Lineaarregulaators

Lineaarregulaators, also known as linear voltage regulators, are electronic components used to maintain a constant output voltage regardless of variations in the input voltage or the load current. They achieve this by acting as a variable resistor in series with the load. When the input voltage increases, the regulator increases its resistance to drop the excess voltage, thereby maintaining a stable output. Conversely, if the input voltage drops, the regulator decreases its resistance to compensate.

These devices are characterized by their simplicity and low output noise, making them suitable for applications where clean power is essential. However, they are also known for their inefficiency, particularly when there is a large difference between the input and output voltages. This inefficiency results in power dissipation as heat, which can require heat sinks for higher power applications. Common types include series regulators, such as the ubiquitous 78xx and 79xx series, which provide positive and negative regulated voltages, respectively. Shunt regulators, on the other hand, regulate voltage by diverting excess current away from the load. Despite their limitations, linear regulators remain a popular choice for many low-power voltage regulation tasks due to their ease of use and predictable performance.