AdvancedA-004-003-007
What is a three-terminal regulator?
A
Answer
Measurements and troubleshooting
Type
A
A regulator containing a voltage reference, error amplifier, sensing resistors and transistors, and a pass element
B
A regulator that supplies three voltages with variable current
C
A regulator containing three error amplifiers and sensing transistors
D
A regulator that supplies three voltages at a constant current
Answer Notes
A three-terminal regulator is a complete integrated circuit voltage regulator housed in a simple three-pin package (Input, Output, and Ground/Adjust). Inside this single component, it contains all the necessary circuitry: a voltage reference, an error amplifier, a pass element (transistor), and sensing/current-limiting components.
It is not a device that outputs 'three different voltages' or uses 'three error amplifiers.' The word 'three' strictly refers to the physical number of external pin connections required to provide a stable, regulated output voltage.
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