Lineaarregulaattorit

Lineaarregulaattorit, often referred to as linear regulators, are electronic circuits that provide a stable and constant output voltage regardless of variations in input voltage or load current. They achieve this by dissipating excess voltage as heat. This makes them suitable for applications where a clean and predictable power supply is required, but they are less efficient than switching regulators.

The fundamental principle behind a linear regulator involves a pass element, typically a transistor, which acts as a variable resistor. A control circuit monitors the output voltage and adjusts the conductivity of the pass element to maintain the desired output. If the input voltage increases or the load current decreases, the control circuit senses this and increases the resistance of the pass element to drop the excess voltage. Conversely, if the input voltage drops or the load current increases, the resistance is decreased.

Common types of linear regulators include series and shunt regulators. Series regulators are more prevalent and place the pass element in series with the load. Shunt regulators, on the other hand, place the pass element in parallel with the load. Linear regulators are known for their low noise and ripple, making them ideal for sensitive analog circuits, audio equipment, and precision instrumentation. However, their inefficiency can lead to significant heat generation, requiring careful thermal management and limiting their use in high-power applications.