Fixed voltage regulator working

principle

I like to learn a power supply. Today let me share, A voltage regulator

circuit is very useful. Also, it is fun to learn how it works, principle, design,
and a lot of sample circuits.

If you are a beginner. You should read: The working of Unregulated

power supply (on Elec Circuit Vol 1).

What is a regulator?
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Imagine you finished 12V unregulated power supply. But you need the
5V power supply for a digital load. How do?

You should reduce the voltage down to 5V. And It must also be a
constant voltage. Even any loads it still has low ripple.

The circuit can do these called “Regulator”.

Types of Voltage Regulators

In general, we use electronic devices to build a voltage regulator. They
have a lot of types. But we may put all in basic 2 types of voltage
regulators viz.,

1. Shunt voltage regulator

2. Series voltage regulator

The shunt voltage regulator—we will place them in parallel with a load.
Often use a resistor to reduce the current of all.

On the other hand, Series voltage regulator. We will place it in series

with a load.

See in the image to compare it.

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Also, sometimes we can divide it into 2 types depending on the output

voltage.

1. Low voltage—Output lower than 50V. Use Zener diode alone or

Zener diode with the transistor.
We called these a transistorized power supply. It can give only a
low stabilize voltage. Because the safe value of VCE is about
50V. And if too more voltage it may occur the breakdown of the
junction in the transistor.

2. High voltage—in general, we do not use this level. It is the

voltage for more than 50V. Often use to glow tubes in conjunction
with vacuum tube amplifiers.

You may not get an idea. I will gradually explain to you, don’t worry.

There are a lot of ways to build a regulator. We start with “diode”.

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The diode voltage regulator

The Diode is the simplest regulator.

See in the image below. The output is too low voltage. The resistor(R)
passes the current to the diode(D). The resistor is dropping the voltage.

The main idea, If we measure the output voltage is 0.65V at all time.
Even the input voltage from the rectifier changes any voltages. There
may be 6V, 12V, or 24V.

We called this form “Shunt Regulator”.

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The voltage between the diode and the input will drop in the resistor. If
more voltage it is a very wasteful circuit.

Why? I will show you more.

Suppose that the input voltage is 12V. And the current all is 1A. So…

The voltage across the resistor is 11.35V. And the wattage is 11.35V x 1A
= 11.35W. Too wasteful.

The output power is 0.65V x 1A = 0.65W.

So, most of the power is lost.

Then, we try using 0.2A. And, the output voltage still is 0.65V. But the
power at the resistor will reduce to 11.35 x 0.2 = 2.27W only.

How the diode works

Next, we learn more about the diode circuit works. How much resistance
of the resistor? I redrew the diode circuit as below.
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We need the current flow of 1A in the diode. (I = 1A)

So, we need to use a resistor is 11.35 Ω.

Because…

This value gets from ohms law:

The voltage across R = 12V – 0.65V = 11.35V

R = V/I

= 11.35V / 1A

= 11.35 Ω
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Testing difference load

Then, we add a 1K potentiometer(VR1) across the diode(D1). The VR1 is

like a load. The current will flow through VR1 too. And, a voltage across
D1 and VR1 still be 0.65V.

See in the circuit below.

While the first current of VR1 will be 0.001A or 1mA. This means the
current through D1 is 0.999A or 999mA.

Next, we start to adjust VR1. More current through VR1. It pulls current
from D1. Lastly, the current through VR1 is 0.999A, but D1 is only
0.001A.

As soon As VR1 pass 1.001A current. But the current not pass D1 and
regulation will be lost.
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The output voltage will drop to 0.64V or lower.

So, the diode will keep the fixed voltage (0.65V) when the current from a
few milliamps to 1A

We need 2 functions of the diode regulator:

1. Smoothing Voltage—reduce any ripple lowest.

2. Stability Voltage— keep the voltage at 0.65V even difference

load.

How to increase the output voltage

We can connect a lot of the number of diodes in series as shown in the

Figure.
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They give more voltage. It is 0.65V per each diode.

Zener Diode voltage regulator

But it is not comfortable at all. Imagine you want 12V regulator. You need
more 20 diodes. How to does it easier?
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Use a Zener diode. It is one kind of diodes. We always use the

opposite-way to a general diode. The Zener runs with a break down at a
specified voltage.

For example, the voltage of the Zener diode is 12V, 5.6V. And the voltage
range is 2V to 68V. But you connect it in the same direction like a normal
diode. It would drop only 0.65V.

But these circuits are very wasted power. Especially in a limiting current
resistor (R1). So, they have low efficiency.

We can solve these problems…

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● Regulation—Keep the voltage constant.

● Smoothing—Reduce the ripple

● Efficiency—Reduce heat losses

● Keep low Weight

● Reduce the cost down.

● Reduce the size down.

…with using an electronic filter.

Transistor Series Voltage Regulator

As the above, Zener diode family work well in a suitable current. In
normal they like a low current.

Imagine if we can increase more current to a heavy load. It will be very

efficient.

In this, a transistor is a good helper.

Low ripple with transistor power filter

Here is an example of electronics filter in a negative power supply, 9V. It

is an old circuit. We may not use it. But is a good teacher.
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The difference another one, it doesn’t have a Zener diode. Although it is

an unregulated supply circuit. But it is a low ripple, low noise than
another one.

See in the circuit.

The input capacitor C2 keeps a stable voltage at the base of Q1. If the
transistor has a lot of gains such a 50. It can reduce the rate of ripple to
low down.

The transistor will increase a high current to the output at its emitter.

The output is full at 1A. Because of:

● a transformer is 1A to 2A, 6.3V SEC.

● And C1-1000uF 25V Electrolytic capacitor, you can change with

2200uF 25V, or add another one in parallel.
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But this circuit also has ripple voltage and little noise. We have to
improve it with Zener diode and transistor.

Working of the series voltage

regulator
By the way, we come back to see in the circuit.

It is a simple series voltage regulator using a transistor and Zener diode.

They produce an electronic filter. Because the load current passes
through the series transistor Q1.

First, enter an unregulated DC supply to an input terminal. And the

regulated output is across the load. The Zener diode gives a reference
voltage.
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And, the Zener diode keeps a relatively constant voltage at a base

voltage of transistor Q1.

There are two interesting states:

● If the output voltage low down. Then, the base-emitter voltage

rises. It causes transistor Q1 to conduct current more. So, the
output voltage rises too. As a result, the output voltage is at a
constant level.

● If the output voltage increases. Then, the base-emitter voltage

decreases. It causes transistor Q1 to conduct less. So, the output
voltage low down. Consequently, the output voltage is still at a
constant level.

The advantage of this circuit. We can change a Zener diode current by a

factor β or a gain rate of the transistor.

And, the effect of Zener impedance much reduce. So, the output has
more stabilized.
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Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

Is it difficult? I do not want to see you like this.

Choosing the parts

Watch in the simple Transistor Series Voltage Regulator again.

We will see that…

● R1 and ZD1 are a shunt regulator.—it is easy

● The load needs 12V power supply at 1A.

● ZD1 is a 12V Zener diode.—Because load requires 12V supply

● Why output is 11.4V? Q1 has a voltage drop of 0.6V from base to

emitter.
So, if Zener voltage is 12V the output voltage will be Vout = VZD
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− VBE
12V – 0.6V = 11.4V

● A transistor-Q1 passes 1A current to the load through

collector-emitter. Some called NPN Emitter Follower form. We
have to choose a transistor with an IC (collector current) more
than 1A.

● We know that the Zener diode current should be low, about 1mA.
And The resistor-R1 passes the current to it. Besides, R1 gives a
base bias current to Q1.

● We read a datasheet. For example, TIP41, 2SC1061, etc. Q1

should have a gain of 100 times. So, a base current is 10mA. OR
, 10mA x 100 = 1000mA = 1A . Thus the regulator will supply 1A
to the load.

See in this power supply. We use a diode current only 10mA. But it can
supply 1A load. Because the transistor amplifies the diode current by 100
times. So, It is more efficient than using just only one Zener diode.

We should do these.

● Choose a suitable value of the Zener diode.

● The transistor works well when the voltage across

collector-emitter should drop at least 4-5 volts.

● Read more to improve the circuit with error voltage checker.

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Series Regulator with adjustable

output voltage
If we want a 15V power supply. What can we do?

First, In the previous circuit, we can change the Zener diode voltage is
15V. It is easy. But sometimes we cannot find it.

Second, use the 0-20V variable Power supply. It uses the same
principle. Only adding more transistors and devices.

0-20V variable Power supply circuit diagram at 1A

This is a simple 0-20V variable Power supply circuit diagram at a

maximum output current of about 1A.

Which uses common components that easy to buy in any store, and use
transistors as main and control the output voltage with a potentiometer.

It also is an adjustable power supply for model railways and general

projects.
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The 0-20V variable Power supply circuit diagram

My Friend comes to see me. He brings a lot of electronic PCB. He asks

me, what do we do with them? It is a great idea for recycling.

I like to make a DC power supply project. Lets to make a simple 0-20V

variable Power supply circuit. He says okay, good idea.

He will apply them with the old power amplifier, about 40 years ago.
Though very ancient, some parts still have many uses. We like it.

How it works

In the circuit above, When 220V/120VAC main comes to the circuit, pass
through ON/OFF switch-S1 and Fuse-F1.

Then, the transformer T1 changes 220VAC to about 18VAC.

After that, The rectifier bridge, D1 through D4, rectifies the AC into
pulsating DC.
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The capacitor C1 acts as a storage capacitor, it will filter DC to smooth up

as the unregulated power supply.

Now we have the 24V DC voltage at C1. Then this flow through to R1
and both Zener diodes ZD1 and ZD2, in series, each Zener is 10V. They
are a reference voltage. Using R1 limits current to ZD1 and ZD2 to keep
the voltage constant at about 20V.

Next, this voltage comes to the base of Q1, Q2. Both transistors will
increase current up, so there are the voltage constant across R4 or
output to load.

Why we add these components:

● Potentiometer VR1, adjust the output voltage from 0V to 20V

● Capacitor C2, the voltage drop across VR1 to be stable up

● Both Capacitors C3, C4, reduce a noise signal (transient noise)

in a circuit.

● Diode D5, protect a feedback voltage that may kill other

components

He uses all the transistors from it. You can change a transistor number
instead Such as TIP41, TIP31, 2SD313, H1061, 2SC1061, MJE3055,
and more. But its key feature is at least 3A, 40V, NPN transistors.
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The DC adjustable power supply has an output of 0V to 20V at 1A with

a transformer that rated at 2A; or 0.7A, for a transformer that is rated at
1A.

Thirds, try 2A Variable supply with overload protection. Please do not

click it if you want a difficult circuit..Ha..ha…

Simple Variable power supply circuit 0-30V 2A

If you are beginners. You want a simple variable power supply. That
can give 0-30V 2A output.
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This circuit may be best for you. Because it has a few parts, small, and
cheapest. Than others circuit that same power.

The features of this handset are the DC voltage continuously from 0-30
volts. And, apply current up to 2 amperes. And can put easily in a large
pro box.

How it works

The power supply is a circuit that is easy to understand. Because there

are quite clear components.

I like to study it. If you like me. Let’s see. Is it really easy to understand?

Block Diagram

See the image below.

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This is a Block Diagram of Simple Adjustable Power supply circuit. Let

me explain to you how it works step by step.

Unregulated Power supply

It will change AC main into lower DC voltage, about 36V 2A. Almost all of
the power supply will use it.

I believe that you have used and understood its work well.

<Read the Elec Circuit vol-1 ebook>

Adjustable Reference Voltage

The electricity is divided into 2 ways.

The first way:

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Some little current flows through Adjustable Reference Voltage.

It determines the output voltage level of the output constant.

This circuit consists of Zener diode and Variable resistor.

Power Transistors

The Second way:

The most current will flows through the power transistor. It works like a
large bridge for higher current through.

And it have the controlled current lead. To control the max output current,
2A.

Overload Protection

When the current exceeds 2A. The power transistor is working hard.
There is high heat. Until it may be damaged. And also damage other
devices.

We should therefore have the overload protection section.

Inside there is the resistor to check higher current and transistor to cut of
the contrlled current of power transistor down.

See the Circuit Diagram

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First, we apply the AC line to the circuit to SW1 on/off to the transformer
T1 and fuse F1 to the protection circuit when too much power source.

Here is unregulated power supply(full-wave rectifier) Section.

Second, T1 reduce AC voltage 220V into 24V 0 24V.

Then, the current through to both diode D1, D2 to rectifiers to DC

voltage.

Next, C1 filter current to DC voltage about 36VDC and 2A max.

There are LED1 to show power on and R1 limit current to a safe value.

Next, the current comes to the regulated section.

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The reference voltage

R2-100ohms and ZD1-30V are connected together as the 30V steady

DC regulators.

The variable resistors VR1 is used to adjust the output voltage between
0V to 30V.

What is more? the constant voltage will control base of power transistor,
below!

There are transistors Q1, Q2 in Darlington mode. To drive or increase the

output current up to 2A.

Short-circuit protection

Also, there is the short-Circuit protection include Q3, R3. How it works?
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Here is a step by step process.

● First of all, load uses too many currents.

● Second, the voltage across R3 is more than 0.6V and B-E of Q2

too.

● So, Between C-E is like a closed switch. To stop Q1 and Q2 run.

● And C-E of Q2. It is an open switch. The current can via it lower
too.

● Thus, the output is low current to protect this circuit.

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Note: In my opinion, this overload part is not the best. But better than
none.

How to builds it

The circuit assembly is very simple Because the devices are less Can
assemble down on the perforated board.

While the power transistor Q3 – 2N3055 is working, will hot so we always

use a heat sink on it.

Should use low wattage soldering iron does not exceed 30 watts. To
soldering the legs of transistors and diodes.

We should use pliers with leg devices Because these devices cannot be
very hot.

Adjustment and usage

The prototype works well, have ripple voltage at output lower than 1 mV
and the output voltage will drop lower than 0.1 volts

In real usage that although it off, LED power ON will still light up for a
moment. Because the LED gets current from C1 that does not discharge
fully.

If you want to stop LED immediately. You may move R1 and LED1 to
across the secondary of T1.
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Then, add the diode-1N4001 series with LED to protects voltage

backward which LED may be damaged as Figure 2

If need to use the dual power supply (Positive Ground and Negative
terminal) For testing amplifier OCL.
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We change the rectifier section to new, from a Full-wave into the bridge
and use the two secondary coil; 12V 2A.

Then, apply the negative and positive of each channel to the ground as
Figure 3

Figure 3: Making supply is 2 sets with a bridge diode and capacitor

The parts you need

0.25W Resistors, tolerance: 5%

R1: 3.3K, 0.25W resistor

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R2: 100 ohms, 0.5W resistor

R3: 0.3 ohms 10W resistor

VR1: 10K Potentiometer

Electrolytic Capacitors

C1: 2,200µF 50V

C2: 220µF 50V

Semiconductors and others

Q2, Q3: 2N3055 Power NPN transistor

Q1: BC548,BC549, 45V 100mA NPN Transistor

D1, D2: 1N5402 3A 100V Diode

D3: 1N4002 1A 100V Diode

ZD1: 30V 1W Zener

T1: 117V/230V AC primary to 24V-0-24V,2A secondary transformer

S1: On-Off toggle switch

F1: 110V/220V, 500mA, slow-blow fuse

FuseHolder,Wire,Solder,case,

Be careful Components pinouts

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Some parts of this have different pins. You need to put it in the correct
way only!

Anyway, these circuits, we can adjust the output voltage.

Series Feedback Voltage Regulator.

Also, we can modify the previous circuit to adjust the output voltage. It is
good to learn.

Some called Series Feedback Voltage Regulator.

Look at in the circuit.

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Of course, it has more devices. Of course, it has more devices. You do

not worry. Slow and Slow learn with us.

First, The 20V input gets in the circuit. The R5 and ZD1 are a shunt
regulator as above. It keeps 12V constant voltage at ZD1.

At the same time,

We called Q1 that a pass transistor. Because all the load current passes
through it.

R4 passes the current to the base of Q2 with almost full input voltage to
turn it on. Then, the power can flow collector to emitter. So, the output
voltage rises.
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Then, R1, R2, and R3 are a voltage divider network. They get the output
voltage. Then, they produce a voltage at the base of Q2. The Q2 turns
on.

Q2 will fully turn on the collector voltage is 12.7V. (Which is the Zener
voltage plus the collector-emitter voltage drop) And, the output of Q1 is
12.1V. (Because of a base-emitter 0.6V drop).

We can adjust R2 to control the output voltage between 12.1V to 16V.

The transistor Q2 can power the output current from 0 to 1A. the same
way as the previous circuit. But Q1 and a feedback resistor network help
more regulation.

How it works

It uses principles of negative feedback to keep the output voltage almost

constant. It even changes the voltage and loads current.

Why can it do that? There are two interesting cases.

● First, Suppose the output voltage increases due to any reason.

This causes more voltage across R2 and R1. Because it is a part
of the output circuit. And, more voltage across base and ground
of Q2 too. Q2 more works. Then most current flows R3. So, Q2
squeezed the collector-emitter voltage down. This causes the
base voltage of Q1 reduces. And, Q1 runs down. Then, it can
keep a constant output voltage. Because voltage is offset to
lower.
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● Second Similarly, if the output voltage tries to decrease. The

feedback voltage or base-ground of Q2 also decreases. This
reduces the current through Q2 and R4. This means more base
voltage at Q1 and more output voltage. So, it can keep the output
voltage at the original level.

Although it is now more effective than the past. But still, have more
development. To reduce various disadvantages.

What is more? Make the simple project:

Transistor Variable power supply 1A,

0-30V.pdf