BasicB-003-008-005
What is the purpose of the regulator in a linear power supply?
B
Answer
Basic radio theory
Type
A
Convert alternating current into direct current
B
Ensure that the voltage stays constant when the demand on the supply varies
C
Absorb the power produced by the supply
D
Convert the AC mains voltage up or down as required and provides isolation
Answer Notes
Even after AC has been rectified into DC and smoothed out by a filter, the resulting voltage can still fluctuate. These fluctuations happen if the input AC mains voltage changes, or more commonly, if the load (the equipment drawing power) changes its current demand.
The voltage regulator acts as the final control stage in a linear power supply. Its specific job is to monitor the output and automatically adjust its internal resistance to ensure the output voltage remains perfectly constant, regardless of how much current your radio is drawing.
The other options describe different power supply components: the transformer changes the AC voltage up or down, the rectifier converts AC to DC, and a dummy load absorbs produced power.
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What is the purpose of the filter in a linear power supply?
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In a linear power supply, which stage typically requires a heat sink?