There are two main types of voltage regulators: linear and switching. Both types regulate a systems voltage, but linear regulators operate with low efficiency and switching regulators operate with high efficiency.

Which is voltage regulator?

A voltage regulator is a component of the power supply unit that ensures a steady constant voltage supply through all operational conditions. It regulates voltage during power fluctuations and variations in loads. A voltage regulator usually takes in higher input voltage and emits a lower, more stable output voltage.

What are the symptoms of a bad voltage regulator?

A bad voltage regulator can even affect your cars engine. For example, as this car part stops working properly, you might notice your cars engine sputters or stalls once in a while. It might also have trouble accelerating as you drive.

How do switching voltage regulators work?

A switching regulator works by taking small chunks of energy, bit by bit, from the input voltage source, and moving them to the output. The energy losses involved in moving chunks of energy around in this way are relatively small, and the result is that a switching regulator can typically have 85% efficiency.

Which property of Zener diode is used in voltage regulator?

Voltage regulator diodes utilize the reverse characteristics of a pn junction. When raising reverse voltage of pn junction diodes, high current starts flowing at a certain voltage, and constant voltage can be obtained.

Why do we use Zener diode as voltage regulator?

When the Zener diode is given reverse bias feedback, there is a small leakage current until it attains the breakdown voltage or a constant voltage. At this point, the current begins flowing seamlessly without any change in voltage. Therefore, the constant voltage helps Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator.