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Chapter 6 : Regulated Power Supplies

Contents: Zener diode as Voltage Regulator, Transistor Series and Shunt Regulators, Current limiting, Line and Load Regulation. Points To Ponder: Power supplies are used when dc power is required such ac in adapters, power supply circuits in TV, VCR, DVD etc. Zener diode is used as voltage regulator because of its property to operate in the breakdown region. Regulated power supplies uses zener diodes as it provides constant output irrespective of ac main fluctuations. The limitation of using zener diode as a regulator is that its efficiency is poor at heavy loads because of lare losses in the resistance connected at series. The transistor series voltage regulator is an improved version of zener diode voltage regulator. The output voltage appears across the load will be approxirnataly equal to zener voltage i.e. VdC(OUt) V2. In transistor shunt. voltage regulator the voltage across the load is set by the zenerdiod and transistor base emitter voltage i.e. VL V + VBE Current limiting is one form oI short-circuit or over load protection. In this a short-circuit sensing resistance i used with a transistor which limits the maximum load current,

Q 1. What is the practical importance of voltage regulation in power supplies?

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OR Explain clearly the role of regulated power supply. Ans. In an unregulated power supply, output voltage changes whenever input supply voltage or load resistance changes. It is never constant. The change in voltage from no-load to full load condition is called voltage regulation. The practical importance of voltage regulation in power supplies is to reduce these variations to zero or, at least to the minimum possible value. The percentage regulation or, simply regulation of a power supply is given by

Q 2. What are the limitations of transistorized power supphes? Ans. The transistorised power supplies have the limitation that the output voltage available is restricted by the V0 of the series transistor used. The power rating of the transistor used, as a series loser depends on the voltage difference between the input and output voltages. This difficulty can be minimised to a great extent by using thyristor. Thyristors have the ability to control large power with minimal control power, and this control power does not have to remain continuous as in the case of the base

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current of a transistor. Transistors for a relatively Imgh voltage, high power operations are rarely available.

Q 3. Discuss the V-I characteristics of Zener diode. Ans. V-I characteristics current as: of zener diode between voltage and

1.A zener diode characteristics are always plated shown in figure above. 2. It is like an ordinary diode characteristics except that it have a sharp breakdown voltage. 3. The sharp breakdown voltage is called zener voltage Vz.

Q 4. Draw the equivalent circuit of zener diode as voltage regulator and explain. Ans. Zener diode as voltage regulator:

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The major application of a zener diode is as a voltage regulator. It provides constant voltage to the load from a source whose voltage may vary by using potentiometer at input.. The zener diode of zener voltage Vz is reverse connected across the load RL across which constant voltage
is required (Vo = Vz).

The resistance A is connected in series with the circuit which absorbs output voltage fluctuations so as to maintain constant voltage V0 across the load.

Q 5. What is the use of Bleader in Zener voltage regulator? Ans. In zener voltage regulator, when the input voltage (Vin)
is more than zener voltage (Vz) this will cause the zener diode to conduct a large current Iz and more current flows through series resistor A which increases the voltage drop across the bleeder resistor A.

Hence the constant voltage Vo (Vz) is maintained across the load RL

Q 6. What is PIV of a diode in a rectifier circuits? Ans. PIV stands for peak inverse voltage. It is the voltage which a diode pan withstand when it is

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connected in reverse biased. PIV for half wave rectifier is Vm across each diode and for
full wave center tap rectifier the PIV is 2Vmacross each diode.

Q 7. What characteristics. Ans.

is

zener

diode?

Draw

its

V-I

Zener diode is the diode which is connected in revnrse biased and provides constant voltage to the load from a source whose voltage may vary by using potentiometer at input. It can act as a voltage regulator. V-I characteristics of zener diode

A zener diode characteristics are always plated between -voltage and shown in fig. It is like an ordinary diode characteristics except that it have a sharp breakdown voltage. The sharp breakdown voltage is called zener voltage V.

Q 8. Explain line and load regulation? Ans. There are two types of load line regulatibn:

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1. D.C. load line : In order to draw the dc load line Qf a transistor, one need to know only its cut-off and saturation points. It is a straight line joining these two points. For the CE circuit of following fig.1 the load line is drawn in fig. 2.current as

Point A is the cut-off point and B is the saturation point.

Consider the following two particular cases

lf Vcc and RL are known only then load line can be drawn. Slope of load line is

0 point i.e. the Quiescent point is point which lies between cut off and saturation i.e. in the midway

2. AC load line: This line is steeper than the dc line but the two intersect at the Q-point determined by biasing dc voltage and currents. In AC load line the cut off is given by

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Q 9. Explain zener diode breakdown mechanism. Ans. Zener breakdown takes place in a very thin junction i.e. when both sides of the junction are very heavily doped and the depletion layer is narrow. In the zener breakdown mechanism, the electric field becomes as high as jQ7 V/rn in the depletion layer with only a small applied reverse bias voltage. In this process it becomes possible for some, electrons to jump across the barrier from the valence band in p-material to some of the unfilled conduction band in n-material. This process is known as zener-breakdown. In this process, the junction is not damaged. The junction regains its original position when the reverse voltage is removed. This process is used in the zener diodes. The zener breakdown does not results in the destruction of the diode, as long as current through the diode is limited by the external circuit to a level within its power handling capabilities.

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Q 10. Explain in detail the effect of temperature on zener diode. Ans. A junction having a narrow depletion layer width and hence high field intensity (E 1 Q6 V/cm even at low voltages) will break down by the zener mechanism. An increase in temperature increases the energies of the volume electrons and hence makes it easier for these electrons to escape from the covalent bonds. Less applied voltage is therefore required to pull these electrons from their positions in the crystal lattice and convert them into conduction electrons. Thus the zener breakdown voltage decreases with temperature: A junction with broad depletion layer and therefore a low field intensity will breakdown by the avalanche mechanism. In this case, intrinsic carriers to concide with valence electrons and create avalanche multiplication. As the temperature increases, the vibrational displacement of atoms in the crystal grows. This vibration increases the probability of collision with the lattice atoms of the intrinsic particles as they cross the deflectron width. The intrinsic holes and electrons thus have less opportunity to gain sufficient energy between collisions to start the avalanche process. Therefore the value of the avalanche voltage must increase with increase in temperature.

Q 11. Draw and design a zener voltage regulator circuit W provide output of 12V for a maximum load current of 0.5A, when the input voltage variation is 15 to 18 V. Ans.

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To regulate 12V across the load,

We must select a zener with Vz= 1 2V To meet the load current, the current supplied by the source is Is = 0.5 A

Q 13. What is the need of voltage regulator circuit in a power supply? Discuss the application of zener diode as voltage regulator. Ans.

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In an unregulated power supply, output voltage changes whenever input supply voltage or load resistance changes. It is never constant. The change in voltage from no- load to tuli-ioad condition is called voltage regulation. The practical importance of voltage regulation in power supplies is to reduce these variations to zero or, at least, to the minimum possible value The percentage regulation or, simply, regulation ot a power supply is given by

Zener diode as voltage regulator:

The major application of a zener diode is as a voltage regulator. It provides constant voltage to the load from a source whose voltage may vary by using potentiometer at input. The zener diode of zener voltage Vz is reverse connected
across the load RL across which constant voltage is required (Vo = Vz).

The resistance R is-connected in series with the circuit which absorbs output voltage fluctuations so as to maintain constant voltage V0 across the load.

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Q 14. Write a short note on transistor series and shunt regulators. OR With the help of a circuit diagram explain with working of a transistor series regulator. Ans. Transistor series voltage regulator : The circuit is as shown in fig. It is also called as emitter-follower regulator because the voltage at the emitter follows the base voltage. In this, the transistor behaves like a variable resistance whose resistance is determined by the base current. It is called pass transistor because total current to be regulated passes through it.

Keeping in mind the polarities of different voltages they are related by the equation derived by KVL

Current increases by decreasing RL, VL decreases.Thus, VBE will increase because Vz is fixed. (. VL = ILRL if RL increases VLdecreases).

R is used for limiting current passing through the zener diode,

Transistor shunt voltage regulator:It is as shown in fig. It uses transistor in shunt, Since path AB is in parallel across VL, we from KVL

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Since V is fixed, any decrease or increase in VL wiH have a corresponding effect on1 VBE, suppose VL decreases, then as seen from the above relation, VBE also decreases. As a result, I decreases, hence, 1c = Bl8 decreases, thereby decreasing I and hence VR Consequently, VL increases because at all times

Same line of logic applies in case VL increases.

Q 15. A zeher diode regulator has vz = 12V. The input voltage may vary from 20 to 35 V and load current from 15 to 75 mA. To hold voltage constant under all conditions, what should be the value of series resistance? Ans. Zener regulator must operate in the breakdown region in order to hold output voltage constant under all operating conditions. Thus, there must be zener current for all input voltages and load currents. The worst case occurs when the input voltage is minimum and load current is maximum because then zener current drops to a minimum value.

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Q 16. Write note on: Voltage regulator. Ans. Voltage regulator: In case of power supplies, the dc output voltage varies withi the change in ac input voltage. To get the constant oUtput voltage i.e. without fluctuation voltage regulator circuit is used. The simplest regulator circuit consists of a resistor R connected in series with the input voltage and a zener diode connected in parallel with load as shown in fig.

Let be the voltage to the regulator circuit. As long as the voltage across AL is than the zener breakdown voltage V, the zener diode does not conduct. If the zener diode dont conduct, the resistor R5 and RL make a potential divider across V. At an increased the voltage across RL becomes greater than the zener breakdown voltage. The resistor R5 bnits the zner current from exceeding its rated maximum i.e Izman From fig. If load resistance RL is reduced, IL should increase, the current lz through zener falls by the same percentage in order to maintain constant current Is. Thus voltage drop across Rs becomes constant. Hence, the output voltage Vo remains constant. If on the other hand, the load current should decrease, the zener diode passes an extra current Iz such that the current Is is kept constant. The output voltage of the circuit is thus stabilized.

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Q 17. Show that a full-wave rectifier is twice as efficient as a half-wave rectififer? Ans. Efficiency is given by:

The efficiency is maximum if rf is negligible as compared to RL. Maximum efficiency = 81.2% This is double the efficiency of halt wave rectifier (i.e. 40.6%). Therefore, a full-wave rectifier is twice as effective as a half-wave rectifier.

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Q 18. Determine the value of ripple factor in the full-wave rectifier operating at 50 Hz with a 100 uF capacitor filter and 100 ohm load. Ans. The ripple factor for full wave rectifier circuit is given by:

Q 19. What is a regulated power supply? Draw the block diagram of a regulated power supply. Ans. The power supply that maintains constant output -voltage irrespective of mains fluctuations or changes is known as regulated power supply. Block diagram is as shown

Transformer may be step-up or step-down depending upon the requirement of output. Rectifier circuit may be half wave or full wave. Filter circuit has capacitor and inductor to filter the frequency components. Regulator stage may be a zener diode as voltage regulator or regulator ICs of particular voltage value.

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Q 20. Define the term voltage regulation. Ans. Voltage regulation is defined, as the change in dc output voltage from no load (VNL) to full load (VFL) with respect to full load vltage (VFL) of a power supply circuit.

The percentage voltage regulation is given by

Where ,VNL = No load dc voltage at the output

VFL = Full load dc voltage at the output.

Q 21. Calculate the regulation of a power supply if its dc output voltage decreases 50 V to 48 V when loaded. Ans. Given

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Q 22. Draw the block diagram for series voltage regulator. Ans.

Q 23. What are the limitations of using zener diode as voltage regulator? Ans. Limitations of using zener diode as voltage regulator are 1. As the loss in series resistor is very large thus, its efficiency is poor for heavy loads. 2. Due to change in load the output voltage also changes slightly.

Q 24. What are the advantages and disadvantages of zener diode regulator? Ans. Advantages:

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1. It is simple ir cirOuit. 2. It is light in weight. 3. It-is more reliable and provides- regulation over a wide range of current. Disadvantages: 1. As there is power dissipation in series resistor and the diode, it results in poor efficiency. 2. The stabilized output is determined breakdown voltage and cannot be varied. by the zener

Q 25., How does zener diode maintain constant voltage across load in the breakdown region? Ans. Zener chode as voltage regulator:

The major application of a zener diode is as a voltage regulator. It provides, constant voltage to the load from a source Whose voltage may vary by using potentiometer at input. The zener diode of zener voltage V is reverse connected across the load RL across which constant voltage is required (V0 Vi). The resistance R is connected in series with the circuit which absorbs output voltage fluctuations so as to maintain constant voltage V0 across the load.

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1. A zener diode characteristics are always plated between voltage and current shown in figS 2. It is like an ordinary diode characteristics except that it have a sharp breakdown voltage. 3. The sharp breakdowr voltage is called zener voltage V.

Q 26. What is transformation utilisation factor? Ans. It is defined as

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If Rf << RL, then TUE = 0 286 or 28 6%

Q 27. Write the classification for voltage regulators? Ans. Voltage can be controlled either at the source or near the, load. There are types of regulators 1. Generator automatic voltage regulator It is used for regulating the output voltage of generator. 2. Supply automatic voltage regulator. It is used for industrial application. The supply automatic voltage regulator is divided into three types:Type 1: It maintains the output voltage constant in spite of changes in the input voltage Type 2: It maintains the output voltage constant in spite of changes in the load Type 3: It maintains the output voltage constant in spite of changes in input voltage and the load.

Q 28. What are the disadvantages of voltage and current regulators? Ans. 1. The regulator operates continuously leading to wastage of power. 2. While bulky step down transformer have to be used it becomes uneconomical to have more than one regulator for voltage requirements of different values for different circuits. 3. The input voltage has to be higher than output voltage and this leads to poor efficiency.

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4. In remote locations such as in satellite, the supply is from battery and dc to ac converter has to be used.

Q 29. A transistor supplies 2 watts to a load of 4 K2 The zero signal dc collector current is 35 mA and with signal it is 39 mA Determine % second harmonic distortion Ans.

This s the fundament B1 = 31.6 mA. , Increase in DC collector current with signal = 39 35 =. 4 mA, B0 = B =4 mA

Q 30. Differentiate between line and load regulation. Draw the circuits of a series ulator and explain how it regulates the supply Incorporate current limiting factor the circuit to have overload protection. Ans. There are two types of load line regulation 1. D C load line: In order to draw the dc load line of a transistor, one need to know i its cut-off and saturation points It is a straight line joining these two points For the CE cuit of following fig.1 the load line is drawn in fig. 2.

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Q point i.e. the Quiescent point is point which lies between cut off and saturation i.e. in the midway

2. AC load line : This line is steeper than the dc line but the two intersect at the Q-point determined by biasing dc voltage and currents. In AC load line the cut off is given by

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Transistor series voltage regulator : The circuit is as shown in fig. It is also called as emitterfollower regulator because the voltage at the emitter follows the base voltage. In this, the transistor behaves like a variable resistance whose resistance is determined by the base current. It is called pass transistor because total current to be regulated passes through it.

Keeping in mind the polarities of different voltages, they are related by the equation derived by KVL:

Current increases by decreasing RL, VL decreases. Thus, VBE will increase because V fixed. VL = 1L L if RL increases VL decreases). R is used for limiting current passing through the zener diode. Transistor shunt voltage regulator: It is as shown in fig. It uses transistor in shunt. Since path AB is in parallel across VL, we have from KVL.

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Since V is fixed, any decrease or increase in VL will have a corresponding effect on VBE, suppose VL decreases, then as seen from the above relation, VBF also decreases. As a fesult, l decreases, hence, IC = BI decreases, thereby decreasing I and hence VA = IR. Consequently, VL increases because at all times

Same line of logic applies in case VL increases.

Q 31. Write short note on Zener diode as voltage regulator. Ans. Voltage regulator: In case of power supplies, the dc output voltage varies with he change in ac input voltage. To get the constant output voltage i.e. without fluctuation age regulator circuit is used. The simplest regulator circuit consists of a resistor R connected in series with the input tae and a zener diode connected in parallel with load as shown in fig.

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Let V be the voltage to the regulator circuit As long as the voltage across RL is than the zener breakdown voltage V, the zener diode does not conduct If the zener di dont conduct the resistor R5 and RL make a potential divider across V At an increased the voltage across RL becomes greater than the zener breakdown voltage. The resistor limits the zener current from exceeding its rated maximum. From fig. If load resistance RL Is reduced L should increase the current l through zener falls the same percentage in order to maintain constant current Is Thus voltage drop across becomes constant Hence, the output voltage V0 remains constant If on the other hand, the load current should decrease, the zener diode passes extra current l such that the current I is kept constant. The output voltage of the circuit thus stabilized.

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