LDO linear voltage regulator

178

02:15:39

Using an op amplifier  and a zener diode as a voltage reference,  this voltage regulator does the job.  It gives 3.3v at the output. 

published 12 years ago

rbrtkurtz

12 years ago

You'll fry most common op amps trying to source 100+mA. 324s, 358s, 741s, none of them will, as far as I know. Now, they do make power op amps that can output 1A or more (I think a 569 is one). Just be careful. Don't use a run of the mill LM741 and expect things to turn out well.

Voltransistor

12 years ago

@rbrtkurtz-doesn't op-amps have a amperage regulators for the output, so it doesn't go that high, so it should be safe.

rbrtkurtz

12 years ago

Yes, op amps can continuously short to ground, and will only allow a given amount of current at the output. However, they can also. only dissipate a given amount of wattage. Plus, it isn't good practice to lean on a safety feature like that. I've seen op amps sizzle like bacon. Anyhow, at best (unless you use a power op amp), this circuit just plain won't work as intended.

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