INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS

Experiment No. 3
VOLTAGE REGULATOR CIRCUIT
Course: EE 340 Section: EE31S2
Group No.: 2 Date Performed: 08/29/22
Group Members: Date Submitted: 08/06/22
Bumatay, Charles Patrick
Bunga, Dexter
Cruz, Vince Allen
Hamtig, Richard Ahmir
Santos, Timothy Brian
Villanueva, Darwin
Instructor: Engr. Marjorie Villanueva

1. Objective(s):
To exhibit line regulation and load regulation through the utilization of transistors, zener diodes and
resistor networks.
2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):
The students shall be able to:
1) Analyze the voltage regulation of series and shunt regulator circuits.
2) Examine current division from circuit branch to the load.
3) Explain the Voltage and Current characteristics of regulators and its modes of operation.

3. Discussion:

A zener diode is sometimes called a voltage regulator diode because it maintains a constant output voltage
even though the current through it changes. For normal operation, you have to reverse bias the zener diode. It
provides stable reference voltages for use in power supplies, voltmeters and other instruments. The zener diode
maintains a nearly constant dc voltage under the proper operating conditions. Certain conditions and limitations in the
use of zener diodes sometimes affect its performance in circuit applications.

The fundamental classes of voltage regulators are linear regulators and switching regulators. Both of these
are available in integrated circuit form. There are two basic types of linear regulator. One is the series regulator and
the other is the shunt regulator.

(a) Block Diagram of a Series regulator (b) Block Diagram of a Shunt Regulator

4. Equipment:
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De Lorenzo 3155E17
Connecting Wires
2 Digital Multimeters

5. Procedure:
Computation Formulas:

   
Nominal output : Uo = UV2 + UBE = UV2 + UR3 U = 0.6 V;
where:     BE
UV2 = 5.1 V
Line voltage
=
regulation (%)
Load voltage
=
regulation (%)

Where U = V (Voltage)

Activity 1 – Shunt Voltage Regulator

Schematic Diagram

Figure 3.1

General Guideline

Always turn on the base frame first before turning on the DL Student Navigator 2 Software. Turn off the
software after performing one activity and turn it on before performing a new activity to reset the software

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and hardware communication.

1. insert the Module E17 in the console and set the main switch to ON
2. connect the circuit as shown in Fig.3.2a without connecting for the moment the load R5 (dotted
line)

Figure 3.2 (a)

3. adjust the source voltage +V to 8 Vdc

4. measure with the multimeter (2) set as dc voltmeter the voltage drops at the edges of R3 (U BE) and
of the Zener 
5. calculate the output voltage at the no load circuit U o as the sum of the previously measured
voltages and write it in Tab. 3.1
6. measure with the multimeter (2) set as dc voltmeter the output voltage U o and write the value in
Tab.3.1
7. verify the equality between the measured value and the calculated one of the output U o
8. calculate the collector current of V1, by measuring with the voltmeter (2) the voltage at the edges of
R4, and write the value in Tab.3.1

Table 3.1
(no load)
Ui(+V) UR3=UBE UV2 UO IC
[Vdc] [Vdc] [Vdc] [Vdc] [mA]

Measured value Calculated Measured Calculated

value  value value

8 2.31 V 5.1 V 7.42 V 7.40 V 66.7 uA

9. keep the terminals of the voltmeter (2) at the edges of R4 and verify that if the input voltage (+V) to
the regulator decreases, the V1 collector current decreases too
10. verify, always with the terminals of the voltmeter (2) at the edges of R4, that by decreasing the
source voltage (+V) until reaching the output rated one (U V2 + UBE), the voltage UR4 decreases until
nullifying itself (V1 doesn’t conduct any longer) and the output voltage U o isn’t stable any longer but
it varies according to the variation of +V

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11. set +V to 8 Vdc and connect now the fixed load R5 to the output (dotted line)
12. observe the immediate lowering of the output voltage U o and verify, by measuring with the
multimeter (2), set as dc voltmeter the voltage at the edges of R1 (R2), that the series resistors (R1
and R2) must dissipate all the power when the load is very low or shorted

LINE VOLTAGE REGULATION

13. disconnect the load R5 and connect the circuit as shown in Fig.1.2b

Figure 3.2 (b)

14. turn R6 completely counter clockwise so to have a maximum load (R6 + R7 = 1.1 k)
15. adjust the source voltage +V to 9 Vdc
16. measure the output voltage (voltmeter (2)) and write the value in Tab.1.2
17. repeat the action of 14) and 15) for each value of U i listed in Tab.3.2
18. verify that Uo should remain essentially constant

Table 3.2 Table 3.3

R6+R7 = 1.1kohm R6+R7 = 1.1kohm
UO   Line voltage regulation
Ui(+V) [Vdc]
[Vdc] 28 %
Measured value Calculated value
9 7.47 V   
Modification 20 %
8 6.72 V M1
7 5.99 V

19. calculate the line voltage regulation and record the value in Tab.1.3
20. verify from the measurements, that the input voltage to the shunt regulator must be maintained
within a certain range because if it is not, the circuit cannot regulate properly
21. comment on the results and verify that the line regulation percentage is less than ±4%

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Modifications insertion Modification M1

22. refer to Fig.1.2b and adjust the positive variable supply to set +V = 10 Vdc
23. remove the cover of the Modifications/Faults simulator and set the dip-switch M1 to ON position
(covered dot) to increase the voltage of V2 from 5.1 V to 6.2 V
24. measure Uo and write the value in Tab.3.4

Table 3.4 Table 3.5

R6+R7 = 1.1kohm R6+R7 = 1.1kohm

Ui(+V) UO IL UO 
[Vdc] [Vdc] [mA] [Vdc]
Measured value Measured value
Modification M1 10 9V 0 (no load) 8V
8 7.44 V 5 4.84V
   (R6+ R7 = 1.1 k
20 4.54 V
30 4.34 V
40 4.14 V
50 3.94 V
57 3.74 V
(R6+R7 = 100 

25. adjust, by keeping the switch M1 ON, the positive supply to +8 Vdc and record U o in Tab.3.4 again
26. calculate, by using the values from Tab.1.4, the line voltage regulation and record the value in
Tab.3.3
27. locate, based on your observations and calculation, which percentage among these ones is the
right one in this case:
a. 0.05%
b. 2%
c. 0.7%
d. 3%
28. comment on the results and set the dip-switch M1 to OFF position
29. cover the Modifications/Faults simulator

LOAD VOLTAGE REGULATION

30. adjust the variable voltage +V to 8 Vdc again (by checking it with the voltmeter (1)) and move after
the voltmeter (1) as it is shown in Fig.3.2c to measure the output voltage U o without connecting for
the moment the load (R6 + R7)

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Figure 3.2 (c)

31. write the value of Uo in Tab.3.5 in correspondence of I L = 0 mA

32. set the multimeter (2) as milliammeter and connect its terminals between the output terminal of the
circuit and the load terminal (R6 + R7)
33. at the beginning turn R6 completely counter clockwise (R6 + R7 = 1.1 k) and verify that the
current in the load IL corresponds at about the second value inserted in the table 3.5
34. measure the output value Uo corresponding and write the value in Tab.3.5
35. adjust R6 for the remaining values of IL listed in Tab.3.5
36. measure the voltage Uo in correspondence of each value of I L and write these values in Tab.1.5
37. verify that Uo should remain essentially constant
38. calculate the load voltage regulation and write down the value in Tab.3.6
39. comment on the results and verify that the load regulation percentage is less than ±4%.

Table 3.6 Table 3.7

R6+R7 = 1.1kohm
Load voltage regulation   Ui(+V) UO  UR4  UBE 
[Vdc] [Vdc] [Vdc] [Vdc]
%
     Measured value
Calculated value 8 4.84 V 0.68 V 0V
1.28% Modification M2 8 4.9 V 0.75 V 0.75 V

Modifications insertion Modification M2

40. adjust R6 so that the series combination of R6 and R7 has a total resistance of 1 k
41. connect the circuit as shown in Fig.3.2 (b)
42. measure, with +V at 8 Vdc, the voltage drops U o, UR4 and UBE and write down the values in Tab.3.7
43. remove the cover of the Faults/Modifications simulator and set the dip-switch M2 to ON position
(covered dot)
44. slightly adjust +V to set it to 8 Vdc again
45. measure the voltage Uo, UR4 and UBE again and write the values in Tab.1.7
46. determine that the values measured with the modification M2 inserted could be caused by a(n):
a. short circuit across R3
b. open Zener, V2
c. collector-emitter short circuit in V1
d. open load resistance
47. comment on the results and set after the dip-switch M2 to OFF position.

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Faults insertion
48. maintain R6 so that the series combination of R6 and R7 has total resistance of 1 k
49. adjust +V to 8 Vdc and refer to Fig.3.2 (c)

Figure 3.2 (c)

50. set the Fault switch F1 to the ON position (or press the Fault button) to insert the Fault F1 and
slightly readjust +V to 8 Vdc
51. measure the voltage drops on Uo, UR4, UBC, UBE, UCE and UV2 and write down the values in Tab.3.8

Table 3.8
R6+R7 = 1.1kohm
Ui(+V) UO  UR4  UR3=UBE UCE  UV2 
[Vdc] [Vdc] [Vdc] [Vdc] [Vdc] [Vdc]

Measured value
Fault F1 4.85 0.69 V 0.69 V 4.86 4.17 V
V V
Fault F2 4.93 0.88 V 0V 4.94 4.94 V
V V

52. analyze the symptoms of the shunt voltage regulator circuit problem and determine which circuit
section is causing the problem
53. perform further operations and annotate your comments
54. set the Fault switch F1 to the OFF position (or press the Fault button) and do a performance check
to test the regulator for proper operation
55. set now the Fault switch F2 to the OFF position (or press the Fault button) to insert the Fault F2
and readjust slightly +V to 8 Vdc
56. maintain R6 so that [(R6 + R7) = 1 k]
57. measure the voltage drops on Uo, UR4, UBC, UBE, UCE and UV2 and write down the values in Tab.1.8

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58. analyse the symptoms of the shunt voltage regulator circuit problem and determine which circuit
section is causing the problem
59. perform further operations and annotate your comments
60. set the Fault switch F2 to the ON position (or press the Fault button) and do a performance check
to test the regulator for proper operation
61. set +V to 0V and cover the Faults/Modifications simulator

Activity 2 – Series Voltage Regulator

Schematic Diagram

Figure 3.3

1. insert the Module E17 in the console and set the main switch to ON
2. connect the circuit as shown in Fig. 3.4 (a) without connecting for the moment any load

Figure 3,4 (a)

3. adjust the source voltage +V to 8 Vdc;

4. measure with the multimeter (2) set as dc voltmeter the voltage drops at the edges of V2 and the
voltage UBE and write the values in Tab.3.9

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 Table 3.9

  Ui(+V) UBE UV2 UO

[Vdc] [Vdc] [Vdc] [Vdc]

Measured value Calculated Calculated

value value
no-load 8 0.611 V 5.077V 4.47 V 4.47 V

with load 8 0.874 V 2.734 1.86 V 1.86 V

R6 V

with load 8 0.727 V 5.075 4.35 V 4.35 V

R7 V

5. calculate the output voltage at the no load circuit U o as the difference among the previously
measured voltages and write the value in Tab.2.1
6. measure with the multimeter (2) the output voltage U o and write the value in Tab.3.9
7. verify the equality between the measured value and the calculated one of the output U o
8. connect the load R6 (dotted line 1) having a value of 10  and write, by measuring with the
voltmeter 2, in Tab.3.9 all the values of the listed quantities (by adjusting where it is necessary the
source +V to 8 Vdc);
9. disconnect the load R6 and connect the load R7 (dotted line 2) having a value of 120  and
annotate, by measuring with the voltmeter 2, in Tab.2.1 all the values of the listed quantities (by
adjusting if necessary the variable +V to 8 Vdc)
10. observe the behaviour of the series stabilizer and comment the results

LINE VOLTAGE REGULATION

11. keep the load R7 (maximum load) connected and refer to the circuit as shown in Fig.3.4 (b)

Figure 3.4 (b)

12. adjust the source voltage +V to 10 Vdc

13. measure the output voltage Uo (voltmeter (2)) and write the value in Tab.3.10
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Table 3.10 Table 3.11

(with load R7 = 120 ohms) (with load R7)

UO
Ui(+V) [Vdc]
[Vdc]   Line voltage regulation
Measured value
10 4.384 V    1.8%
Calculated value
9 4.357 V
Modification 17.15 %
8 4.348 V M6

14. repeat the action of 12) and 13) for each value of U i listed in Tab.3.10
15. verify that Uo should remain essentially constant
16. calculate the line voltage regulation and record the value in Tab.3.11
17. verify from the measurements, that the input voltage to the series regulator must be maintained
within a certain range because if it is not, the circuit cannot regulate properly
18. comment on the results and verify that the line regulation percentage is less than ±4%.

Modifications insertion Modification M6

19. refer to Fig.3.4 (b) and adjust the positive variable supply to set +V = 10 Vdc
20. remove the cover of the Modifications/Faults simulator and set the dip-switch M6 to ON position
(covered dot) to short the Zener diode V2 with 100  resistor to form a voltage divider with R1
21. measure Uo and write the value in Tab.3.12

Table 3.12
(with load R7)

  Ui(+V) UO
[Vdc] [Vdc]
Measured value   
Modification M6 10 1.078 V

8 0.735 V

22. adjust, by keeping the switch M6 ON, the positive supply to +8 Vdc and record U o in Tab.3.11
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again
23. calculate, by using the values from Tab.3.12, the line voltage regulation and record the value in
Tab.3.11
24. locate, based on the Uo values recorded at the two Ui levels, which one among the following
observations is the right one in this case:
a. the output voltage changed by only a small amount, indicating that a Zener is not needed to
provide good line voltage regulation
b. the output changed by about 40-50 %, indicating that the constant voltage produced by a Zener
is very important to good line voltage regulation
c. the voltage at the base of V1 has no effect on the line voltage regulation of the circuit
25. comment on the results and set the dip-switch M6 to OFF position
26. cover the Faults/Modifications simulator
27. keep the variable voltage +V to 8 Vdc and temporarily disconnect the jumper above R5 with the
load R7 always connected
28. verify the lowering of the output voltage (about 4.1V) under the rated value of the circuit (5.1 - 0.6 =
4.5 V)
29. confirm then that a small resistance like R5 between the regulator output and the load can hurt the
effectiveness of a voltage regulator circuit
30. short circuit R5 again (by setting the jumper again) and move the jumper from the load R7 to the
load R6, by adjusting if necessary +V to 8 Vdc
31. observe the immediate lowering of the output voltage U o and verify, by measuring with the
multimeter (2) the voltage at the edges of R1(R2), that the series resistors (R1 and R2) must
dissipate all the power when the load is very low (overload conditions)
32. remove the jumper from the load R6

LOAD VOLTAGE REGULATION

33. connect the circuit as in Fig.3.4 (c) without connecting for the moment the load R7 (dotted line)

Figure 3.4 (c)

34. adjust the variable voltage to +8 Vdc again

35. measure the output value Uo (no-load) and record the value in Tab.3.13

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Table 3.13

Ui(+V) UO (no-load) UO (full-load)

[Vdc] [Vdc] (with R7)
[Vdc]
Measured value
8 4.47 V 4.35 V

36. connect the load R7 again (dotted line in Fig.3.4 (c)) and measure the output voltage U o
37. write the new value of Uo in Tab.3.14 and verify that Uo should remain essentially constant
Table 3.14

  Load voltage regulation

  %
Calculated value

Modification M7 2.64%

38. calculate the load voltage regulation and write down the value in Tab.3.14
39. comment on the results and verify that the load regulation percentage is less than ±4%

Modifications insertion Modification M7

40. refer to Fig.3.4 (c) without the load R7 and adjust the positive variable supply to 8 Vdc
41. remove the cover of the Faults/Modifications simulator and set the dip-switch M7 to ON position
(covered dot) to change V2 value from 5.1 V to 3.3 V
42. measure Uo and write the value in Tab.3.15

Table 3.15

Ui(+V) UO (no-load) UO (full-load)

[Vdc] [Vdc] (with R7)
[Vdc]
Measured value
Modification M7 8V 4.47 V 4.35 V

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43. connect the load R7, by keeping the switch M7 to ON and record U o again in Tab.3.15
44. locate, based on your observations and calculations, which percentage among these ones is the
right one in this case and write the value in Tab.2.6:

a. 1.2%
b. 4.6%
c. 3%
d. 0.5%
45. comment on the results and set the dip-switch M7 to the OFF position

Faults insertion

46. refer to Fig.3.4 (c) with the load R7 connected and maintain +V to 8 Vdc
47. set the Fault switch F5 to the OFF position (or press the Fault button) to insert the Fault F5 and
observe the output Uo (null)
48. analyse the symptoms of the series voltage regulator circuit problem and determine which circuit
section is causing the problem
49. measure, with the voltmeter (2), the different voltages of the circuit and annotate your comments
50. set the Fault switch F5 to the ON position (or press the Fault button) and do a performance check
to test the regulator for proper operation
51. set now the Fault switch F6 to the OFF position (or press the Fault button) to insert the Fault F6
and observe the output Uo (null)
52. analyze the symptoms of the series voltage regulator circuit problem and determine which circuit
section is causing the problem
53. measure, with the voltmeter (2), the different voltages of the circuit and annotate your comments
54. set the Fault switch F6 to the ON position (or press the Fault button) and do a performance check
to test the regulator for proper operation
55. set +V to 0V and cover the Faults/Modifications simulator
6. Observation:

We observed and we compared the voltages of R6 and R7, the margin voltage drop, and the voltage of
the Zener diode in an 8 volt range. First off, there is a greater voltage across the load with R6, a 10 ohm
resistorthan there is with or without the load. This is caused by the Zener diode's voltage. The load with
R6 is noticeably less than the two when comparing the three when the voltage at the edges is taken into
consideration, but this is because the load with R6 is equilibrated to the voltage output. The estimated
and measured voltages only very slightly, if at all, deviate from one another.

7. Interpretation:

In our interpretation, Maintaining the Load Voltage R7 while adjusting the voltage from 8 to 9
and 10, we found that there is a small direct proportion to the voltage output when the voltage
input is changed. With a consistent Line Voltage Regulation percentage of less than 2%, this
circuit is effective and lives up to its name of Voltage Regulator.
When the input voltage was between 8 and 10, we replaced the V2 (Zener Diode) with a
constant resistance of 100 ohms to verify the voltage output of the circuit. There is a sizable

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difference between the voltages and those with the Zener diode. From around 4V to 1V or
below, it drops.
Voltage Regulation as a percentage has increased noticeably from 2% to over 18% as a result of
the major drop in voltage production. We measured the voltage output and discovered it to be
the same as previously, along with the Voltage Regulation percentage, after reconnecting the
Zener Diode and setting the voltage to 8 and reconnecting the R7 load.

8. Conclusion;

We therefore conclude that showing line regulation and load management for this experiment
using transistors, Zener diodes, and resistor networks. The experiment explains it and has
helped us understand what a Zener diode is. The term "voltage regulator diode" is sometimes
used to describe a Zener diode because it can maintain a consistent output voltage even when
the current through it changes.
Through the course of this experiment, our group was able to learn about the effects of a Zener
diode in a series voltage regulator as well as to distinguish between and comprehend the two
fundamental types of voltage regulators, linear regulators and switching regulators. The two
most typical designs for linear regulators are. There are two types of regulators: a series
regulator and a shunt regulator. With the help of the provided details, our crew was able to
comprehend and perform an accurate analysis of the load, line, and voltage control of a series
regulator circuit.
A series voltage regulator provides a linear controlled power supply's ultimate voltage control.
It has the advantage that, despite some current being used by circuitry connected to the
regulator, the amount pulled is essentially the same as that used by the load. Thus, attaining
the necessary values with the series voltage regulator is very efficient.

9. Assessment (Rubric for Laboratory Performance):

10. Assessment Task:

1. What is the importance of a regulator in common circuit applications? Explain.

-The primary function of a voltage regulator is to keep the voltage of a circuit within a
predetermined range. Voltage regulators are among the most widely used electronic parts because
power sources frequently produce raw current that could otherwise damage other parts of the
circuit. Voltage regulators serve a variety of diverse roles, depending on its use.
Because it regulates or alters the circuit's output voltage and keeps that value at the proper level
despite variations in the supply voltage or load current, a regulator is crucial in many common
circuit applications. A voltage regulator's goal is to automatically "control" the voltage level. In
essence, it lowers the input voltage to the proper level and keeps it there for the duration of the

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supply.This ensures that, even with a load increased, the voltage will not decrease.

2. How do we increase the current handling capabilities of regulator circuits?

-An electrical device that can increase current handling is a transistor. A transistor controls current
or voltage flow along with acting as a switch or gate for electrical signals. A transistor is made up of
three layers of semiconductor material, each of which is capable of carrying current. By adding
more current to the load via the regulator, a power transistor is used to keep the voltage constant.
This kind of transistor is known as an outboard bypass transistor. The collector current will be
significantly more than the base current if the circuit allows it.

3. Design a 1 ampere regulator circuit that can give an output of 18V through the use of an operational
amplifier.

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