Common Types of Voltage Regulators
Voltage regulators create a regulated output voltage regardless of the input voltage at either a fixed voltage level or and adjustable voltage level. Electromechanical components that are programmed to automatically ensure that the output of volts is maintained at a constant rate are also called Voltage regulator. Voltage regulator is also an equipment to design for the maintenance of a constant level of voltage. However, regulators provide automatic control during industrial and machine process. There are several types of voltage regulators that has their own advantages and disadvantages, here are some types of voltage regulators:
Shunt voltage regulator – shunt voltage regulator is very popular because it is not expensive to use in systems using 1,000 watts of power or less. The shunt voltage is popular because of the regulator circuitry is fairly compared with the other kinds of voltage regulator. These are also more efficient than series pass types.
Series pass voltage regulator – this regulator considered as the least effective type of voltage regulator. It is more unreliable than other types because its power continuously destroyed. The efficiency of series pass voltage regulator is more effective and it increases with high voltage when used a high voltage system. This regulator also remains popular because they are the least of expensive type.
Step-down series switch regulator – this regulator has a common with the series pass regulator, increases efficiency as the voltage output increases. This type of regulator is less than reliable either than the shunt types or series-pass.
Step-up shunt switching regulator – this type of regulator has the highest efficiency as a result of its complex and circuitry. It is impractical to use for certain purposes because that complexity makes the cost of this type of regulator so high. Step-up shunt switching regulator must be used under stable conditions as it has tendency to oscillate when used at maximum power and it is also worth noting.
Cost – the cost on general usage are based on different types of regulators. A higher quality series pass regulator, like for example, it might cost more than a lower quality step down series switch regulator.