Testing voltage regulation of MC7805 using active load

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peripatein
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Homework Statement


The attachment depicts an active load (to the right is the equivalent circuit). It is called thus because this load (measured from TP27) changes its resistance according to the controlling signal connected to TP25. The load is switched “on” (minimum resistance) and “off” (maximum resistance) using a square wave, 0...5V/1KHz/20%D.C. I may assume that Q4’s resistance, when conducting, is roughly 0Ω.
I am asked to determine the active load’s resistance and the voltage in TP25 when the active load is “on”/"off". Also, if the MC7805 operates normally, what is the current flowing through the active load?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I think that when the active load is switched "on" the BJT is active and the resistance is R18. The voltage in TP25 would be 5V and the current, 5/R18. When the active load is switched "off" the BJT is in cutoff and the resistance would be infinite (hence current would be zero). The voltage in TP25 would be 0V.
Is that correct?
 
Attachments
  • Circuit schematic of an active load: a transistor Q4 with base network R16 (180) and C16 (330n), emitter resistor R17 (10k), and collector resistor R18 (33) to a test point, with TP25 input and TP27 output; at right, the equivalent circuit is shown as a variable resistor to ground.
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Correct.

Aside: I know they told you that when the transistor is ON it's resistance can be assumed to be zero but as an exercise perhaps check what the minimum gain has to be to ensure the transistor is fully ON.