Regulated Power Supply

Regulated Power Supply

Regulating voltage involves converting an AC line voltage to low voltage DC for certain electronic devices. Computers, telecommunications including radio and phone, and process control applications require a regulated power supply to operate properly. This voltage or current regulation is accomplished with a voltage regulator, which effectively and automatically maintains a constant and sometimes programmable level and stays within certain pre-defined limits. For applications requiring small amounts of current or voltage, the most cost effective regulating is done with a zener diode, which is composed of semiconductors that pass current linearly in one direction. High voltage regulation is done electronically by using dedicated integrated circuits and pass transistors. Voltage regulation is mostly used in smaller commercial buildings and residential homes for computer equipment that require a constant flow of current as opposed to alternating current, which doesn't remain stable.

Without proper protection, many electronics and computers may be damaged due to power surges and brownouts, which can happen everywhere. To prevent this from happening, surge protectors and voltage regulators are used to maintain uniform voltage. When there is no power, uninterruptible power supply is able to keep a computer running, but when there is lower power than normal, regulators keep the electronics going. All regulators come with voltage specifications, and if the voltage power drops below the minimum amount, the UPS must operate to keep the electronic device running. Some equipment is manufactured with its own internal regulation circuitry. In these cases, unregulated supplies are appropriate. They have higher outputs and are used in higher power applications, although using voltages higher than specified for an electronic device or equipment can cause permanent damage. If you aren't sure whether or not a piece of equipment has been made with internal regulation circuitry, use a regulated power supply to err on the side of caution.