AdvancedA-004-003-006

How is remote sensing accomplished in a linear voltage regulator?

D
Answer
Measurements and troubleshooting
Type
A
An error amplifier compares the input voltage to the reference voltage
B
A load connection is made outside the feedback loop
C
By wireless inductive loops
D
A feedback connection to an error amplifier is made directly to the load

Answer Notes

Remote sensing in a linear voltage regulator compensates for voltage drops that occur over long wires connecting the power supply to the load. By making a feedback connection directly at the load, the regulator's error amplifier can monitor the exact voltage the load is receiving. The error amplifier then adjusts the pass transistor to output a slightly higher voltage at the supply terminals, perfectly offsetting the voltage lost in the wiring. Distractors like 'wireless inductive loops' or placing the connection 'outside the feedback loop' do not accurately describe the physical, closed-loop wire connection required for voltage correction at the point of use.
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