A regulator should maintain a constant output, within its design considerations, regardless of variation in load and supply voltage. This is not a property of a voltage regulator. If the supply voltage fluctuates or current draw increases, then the voltage dropped across the resistor changes. In something like an LED, where the forward voltage drop of the LED is somewhat constant, and if the power supply is already constant, then strictly the resistor regulates current, not voltage. A resistor depends on the relationship between its value, the current in the load, and the voltage passing through it in order to provide regulation. This is why we don’t consider the basic resistor to be a voltage regulator, even though it could be argued that it is. This often occurs in conjunction with a voltage reduction, either as a means to an end or a desirable outcome, hence the misconception. However, their absolute purpose is to provide stable, consistent voltage. ![]() Many people think of them as a way of reducing voltage, and this is indeed how they are often used. While it may seem simple, the purpose of voltage regulators in our experience is not always understood. Finally, we’ll summarise some lesser-known designs of regulators and the concept of hybrid power supplies. We’ll cover the difference between linear regulators and switch mode power supplies, look at some basic regulators made from discrete components, then look at some of the common linear regulators. There are cheap regulator modules and expensive ones, and the difference can sometimes be mystifying. Very efficient modules can now be bought to step up voltage from batteries to the 5V needed for Arduino, or higher. In addition, there is an ever-increasing array of products with which you can regulate voltage within your projects. ![]() In fact, we even discovered some things while researching for this article! Others have a sound idea of how they work and how to use them effectively, but still aren’t sure of some of the lesser-known features or traps. Many people use voltage regulators as they see them in online circuits and designs, not knowing how they are properly used beyond what is in the circuit they found online. With makers coming to the field from so many backgrounds and levels of knowledge, it is possible someone can build a very complex circuit adapted from other smaller designs, and never know how the parts work. Voltage Regulators are an item the maker comes across quite frequently. A canvass of the different types of voltage regulators makers encounter, and how and when to use them.
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