Reguladors

Reguladors, a term used in several languages for regulators, encompasses both devices that stabilize physical quantities and organizations that enforce rules. In engineering, reguladors typically refer to devices that keep a variable—such as voltage, current, pressure, or speed—within set limits. In governance, regulatory bodies supervise compliance with laws and standards.

Electronic reguladors: Voltage regulators are designed to maintain a constant output voltage despite input changes or load variations. They include linear regulators (fixed, adjustable, and low-dropout types) and switching regulators (buck, boost, buck-boost, flyback). Switching regulators are typically more efficient but more complex and generate switching noise. Current regulators keep the output current constant, used in LED drivers and battery charging. A regulator's operation relies on feedback: a reference voltage is compared with a sample of the output, an error amplifier drives a pass element or switching stage, and a feedback network sets the final value. Key specifications include output tolerance, line and load regulation, efficiency, quiescent current, and transient response.

Other contexts: Mechanical and process reguladors include governors for engines that control speed, pressure regulators and temperature regulators that adjust valves or heaters, and thermostats. In public policy and industry, regulatory bodies such as central banks, telecom regulators, or environmental agencies act as reguladors by issuing standards, licenses, and enforcement measures.