Transistor Series Voltage Regulator Theory

Regulated Power Supply for continuous variation of Output:

The circuit of a continuously variable regulated power supply employing negative feedback is shown in Figure. The unregulated dc supply is fed to the voltage regulator. The circuit maintains constant output voltage inspite of variations in load or input voltage. T₁ and T₂ are the two transistors connected in the circuit, as direct coupled feed back amplifier. In this circuit the output voltage variations are returned as feed back to oppose the input changes. The base of transistor T₂ is connected to the variable tap of the potentiometer R₃.

Supposing the output voltage increases by any reason, it causes an increase in the voltage across the P & Q points, which is the part of the potential divider, consisting of R₂, R₃ and R₄. This raises the base emitter voltage of the transistor T₂. This increases the collector current of T₂ and most of it flows through R₁. This makes the voltage at the base of T₁ to decrease. This low voltage on the base emitter junction of T₁, tends to decrease the output voltage, resorting it to the original value. The reverse will happen if the input voltage decreases. The zener diode is used for providing a reference voltage and the difference is amplified by the transistor T₂. The potentiometer R₃ serves as the voltage controller. The output can be made to vary from zero to the maximum by varying the potentiometer R₃. The Circuit Diagram of Transistor Series Voltage Regulator is shown in the circuit below. Also Working is explained.

Transistor Series Voltage Regulator circuit diagram

The Transistor Series Voltage Regulator Theory is explained as follows.

From the circuit of Figure, we can observe that the feedback voltage V_F, is the voltage developed across the part of the potential divider P & Q. If we represent that resistance by R_f, the feed back fraction will be, R_f/(R_f + R_a) where R_a is the part of the potential divider R & P as shown in figure.

The closed loop voltage gain of the transistor T₁ is proportional to the reciprocal of the feedback fraction.

Therefore, the closed loop gain A' = (1/R_f)/ (R_f + R_a) = 1 + (R_a/R_f) ----------------- (1)

Considering the closed loop of the Zener diode which is the reference, the base emitter junction and the part of the potential divider, the sum of the voltages must be zero.

Hence -V_Z - V_BE + V_f= 0 or V_f = V_Z + V_BE ----------------- (2)

The feedback voltage is given by feedback fraction multiplied by the output voltage. If we represent the feed back fraction by ‘b’, we have

V_f = bV_out = V_Z + V_BE ----------------- (3)

Therefore, V_out = (V_z + V_BE)/β

As the closed loop gain is equal to 1/b we can write V_out = A' (V_z + V_BE) ----------------- (4)

Where, V_out is the regulated output voltage.

A' is the closed loop voltage gain.

V_Z is the zener voltage.

V_BE is the base emitter voltage of T₂

Power Rating Disadvantage: 

Normally the series regulator uses a power transistor as its series transistor. This transistor must be capable of withstanding the power dissipated during full load current. A proper heat sink is to be provided. The power dissipation is given by the product of the collector current (load current) and collector to emitter voltage.

When heavy load currents are expected, power transistors may be connected in darlington pair to act as the series transistor for the regulator circuit. This enhances the power handling ability of the regulated power supply of this type.

Though the series regulator type regulated power supply works satisfactorily, it has the disadvantage that it has no short circuit protection.

In any regulated power supply or in ordinary power supply the series diode will carry the load current. Accidental short circuiting of the output terminals or over drawing of current from the power supply leads to the excessive dissipation of power in the series transistor or diode, resulting in the destruction of the transistor or and the diode of the power supply circuit.

To prevent the destruction of the series transistor or the rectifying diode when accidental short circuit occurs or excessive current is drawn, we have to incorporate a current limiting device. When such a device is incorporated we call the circuit to be consisting of short circuit protection.