Linear Regulator

As its name suggests, a linear regulator is one where a linear component (such as a resistive

load) is used to regulate the output.

It is also sometimes called a series regulator because the control elements are arranged in series

between the input and output.

Advantages Disadvantages

Simple circuit configuration Relatively poor efficiency

Few external parts Considerable heat generation

Low noise Only step-down (buck) operation

Switching Regulator

A switching regulator is a voltage regulator that uses a switching element to transform the

incoming power supply into a pulsed voltage, which is then smoothed using capacitors,

inductors, and other elements.

Power is supplied from the input to the output by turning ON a switch (MOSFET) until the

desired voltage is reached.

Once the output voltage reaches the predetermined value the switch element is turned OFF and

no input power is consumed.

Repeating this operation at high speeds makes it possible to supply voltage efficiently and with

less heat generation.

Advantages Disadvantages

High efficiency More external parts required

Low heat generation Complicated design

Boost/buck/negative voltage operation Increased noise

possible

Low-dropout regulator

A low-dropout regulator (LDO regulator) is a DC linear voltage regulator that can regulate the

output voltage even when the supply voltage is very close to the output voltage. [1]

The advantages of a low dropout voltage regulator over other DC to DC regulators include the

absence of switching noise (as no switching takes place), smaller device size (as neither large

inductors nor transformers are needed), and greater design simplicity (usually consists of a

reference, an amplifier, and a pass element). The disadvantage is that, unlike switching

regulators, linear DC regulators must dissipate power, and thus heat, across the regulation

device in order to regulate the output voltage. [2]

2. Which type of the above regulators is more suited to embedded

systems?

Why?

Linear type IC voltage regulator used in embedded system because

it requires high input voltage than the output voltage it is an active

component and it receives high load current at high input voltage

and delivers the current to the load at draw voltage.

It's very small in size, cheaper than others and less noisy out there

But it has thermal e ects and has low e ciency.

At