Voltage Regulators - Types and Function
If you are using an electronic component, it most likely has a voltage regulator. A voltage regulator is an instrument that helps maintain a constant voltage, such as for a refrigerator, LED TV, or computer, effectively stabilizing the DC voltages used by components. Voltage regulators can either have a simple feed-forward design or a negative feedback design. Voltage regulator design depends on AC or DC voltage requirements; thus, it can be an electromechanical mechanism or electronic components. There are different voltage regulators available based on different mechanisms and factors, such as the application, voltage requirements, power conversion, etc. In this blog, we will briefly discuss active regulators, DC voltage stabilizers, electronic voltage regulators, and electromechanical regulators.
Active Regulators
Active regulators are used when the power is supplied in a complex circuit with an active component, like a transistor. Active regulators can be classified into the following types: linear regulators, switching regulators, and SCR regulators. Linear voltage regulators are used as voltage dividers to maintain a consistent output by countering the variance of the load and the input. To adjust the load and input voltage variations, they use a feedback design that changes the resistance in the system, ensuring a constant output voltage. During the implementation of the linear voltage regulator, FETs (Field Effect Transistors) are placed on one side of a voltage divider along with a feedback loop attached to the transistor’s gate, providing constant output voltage.
In switching regulators, a series of devices are set to switch on and off regularly. The time regulation between switches defines the amount of charge transferred to the load and controls it. Switching regulators have a similar feedback mechanism as linear regulators, but they do have an added advantage. Due to the fact that switching regulators work either in an entirely conducting or switched off mode, there is zero power loss. Another advantage is that switching regulators can induce a higher output voltage than their input.
Moreover, switching regulators utilize a pass transistor as a controlled switch either in a cutoff or saturated state, allowing power transmission to be provided in discrete pulses instead of as stable current flow. In the cutoff mode, no current emerges in the pass device, hence no disbursement of power. On the other hand, if the pass device is in its saturation mode, a minor voltage drop appears and dissipates a low amount of energy, maximizing the current flow to the load and increasing the efficiency of the switch-mode power supply in the range of 70-90%. The last type of active regulator is a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) which depends on pulse width modulation to regulate the average voltage of its output. SCRs are devices that can generally be used when alternate current powers the regulators. If the output voltage is lower, the SCR will be activated and will allow the voltage to run into the load until the AC main voltage completes a half cycle. Though the SCR is an efficient regulator with a simple design, it is not recommended for voltage regulation accuracy.
DC Voltage Stabilizer
DC power is regulated with the help of either a shunt regulator or a series of regulators. Still, shunt regulators are the most commonly used device to regulate the voltage, supporting voltage reference devices like a Zener diode, voltage regulator tube, etc. These devices conduct at a specific voltage required to hold their terminal voltage by diverting excess current from the non-ideal power source to the ground. The shunt is a regulating device that can supply the maximum current through a power supply. The voltage stabilizer is a shunt regulator used for maintaining a standard voltage in electronic devices to deliver maximum power, and they are recognized for their ability to supply an immense amount of current to electronic devices.
Electronic Voltage Regulators
An electronic voltage regulator consists of a diode with a resistor in series. Whenever there is a change in the input current, a much lower voltage change occurs across the diode due to its logarithmic shape. This type of regulator is generally used whenever voltage control precision and efficiency are not the primary concern. This type of regulator is most suitable when an application requires a low voltage, regulated output.
Electromechanical Regulators
In electromechanical regulators, electromagnets are used to stabilize the output voltage. A sensing wire is coiled to form an electromagnet that produces a magnetic field as soon as the current flows through the regulator. A moving ferrous core is provided to act along with the magnetic field. As the current increases, the magnetic field pulls the core towards the field. A mechanical power switch is attached to the magnet, which remains open as long as the magnet moves into the field. If the voltage decreases, so too does the current, which causes the ferrous core to retract, closing the power switch and allowing the power to flow again.
Conclusion
If you are looking to buy reliable voltage regulators and other associated components for your aircraft, AOG Purchasing can fulfill all your requirements. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, AOG Purchasing is a trusted platform for purchasing all of your aerospace, defense, electronic, and industrial needs. With an inventory of over 2 billion top-quality new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find products from reputable manufacturers, you can quickly find your product requirements. For more information, call or email us at your earliest convenience; we are happy to assist you 24/7x365.
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