Variable DC Power Supply, 1.

2V to
30V 1A using LM317

Here is an LM317 Adjustable power supply circuit. If you are a beginner

in electronics.

You want a good variable power supply. This may be the best project for
you.

It can supply the output voltage 1.2V to 30V at the max current of 1.5A.

This is the first DC power supply in my life that made to use in many
projects. It is ideal for those who want to adjust voltage from 1.25V to
30V and currents up to 1A.
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Which is sufficient for normal use.

For example, It is a power supply instead of a one 1.5V AA battery.

When you want to listen to music from a 30 watts amplifier that

required a voltage of 24V 1A, it can be done easily.

Before we commonly used the transistor regulator that is very

difficult, large, and probably more expensive ICs.

But this circuit can be created with a single IC is lm317 based

variable power supply.

LM317T the ever popular

The LM317 or LM117 series of adjustable 3-terminal positive

voltage regulators is capable of supplying in excess of 1.5A over a 1.2V
to the 37V output range,

And has many special features that I like are :

● Output Voltage Tolerance 1%

● Line Regulation 0.01%

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● Load Regulation 0.3%

● Prevent the deposition temperature.

● Short-circuit protection.

● Ripple is eliminated with a ratio of 80dB

● Maximum input voltage 40V

Design concept

We select the equipment as needed. And can be further modified in the

future.

How it works
Followed circuits below.
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Here is the step by step process:

First, the transformer T1 is changed an AC 220V/117V down as AC 24V

to the bridge diode rectifier D1(1N4007) to D4(1N4007).

Next, DC voltage flows into C1. It is a filter capacitor to smooth and

increase the DC voltage of 35V as an unregulated voltage.

By the way, C2 is a 0.1μF capacitor to filter out the transient noise which
can be induced into the supply by stray magnetic fields.

The C4(10uF) and C3(470uF) are electrolytic capacitors. They acts like
a miniature battery that supplies power during the spike.

After that, the unregulated voltage flows to the DC Regulator circuit.

Which uses an LM317, R1,R2, and VR1.

Both D5 and D6 are the reverse voltage protection diode to safe IC1 from
accitent.
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The output voltage from IC1 Depending on the Voltage Adj pin of the IC,
or to adjust the VR1.

The VR1 is controlled the output DC voltage 1.25V to 30V (32V) or 37V
maximum voltage at 1.5A max all range.

Calculating the LM317 output voltage

And we can calculate output voltage equal to:

Vout = 1.25 x {1+ (Rp/R1)

● Vref = 1.25V

● Typically R1 is 220Ω or 240Ω as a datasheet. I use the 220Ω.

● Normally as a datasheet, I see them use VR= 5K (Potentiometer)

But I have VR-10K only since it easy to use.Rp = {(VR1 x R2) /
(VR1 + R2)}

Then we test it, Suppose, rotate VR1 to lowest resistance cause Rp =

0Ω. put it in the formula above:

Vout = 1.25 x {1+(0/220)}

= 1.25V

But, when adjusting VR1 to a maximum resistance of VR1 and R2 are

parallel together.
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Rp = 5.46K = 5460Ω.

Test it in formula above:

Vout = 1.25 x {1+(5460/220)}

= 32.2V

Then the capacitor C3 is Better performance filter of IC1.

The diode D5 and D6 ( both is 1N4007) is the protector from external

voltage to reverse to makes the damage to the IC1.

Parts you need

IC1: LM317T, 1.5A Adjdustable voltage regulator IC
D1-D6: 1N4007 Diode 1000V 1A

0.25W Resistors, tolerance: 5%

R1: 220Ω
R2: 12K
VR1: 10K, Potentiometer
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Electrolytic Capacitor
C1: 2,200uF 50V
C3: 470uF 50V
C4: 10uF 50V
C2: 0.1uF 50V Polyester Capacitor

T1: Transformer secondary coil 24V/21 1A (use

2A better) ***Read text below.

The PCB of this projects, see the layout diagram.

<LM317-power-supply-PCB-copper-layout.jpg>

Note: Making the PCB print it on laser printer 300dpi

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How it builds
Then, We will assemble all the equipment onto the PCB. See the PCB
layout above and then soldered components on the PCB as shown
Figure below correctly completed.

Components layout

And The LM317 should be installed on the heatsink that fits.

Important! Polarized devices be careful with the their terminals,

especially Electrolytic Capacitors, Diodes.

Applying a transformer to set the output voltage

A transformer is important components. It determines the maximum

output voltage of the circuit.
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As shown in the circuit, we use a 24V transformer, making have

voltage output is 30V(about DC32V).

But you use an 18V transformer will have the output is 22V
maximum. I like it this way. Because I have this transformer a lot.
This way the output max is 20V. It may be enough for some.

If you can adjust 24V or 12V CT 12V. It causes output up to 30V.

But IC overheats when a short circuit or overloads.

<Video: 1-25v-to-27v-variable-regulator-1a-using-lm317.mov>

I test circuit with the 12V 8W lamp as a load. A steady (DC) Voltage
will not be transferred from 12V.

Better way

If you want the output near 30V. You can modify the transformer
connecting is about 21V. It cause output is about 30V maximum (21V x
1.4 = 29.4V).

You may select this way when some project required about 25V to 30V.

So I modify a transformer 12V CT 12V and 0V 6V 9V 12V output into

21-volts, Look at as Fig.

This circuit perfectly works, as video file: <Modify-transformer-21v.mov>

I can adjust the voltage output is 1.25V to 27V. Because I use the 21V
output transformer.
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Or

Caution

I have old a transformer 12V CT 12V output. It should have a total

voltage of 24V.

But I measure it as 30.9V too much voltage.

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<Video: over-voltage-transformer.mov>

It may cause overvoltage DCV as 30.9V x 1.414 = 43.7V.

Which can be damaged to IC1 by too much input voltage.

Adding adjust the fine voltage

Some friends tell me, this project difficultly adjusts the voltage output. So
I add potentiometer 1K and parallel 1K-resistor together.

Then connects them to VR1 as Fig.

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Connecting two potentiometers

You will see that we can adjust the voltage at VR2 (new) is 4volts since
resistance sum of 500Ω approximately.

For example, I set voltage is 9V with rotate VR1 is 8.00V and rotate VR2
easily to control the output voltage of 9.00V.

As video<add-function-adjusting-fine-voltage-output.mov>
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The wiring inside this project.

Note:

I assemble in the universal box to use easily. Connected IC with wires to

the PCB.

Adding LED Voltmeter display

We can add LED voltmeter to show a voltage level of output.

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Mr. Ali Mohammed, ask me how to use 3 wires voltmeter, red, black, and
yellow.

It is a good idea. It’s accurate and more convenient.

Block diagram of adding a voltmeter to the first power supply

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In the circuit diagram, it needs an external DC power supply. We have to

build a 9V DC regulator for it.

We connect a bridge diode (D1 through D4) to SEC (0 and 12V) of a

transformer. Then we connect the measure voltage wire in yellow (+) to
the output LM317 power supply. And Ground to (-).

Just this we can already read voltage output.

If you use other AC voltage such as 24 volts. You must change:

● C1 = 1,000uF 50V Electrolytic capacitor

● R1 = 1K 0.5W resistor

This so saves and easy circuit.

Why does it not work and FAQ

In the first time building this circuit. I had many mistakes. It doesn't work.
I don't want you to be like me.

● Electronic devices with polarity Must be put correctly. For

example, Diodes, Electrolytic capacitors, LM317, etc.
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● C2 — you can use a 0.1μF electrolytic capacitor instead of 0.1uF

63V or 50V ceramic or mylar type. But we need to be careful to
be correct lead.

● Transformer size—You should use 2A transformer to full

current up to the 1.5A output. However, 1A transformer also
works well lower current.

● You should use Sufficient heat sink. Because while working the
IC will get very hot. My experience LARGE selection is better
than small.

● WVDC All capacitors, You can use a voltage of 50V.

Specifically, Electrolytic capacitor!
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● Why R1 is coal?—If Diode-D5 is the wrong terminal. It causes

an input high voltage across LM317. Then, it comes to R1 to VR1
and R2 to ground. So, They get high current and burned.

Please check all diode terminal in a right way only.

● If you put the D6 polarity incorrect, The VR10K will burn.

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● You can solder the components on Perforated or universal PCB

Board.

● Why use C3-470uF? It is a filter capacitor. You can use a 1uF

tantalum capacitor the same in the datasheet. But I use this
because I have it. It also works well.

● Why is the output 1.5A?—The current is not constant at 1.5A

throughout all voltage ranges.

Use an LM317 as 0 to 30V adjustable regulator

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There are many ways to do 0 to a 30V adjustable regulator. But this is

easiest with helping with two diodes.

When the current flows the diodes. It always has a voltage across it of
0.65V to 0.7V.

If we connect the two diodes in series. They have 1.3V across them. In
normal LM317, start voltage at 1.2V. But this voltage is in both diodes.
So, the output starts at 0V.

But it has a disadvantage. The current is slightly reduced by the

resistance in diodes.

Conclusion
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I hope you have a good DC Power supply to use with your own hands.
Don't worry about mistakes. Because it is one of good learning.