Linear Regulator
As explained in the comparison of different types of POWER SUPPLIES ICs, there are two types of linear regulators: "series regulators" and "shunt regulators."
- Series regulator: The control element is connected in series with the load.
- Shunt regulator: The control element is connected in parallel with the load
Shunt Regulator
As shown in Figure 1, a shunt regulator has a control element (TRANSISTORS) connected in parallel with the load.
The shunt regulator controls the current (Ireg) of the control element according to the load (Iout) to keep the current flowing through Rs constant (keeping the voltage drop across Rs constant), thereby maintaining a constant output voltage (Vout).
Vout = Vin - Rs ×Iin = Vin - Rs ×( Ireg + Iout )
When the load increases, Ireg is lowered, and when the load decreases, Ireg is raised to maintain a constant output voltage.
Figure 1: Shunt regulator
Difference from a series regulator
In a shunt regulator, the control element (TRANSISTORS) is connected in parallel with the load as shown in Figure 1, while in a series regulator, the control element (TRANSISTORS) is connected in series with the load as shown in Figure 2.
Furthermore, the input current (Iin) of a shunt regulator is constant regardless of the load (Iout), but the input current (Iin) of a series regulator is proportional to the load (Iout).
The series regulator maintains a constant output voltage (Vout) by controlling the resistance value of the control element (TRANSISTORS ON resistance: Ron) according to the load (Iout).
Vout = Vin - Iout ×Ron
When the load increases, the resistance of the control element decreases, and when the load decreases, the resistance increases, so that the output voltage remains constant.
Figure 2 Series regulator
Shunt regulator usage example
Here is an example of using a shunt regulator.
- Reference Voltage Source
- Constant current source (Figure 3)
- PHOTOCOUPLERS drive (Figure 4)
-
Figure 3 Constant current source
-
Figure 4 PHOTOCOUPLERS drive
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