Lineaarijännitteet

Lineaarijännitteet, or linear voltages, refer to the output voltage of a linear voltage regulator. These regulators are electronic components that maintain a constant output voltage regardless of fluctuations in the input voltage or changes in the load current. They achieve this by using a transistor as a variable resistor, which dissipates excess voltage as heat. This makes them simple and effective for providing stable power to sensitive electronic circuits.

The primary characteristic of a linear voltage regulator is its linear relationship between the input and output voltage. The output voltage is always lower than the input voltage, and the difference, known as the voltage drop, is dissipated as heat. This means linear regulators are less efficient than switching regulators, especially when the input voltage is significantly higher than the output voltage. However, they offer advantages such as low noise and ripple on the output, making them suitable for applications where signal integrity is crucial, like audio equipment or sensitive sensor circuits.

Common examples of linear voltage regulators include the LM78xx series for positive voltages and the LM79xx series for negative voltages. These devices are widely used in various electronic devices, from simple power supplies to complex integrated systems. Their simplicity, low cost, and predictable performance make them a popular choice for many applications where high efficiency is not the primary concern.