Voltage Regulator: Low Voltage Applications in Circuits

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the advantages of using voltage regulators over voltage dividers for low voltage applications in circuits. Voltage regulators, such as the 7805 fixed 5V regulator and the LT1074 adjustable voltage regulator, provide a constant output voltage regardless of input voltage variations, ensuring stable performance. In contrast, voltage dividers are dependent on input voltage and can only be used safely if the application current does not exceed the divider's capacity. This makes voltage regulators the preferred choice for applications requiring consistent voltage levels.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of voltage regulation concepts
  • Familiarity with fixed and adjustable voltage regulators
  • Knowledge of voltage dividers and their limitations
  • Basic electronics principles related to circuit design
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifications and applications of the 7805 voltage regulator
  • Explore the functionality and use cases of the LT1074 adjustable voltage regulator
  • Learn about the design considerations for voltage dividers in low power applications
  • Investigate the impact of load current on voltage regulator performance
USEFUL FOR

Electronics engineers, hobbyists designing low voltage circuits, and anyone interested in understanding voltage regulation techniques for stable power supply applications.

ACLerok
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This may be a dumb question but I guess it won't hurt to ask. Is there a reason to use a voltage regulator to obtain a lower voltage from a certain set power supply voltage over using a voltage divider? I guess I'm talking low voltage applications in circuits not high power electronics.
 
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the output of a voltage regulator is "independente" of its input, thus keeping the voltage constant for any input, on the other hand the voltage divider will change its output once the input voltage changes.
 
if using a voltage divider, make sure that your application current is NOT higher than that of the voltage divider. some devices are fixed voltage regulators, others are adjustable voltage regulators. for example, 7805 is fixed 5V regultor, LT1074 is adjustable voltage regulator from which we can bias to have our desire output voltages.
 
So to summarize, the voltage regulator holds a fixed output voltage, independent of Vin variations, and independent of Iout variations (within datasheet specifications for the regulator, of course).
 

Thread 'uA709 op amp compensation'

Most likely this can only be answered by an "old timer". I am making measurements on an uA709 op amp (metal can). I would like to calculate the frequency rolloff curves (I can measure them). I assume the compensation is via the miller effect. To do the calculations I would need to know the gain of the transistors and the effective resistance seen at the compensation terminals, not including the values I put there. Anyone know those values?
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