Which section of the circuit is responsible for maintaining a nearly constant voltage for all loads within its operating range? See illustration EL-0085.
• AC to DC power supply stages: transformer, rectifier, filter, and regulator • How a voltage regulator keeps output steady despite load or input changes • The role of transistors and Zener (regulating) diodes in holding voltage nearly constant
• Look at what type of waveform you would expect at each test point (TP1–TP5). At which section should the waveform be closest to a flat DC line, even when the load changes? • Which labeled section contains components whose main job is control (feedback/regulation), rather than simple conversion or smoothing? • Compare section C and section D: which one mainly removes ripple, and which one actively controls and limits the output voltage level?
• Identify which section is primarily the rectifier (converting AC to pulsating DC) and which is the filter (smoothing ripple). Eliminate those from consideration first. • Find the section that includes a controlling element (like a transistor) and a reference device (like a Zener or similar diode); this is usually the voltage regulator. • Confirm which section would keep voltage nearly the same when the load resistance RL changes, not just clean up the waveform.
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