rectification for monitor, TV, printer, SMPS,
adapter, audio equipment, and home appliances applications.

1.5 UNDERSTAND THE OPERATION OF RC FILTER DIAGRAMS

Filter is used to convert pulsating dc to a purer, more desirable form of dc voltage.

1.5.1 Explain the operations and filtering process of RC filter circuits

using rectifier output wave (half-wave).

Half Wave Rectifier with Capacitor Filter

Output of half wave rectifier is not a constant DC voltage. You can observe from the
output diagram that its a pulsating dc voltage with ac ripples. In real life applications,
we need a power supply with smooth wave forms. In other words, we desire a DC
power supply with constant output voltage. A constant output voltage from the DC
power supply is very important as it directly impacts the reliability of the electronic
device we connect to the power supply.

The output of half wave rectifier smooth by using a filter (a capacitor filter or an
inductor filter) across the diode as shown in figure 1.5.1. In some cases an resistor-
capacitor coupled filter (RC) is also used. The circuit diagram below shows a half
wave rectifier with capacitor filter.

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

Figure 1.5.1

Half Wave Rectifier with Capacitor Filter – Circuit Diagram & Output Waveform

1.5.2 Define and explain the meaning of ripple voltage.

Ripple voltage - The small variation in the dc output voltage of a filtered rectifier
caused by the charging and discharging of the filter capacitor as shown in figure 1.5.2.

Figure 1.5.2

Comparison of ripple voltages for half-wave and full-wave rectified voltages with the
same filter capacitor and load and derived from the same sinusoidal input voltage.

1.6 Draw diagrams of LC and π filters

1.6 a - LC Filter 1.6 b - π filters

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

1.6.1 Explain the operations and filtering process of LC and π filters circuits
using rectifier output wave.

While the RC filter helps to reduce the ripple voltage, it introduces excessive resistive
losses when the load current is significant. To reduce the ripple even more without a
lot of dc resistance, we can replace the resistor with an inductor as shown in figure 1.6
a and 1.6 b .

In this circuit, the two capacitors store energy as before, and attempt to maintain a
constant output voltage between input peaks from the rectifier. At the same time, the
inductor stores energy in its magnetic field, and releases energy as needed in its
attempt to maintain a constant current through itself.

Figure 1.6.1 : Full-wave rectifier with LC and π filter

1.7 Understand the operation of voltage regulator circuit

A device which maintains the output voltage of an ordinary power supply constant
irrespective of load variations or changes in input a.c. voltage is known as a voltage
regulator.

1.7.1 Construct voltage regulator circuits:

a. Zener diode
b. Serial transistor
c. Integrated Circuits (e.g. LM7805)

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

a. Zener diode b. Serial transistor c. Integrated Circuits

1.7.2 Explain briefly the operation circuit in Zener diode, Serial transistor and
Integrated Circuits

a. Zener diode

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. This characteristic
permits it to be used as a voltage regulator. Fig. 1.7.1a shows the circuit of a zener
diode 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.

Operation.

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 should the 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.

Zener diode regulator

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

b. Serial transistor voltage regulator

Figure b. shows a simple series voltage regulator using a transistor and zener diode.
The circuit is called a series voltage regulator because the load current passes through
the series transistor Q1 as shown in Figure b. The unregulated d.c. supply is fed to the
input terminals and the regulated output is obtained across the load. The zener diode
provides the reference voltage.

Operation.

The base voltage of transistor Q1 is held to a relatively constant voltage across the
zener diode. For example, if 8V zener (i.e., VZ = 8V) is used, the base voltage of Q1 will
remain approximately 8V.
Referring to Fig. 1.7.2b, Vout = VZ − VBE

(i) If the output voltage decreases, the increased base-emitter voltage causes
transistor Q1 to conduct more, thereby raising the output voltage. As a result, the
output voltage is maintained at a constant level.
(ii) If the output voltage increases, the decreased base-emitter voltage causes
transistor Q1 to conduct less, thereby reducing the output voltage. Consequently, the
output voltage is maintained at a constant level.

Serial transistor voltage regulator

a. Integrated circuit

Voltage regulator comprise a class of widely used ICs. Regulator IC units provide
regulation of either a fixed positive voltage, a fixed negative volatage or an adjustably
set voltage.

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

IC voltage regulator Connection of 7812 voltage regulator

Curr
Type Number Voltage ent Package

7805 +5V 1A TO-220

7812 +12V 1A TO-220

7818 +18V 1A TO-220

7824 +24V 1A TO-220

7905 -5V 1A TO-220

7912 -12V 1A TO-220

7918 -18V 1A TO-220

7924 -24V 1A TO-220

+1.2V to +37V
LM317T 1.5A TO-220

1.8 Know voltage divider circuit

1.8.1 Draw voltage divider network diagrams of fixed and variable
outputs and explain their operations.

Voltage divider

Voltage regulators are also available in circuit configurations that ollow the user to set
the output voltage to a desired regulated value. The LM 317, for example, can be
operated with the output voltage regulated at any setting over the range of voltage
from 1.2 V to 37 V.
Resistors R1 and R2 set the output to any desired voltage over the adjustment range
(1.2 to 37V).

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 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

Connection of LM 317 adjustable voltage regulator

1.9 Draw schematic diagrams of a simple power supply unit

A basic power supply.

Half wave rectifiers suffer from poor output voltage and/or input current ripple factor. In
addition, the input current contains a dc component which may cause problem (e.g.
Transformer saturation etc) in the power supply system. The output dc voltage is also
relatively less. Some of these problems can be addressed using a full wave rectifier. They
use more number of diodes but provide higher average and rms output voltage.
There are two types of full wave uncontrolled rectifiers commonly in use. If a split power
supply is available (e.g. output from a split secondary transformer) only two diode will be
required to produce a full wave rectifier. These are called split secondary rectifiers and are
commonly used as the input stage of a linear dc voltage regulator. However, if no split
supply is available the bridge configuration of the full wave rectifier is used. This is the
more commonly used full wave uncontrolled rectifier configuration. Both these
configurations are analyzed next.

Schematic diagram of simple power supply

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POLITEKNIK SULTAN ABDUL HALIM MU’ADZAM
SHAH
06000 JITRA, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
DEE30043 – Electronic Circuit

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