DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

uChap
nit 1:

To understand the function of each

To understand the function of each
stage in block diagram.
stage in block diagram.

To sketch block diagram for dc power

To sketch block diagram for dc power
supply
supply

To
Toexplain
explainthe
thefunction
functionand
andsketch
sketch
the
the circuit for each stage dcpower
circuit for each stage dc power
supply
supply

To draw the schematic diagram for dc

To draw
power the schematic diagram for dc
supply.
power supply.
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

1.0 INTRODUCTION

A power supply is a device that supplies electrical energy to one or more electric
loads. It may also refer to devices that convert another form of energy (e.g:
mechanical, chemical, solar) to electrical energy. Most forms of electronic equipment
require steady values of direct current (DC) for their operation.

1.1 The important of DC power supply

 Electronics device used active component as diode, transistors, and others.

These active components need dc voltage to operate.

 Batteries can give constant voltage and easy to carry everywhere. But using
batteries the power will not last longer after a certain period. Electronics devices
that using high power supply will shorter the batteries life.

 Electronics devices that using high power supply will use more batteries. So, it’s
not economical if we using batteries.

 The electricity supplied to the public through the sockets at homes and buildings
are in the form of a.c voltage and the value of these a.c voltage are high (1 phase
= 240 V, 3 phase = 415 V)

1.2 Block Diagram For DC Power Supply

 DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

AC voltage DC voltage
Transformer Rectifier Filter Regulator Voltage
Divider

Figure 1.2: Block Diagram of DC Power Supply

Power supply circuits build using transformer, rectifier and filter. The addition parts
are voltage regulator and voltage divider.

Starting with an ac voltage, a steady dc voltage is obtained by rectifying the ac

voltage, then filtering to a dc level and finally regulating to obtain a desired fixed dc
voltage.

1.3 Transformer

Block diagram shows dc power supply have five stages. Each stage has own
function. First stage is transformer. We use step-down transformer since the voltage
is decreased from primary to secondary. Transformer at primary windings will
connect to 240V 50 Hz ac power supply and transformer at secondary windings will
step down to fit with electronics devices.

Since transformer consists of two winding primary and secondary that have no
connection, then the purpose of using transformers is to release the circuits at
secondary windings from ac power supply. This release can avoid the user at
secondary from electric shock at high ac voltage supply.

Transformer connected to the voltage source is called primary winding. The coil
connected to the load called the secondary winding. The ratio of primary winding
called Np turns to the secondary winding called Ns known as transformation ratio.
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

Figure 1.3.1 : Transformer circuit diagram

Np
Transformation ratio =
Ns

The voltage across the primary winding to secondary windings called turns ratio.

Vp
When value of secondary winding is less than primary winding, secondary voltage
also less than primary voltage. Secondary voltage can be calculated by :

Np : Ns

Vs 
½ Vs
Vp Vs
½ Vs

Figure 1.3.2: Middle tap transformer

Example 1:

Vs
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

Given a transformer with turns ratio 4:1 has supply voltage 240 V, 50 Hz.
Calculate the Vs.

4:1

240 V
50 Hz

Solution:
4:1
Vs = x Vp

240 V
50 Hz
V s = ¼ x 240V
= 60 V

1.4 Rectifier

Most devices or electronic systems require a dc power supply to operate.

Generally many source of power that supplied to the house is a.c, so to get the d.c
voltage, we use a rectifier circuit.

Rectifier to be discussed are: -

i) Half-wave rectifier
ii) Full-wave rectifier
iii) Bridge rectifier.

1.4.1. Half Wave Rectifier

Figure 1.3.2: Half wave rectifier circuit

Operation:
t
During the positive cycle of the input signal, the diode D is in forward bias
condition. D acts as a switch (close condition) and the current can pass through the
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

circuit. The value of the Voltage drop on the RL is equal to the magnitude of the
positive cycle of the input signal. ( if we ignore the voltage drop on the diode)

During the negative cycle of input signal, the diode D in reverse biased condition. D
acts as a switch ( open condition) so the current can not pass through the circuit. So,
the value of Voltage drop in the RL during the negative cycle is empty.

When we connect the oscilloscope across the RL we will find the output waveform
is the same as Figure 1.3.2.1

Output Voltage

Output voltage for half-wave rectifier circuit produced only at positive cycle of the
current. Since the current through the diode and the diode voltage drop is 0.7V
(assuming silicon diode), the output voltage is: -

Vo = Vi - 0.7V

Frequency

The frequency output signal is equal to the input frequency.

Example 1:

A half wave rectifier circuit has 20 V p-p voltages in, 50 Hz. Assumed no voltage
drop, calculate:-

i) Vo for rectifier signal

ii) Frequency out for the signal

Solution:

i) Vi = 20Vp-p
= 10Vp
So, Vo = 10Vp Vin
ii) Frequency out for signal = Frequency in for signal
D1 = 50 z
t
M VMG
1.4.2. Full wave Rectifier

t
G VNG
A
C
t
D2 RL Vo

B
N t
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

Figure 1.3.3: Full wave Rectifier circuit Output waveform

Operation

When given dc voltage to the circuit, M and N at secondary transformer

become positive and negative cycles. During the positive half of input
voltage, both output voltage are positive; therefore diode D1 is forward bias
and conducting and D2 is reverse bias and cut off. Current will flow along M,
D1, C, A, B, G. A positive wave cycle will result at RL load.

During the negative half cycle, D1 is reverse bias and D2 is forward biased.
Current will flow along N, D2, C, A, B, G. Since the direction current flow
through RL is similar to the current flow through the positive cycles, so
similar wave will produced.

Figure 1.3.3 shows the full wave rectifier circuit and output waveform across
RL when connected to oscilloscope.

Output Voltage

Output voltage for full wave rectifier will result only in positive and negative
cycles. Since current across the diode at one cycle and voltage drop at diode
is 0.7V (assumed silicon diode), voltage drop is:-
Vo = VM-G - 0.7V
Frequency

Output signal frequency is twice with input signal frequency.

Example 2:

The input voltage of full wave rectifier is 20 Vp-p 50 Hz. Transformation ratio 2:1.
Assumed no voltage drop, calculate:-
i) Output voltage at rectifier
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

ii) Output frequency signal

Solution:

i) Refer to figure 1.3.3

Vin = 20 Vp-p
= 10 Vp

VMN Ns
Vin = Np
Ns
xVm
VMN = Np
1
x10Vp
= 2
= 5 Vp

VMG = ½ VMN
= 2.5 Vp

then Vo = VMG
= 2.5 Vp

ii) Output frequency signal = 2 x Input frequency signal

= 100 Hz

1.4.3 Bridge Rectifier

M E

D1 Vin

D4 A t
C
Vo

D3 D2 RL
t
F
N
B
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

Figure 1.3.4: Bridge Rectifier

Operation

During the positive half of the input voltage cycle, M is positive and N is
negative. D1 and D3 are forward biased, D2 and D4 are reversed biased. The
direction will flow along M, E, A, B, C, F, N. A positive wave cycle will
result at RL load.

During the negative half of the input voltage cycle, M is negative and N is
positive. D2 and D4 are forward biased, D1 and D3 are reversed biased. The
direction will flow along N, F, A, B, C, E, M. A positive wave cycle will
result at RL load. Since the direction current flow through RL is similar to the
current flow through the positive cycles, so similar wave will produced.

Figure 1.3.4 shows bridge rectifier circuit and output waveform rectifier
across RL when connected to oscilloscope.

Output Voltage

Output voltage for bridge rectifier will result in both positive and negative
cycles. Since current across the diode at one cycle and voltage drop at diode
is 1.4V (assumed silicon diode), voltage drop is:-
Vo = VM-N - 1.4V

Frequency

Output signal frequency is twice with input signal frequency.

Example 3:

A fullwave bridge rectifier has input voltage 20 Vp-p 50 Hz. Given

transformation ratio is 2:1. Assume there is no voltage drop at diode,
calculate:-

i) Output voltage signal

ii) Output frequency signal

Solution:
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

i) Refer to figure 1.3.4

Vin = 20 Vp-p
= 10 Vp

VMN Ns
Vin = Np
Ns
xVm
VMN = Np
1
x10Vp
= 2
= 5 Vp

then Vo = VMN
= 5 Vp

ii)
Output frequency signal = 2 x frequency input signal

= 100 Hz

1.4.4 Application of Bridge rectifier

Figure 1.4.4: Bridge Rectifier

A diode bridge or bridge rectifier is an arrangement of four diodes in a bridge

configuration that provides the same polarity of output voltage for either polarity of
input voltage. When used in its most common application, for conversion of
alternating current (AC) input into direct current (DC) output, it is known as a
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

bridge rectifier. A bridge rectifier provides full-wave rectification from a two-wire

AC input, resulting in lower cost and weight as compared to a center-tapped
transformer design
Typical applications Bridge Rectifier are:
i) Welding- to supply polarized voltage for welding. In such circuits
control of the output current is required and this is sometimes
achieved by replacing some of the diodes in bridge rectifier with
thyristor, whose voltage output can be regulated by means of phase
fired controllers.
ii) Generator
iii) Battery charger
iv) AC motor drive
v) Traction markets
vi) Detection of amplitude modulated radio signals

Air and water cooled Bridge Rectifier assemblies up to 20,000 amps.

1. State 3 reasons why dc power supply are important.

2. Sketch block diagram for dc power supply.

3. State 2 functions of transformers in dc power supply.

4. Describe rectifier circuit.

5. List down 3 types of rectifier circuits and sketch the circuits.

 DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

1. Three reasons why dc voltage are important:-

a. Electric devices needed dc voltage.

b. Batteries can not be able to accommodate electric devices needed.
c. Electrical devices need dc power supply to operate but ac power supplies are
given to the houses.

2. Block diagram for dc power supply are given below.

Ac voltage. Dc voltage.
Transformer Rectifier Filter Regulator Voltage
Divider

3. Two functions of transformers in dc power supply:-

DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

a. Step down transformer

b. As different in primary circuit and secondary circuit.

4. Rectifier is a circuit that using a diode ar more than a diode to change from ac
voltage to dc voltage.

5. Three types of rectifier :-

a. Half wave rectifier

D
RL

b. Full wave rectifier

D1
M

G
A
C

D2 RL

B
NM E

c. Bridge rectifier D1

D4 A
C

D3 D2 RL

F
N
B
 DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

1.4.5 Filter

The main task of the filter is to convert the pulsed of a.c voltage to a rippled d.c
voltage or preferably the pure d.c voltage and free from pulses of a fixed value as
can be obtained from the battery.

V V V

t t t
Dc voltage Ripple dc voltage

Rectifier Filter
Circuit circuit

Figure 1.3.3: Output waveforms before and after passing filter circuit

The output resulting from rectifier is a pulsating dc voltage but the pulsating dc
voltage from rectifier is not good enough. A filter circuit is necessary to provide
steadier dc voltage (figure 1.3.4). Although a battery has essentially a constant or dc
output voltage, the dc voltage derived from ac source signal by rectifying and
filtering will have some ac variation (ripple) as shows in figure 1.3.5.
V V

Va.t. ( Vr )p-p

Va.t.

t t
Figure 1.3.4: pure Dc voltage Figure 1.3.5: ripple Dc voltage
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

Good filter can reduce Vr p-p values that obtain from ripple dc voltage. The types of
filters always used are:-

A. Capacitor filter
B. RC filter
C. LC filter
D. filter

A. Capacitor Filter

A very popular filter circuit is the capacitor-filter circuit and connected in

series to a load RL shown in figure 5.5.4.
ID

Rectifier
C1 RL Vk
filter

Figure 1.3.6: Capacitor filter

Capacitor is a passive element designed to store energy in its electric field.

When capacitor is connected to voltage source, capacitor will store the
charge across it.

The figure below shows the unsmoothed varying DC and the smoothed
DC.The capacitor charges quickly near the peak of the varying DC, and then
discharges as it supplies current to the output.
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

Figure 1.3.7: Output waveforms of capacitor filter

When 20Vp voltage drop pass through RL at starting input half wave positive
cycle, C1 also get 20Vp charge as in figure showed at output wave from A to
B. Then, when VRL decrease until 0, C1 will discharge.

Time taken of C1 to discharge is longer; written as time range in figure 1.37,

that is from B to C, in 4 ms, not quick as decreasing in input voltage to 0
which that is 1ms only.

But before C1 finish discharging, until point P, there is another beat of input
voltage for half second positive cycle resist passes through RL, that make C1
once again charging 20 Vp ( to point Q ).

This happened every time at half cycle input voltage. C1 will discharge from
Q to R, but at X it charging back from third beat.

As a result from this process, output voltage produced now only changes
from 5V to 20V (changes only 15Vp-p.

Any voltage changes after this network is called ripple voltage. This is still
not pure dc voltage since it still has beating. It resist because capacitance
value we used is not a correct value. Correct value of capacitor will decrease
ripple voltage to minimum voltage, until it correct value for a pure dc
voltage.

Figure 1.3.7 explains how high capacitance value will decrease the ripple
voltage. This means the higher capacitance value will take longer time to
discharge.
C1 C2
Vk 0.1uF 1uF
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

 Ripple voltage
20
15
10 X
5
t
0 A 2 4 C 6 8 Z 10
Time range RLC1

Time range RLC2

Figure 1.3.8: Ripple voltage using capacitor C1 dan C2

Figure 1.3.8 explains by using capacitor filter C1 that is 0.1uF, time taken to
discharge is until point C. Ripple voltage will be in bigger value. By using
capacitor filter C2 that is 1uF, ripple voltage value will decrease a bit because
time range for that capacitor is longer. (until point Z ).

By increasing capacitance value, ripple voltage value will decrease, until at a

suitable value of capacitor that has longer time range to get pure dc voltage
and constant at 20 V.

B. RC Filter

RC filter is a circuit that we added after the capacitor filter. RC filters are
produced by placing a resistor in series with the load (RL) and a capacitor in
parallel with the load (RL). Resistor (R) will drain ripple voltage to a smaller
value. Capacitor C2 will filter the remaining ripple voltage.

However, this RC filter has led to some disadvantages where the value of the
d.c voltage that across RL will also be diminished to a lower value.

Filter
C1 C2 RL Vo
Circuit

Figure 1.3.9 : RC Filter

C.  Filter
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

 filter acts to overcome the problems generated by the RC filter.To built 

filter we can replace the resistor in RC filter with the inductor (L). Inductor
will only reduce the value of a ripple a.u. voltage. Inductor has a low
resistance to d.c but also provide a high impedance to the a.c .
Thus, the d.c voltage output is not decrease when across the RL, but the
ripple a.c voltage will be reduced significantly when cross L.

Filter C1 C2 RL V
Circuit k
D. LC Filter

LC filter obtain whenFigure

combining
1.3.10the: 
advantages
Filter of series inductor and series
capacitor. It used as low-pass filter.

Filter
C2 RL Vo
Circuit

Figure 1.3.11: LC Filter

1.4.6 Regulator

An electrical regulator designed to automatically maintain a constant voltage

level. A voltage regulator may be a simple "feed-forward" design or may
include negative feedback control loops. It may use an electromechanical
mechanism, or electronic components. Depending on the design, it may be
used to regulate one or more AC or DC voltages.
Electronic voltage regulators are found in devices such as computer power
supplies where they stabilize the DC voltages used by the processor and
other elements.

Percent of voltage regulation:

% of regulation = (Vmax- Vmin/ Vmax) x 100

Or

= ( VNL- VFL/ VNL) x 100

DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

where
VNL = no-load voltage
VFL = Full load voltage

3 types of voltage regulator circuit:-

A. zener diode voltage regulator

B. transistor series voltage regulation
C. IC voltage regulator ( 78XX series)
A. Zener Diode Voltage Regulator

Zener diodes will operate as a voltage regulator in reverse bias. Zener

diode has its own specialties which it can regulate voltage if operating in
the zener region.
To operate in the zener region, the input voltage must be greater than the
zener voltage and the load resistance does not cause the zener current
equal to zero
R

Rectifier Filter
circuit Dz RL

Figure 1.3.4 : Zener Diode Voltage Regulator

B. Serial Transistor Voltage Regulator

Transistors connected in series with the load will control the input voltage
allowed to the output. The output voltage are sampled by a circuit which
supplies a feedback voltage (compared to the reference voltage ). Referring
to figure , if the output voltage decreases, increase in VBE causes the
transistor to produce more current, this current will increase the output
voltage and maintaining the output voltage The zener diode will act as a
reference voltage. The same process occurs if the output voltage increases.
The transistor will reduce the current value, causing the output voltage and
maintaining the output voltage.

Q1

R
Rectifier Filter
circuit RL
Dz
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

1.3.5 : Serial Transistor Voltage Regulator

C. Voltage regulator Integrated Circuit (78XX series)

LM 78XX series (where XX = 05, 06, 08, 10, 12, 15, 18 atau 24 ) are three-
terminal voltage regulator. IC LM7805 will obtained output voltage +5 V,
LM7806 will obtained output voltage +6 V and LM7824 will obtained
output voltage +24 V. Figure XX shows IC voltage regulator (78XX series).

1 2
LM7405 Vk

Rectifier Filter
3
circuit
C1 C2

Figure 1.3.6: IC voltage regulator ( 78XX series)

1.4.7 Voltage Divider Circuit

In electronics system devices, especially in complicated devices, they consists

of circuit stages with different dc voltage values. As example, in tv system it
used more than ten circuit stages with different function and need dc voltage
around 100V, 48V, 12V and etc.
A voltage divider (also known as a potential divider) is a simple linear circuit
that produces an output voltage (Vout) that is a fraction of its input voltage
(Vin).
A simple example of a voltage divider consists of two resistors in series or a
potentiometer (adjustable resistors). It is commonly used to create a
reference voltage or to get a low voltage signal proportional to the voltage to
be measured.
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

1.5 Complete Circuit for DC Power Supply

Figure 1.4: DC Power Supply Circuit.

DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

1. Explain the function of filter circuit.

2. Name the basic filter circuit in the DC power supply and sketch the schematic
diagram each of them.

3. Why does bigger capacitor filter can decrease ripple voltage in the circuit?

4. What is the function of regulator in Dc power supply?

5. Name 3 regulator circuits and sketch them.

6. Explain why voltage divider circuit is needed in power supply.

DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

1. Filter circuit used to change the beat in dc voltage to ripple voltage or to pure dc
voltage.

2. There are four types of filter :-

a. Capacitor filter
ID

Rectifier
C1 RL Vo
circuit

b. RC filter
R

Rectifier
C1 C2 RL Vo
circuit

c.  filter

Rectifier
C1 C2 RL Vo
circuit
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

d. LC filter

Rectifier
C2 RL Vo
circuit

3. Large capacitor filter value can decrease ripple voltage in the circuit because
increasing capacitor value can effect in increasing time range (RLC).

4. Regulator used to decrease the changes from 0 to at least to a minimum value.

5. Three types of voltage regulator are :-

a. Zener diode voltage regulator

Rectifier Filter
circuit Dz RL

b. Series transistor voltage regulator

Q1

R
Rectifier Filter
circuit RL
Dz

c. IC voltage regulator. 1 2
LM7405 Vk

Rectifier Filter
3
circuit
C1 C2
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

6. Voltage divider circuits are needed in power supply because each electronics devices
need different voltage.
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

1. What factors determine whether transformers in step up or in step down?

2. There are 3 types of rectifier circuits. Explain why bridge rectifier more popular than
the others.

1k
3. V
70V

1N4001

D
t
-70V

1N4001 diode has breakdown voltage=50 V. Explain what will happen to the circuit
in first and second positive cycle.

4. A power supply has regulation=1%. If voltage without load is 30 V, how much

voltage at full load.

23 Vp-p
5.
D1

230 Vp-p D4
f = 50Hz

D3 D2 1k
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

Figure above shows bridge rectifier using silicon diode. Assume VF = 0.7 V.
a. Calculate the transformer’s ratio.
b. Calculate Vo and frequency
c. Sketch Vo wave.
d. Give suggestion on how to decrease ripple voltage.

ANSWERS:

1. Factor that determines whether transformers in step up or in step down is ratio at

primary windings and secondary windings. If primary windings are more than
secondary windings, transformer is in step down. If secondary windings are more
than primary windings, transformer is in step up.

2. Bridge rectifier more popular than two other rectifiers because :-

DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

a. Output voltage in full wave rectifier is larger than output voltage half wave
rectifier.
b. Middle tap transformer tap more expensive than normal transformer.
c. Output signal frequency is more higher than input signal frequency. That
makes filter process become better.

3. Forward biased and reversed biased will flow. At half positive cycle, diode is in
reversed biased. Then, when input voltage is more than 50 V, breakdown diode and
reversed biased will flow. In half negative cycle, diode is in forward biased. Forward
biased heavily flow.

4. % regulation = VNL  VFL

 100
VFL
1 = 30  VFL
 100
VFL
= 29.7 V

5. a. Np = Vp
Ratio=
Ns Vs
Np = 230V
Ns 23V
= 10
1

Then, the ratio = 10 : 1

b.
Output voltage ,Vo = 23Vp  p
– 2 ( 0.7 V )
2
= 11.5 Vp – 1.4 V
= 10.1 Vp

Frequency = 50 Hz x 2
= 100 Hz
V

c. 10.1Vp

10 20 t (ms)
DC POWER SUPPLY EE301 / UNIT 1/

d. To decrease the ripple voltage, we connect filter circuit at output.