Question
How does a linear electronic voltage regulator work?
Answer Options
- A) It has a ramp voltage as its output
- B) It eliminates the need for a pass transistor
- C) The control element duty cycle is proportional to the line or load conditions
- D) The conduction of a control element is varied to maintain a constant output voltage
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
A linear voltage regulator (such as the circuit in Figure E7-2) operates by dissipating excess voltage as heat to maintain a stable DC output voltage, regardless of input voltage fluctuations or output load current changes. It is a continuous, analog control system that manages the power flow.
A linear regulator works by varying the resistance (conduction) of a series control element (typically a pass transistor) to continuously drop the input voltage down to the desired stable output voltage. This varying conduction of the control element is precisely adjusted by a feedback loop to maintain a constant output voltage, with the excess voltage being converted to heat by the series pass transistor.
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