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592azy2circuitdude
modified 1 year ago

LM317 Variable Power Supply

5
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11:04:19
My attempt at a linear variable PS (power supply) using the LM317. Notice that at low current, the power comes from the chip, but at high current load, the power transistor kicks in to support the chip. I had to update my EC LM317 model because the simpler one I have been using will not work with this circuit. My simple model seems to work well. But, it has some drawbacks. First, the input pin doesn't do anything. That means circuits that require a functional input pin, like this one, would not work. Second, the current at the Adjust Pin was not taken into account. This could lead to inaccuracies. I tried to fix this. I put a Current Controlled Current Source (CCCS) to draw in through the input pin the same current that is exiting the chip through the output pin. Now, current actually flows into the chip, and the PNP transistor will work. Not a perfect solution since the voltage is not taken into account, but better, I think. And, I put a 50uA current source on the Adjust Pin. Now, the more accurate equation for an adjustable voltage regulator is used. Vout = 1.25 × (1 + R2 / R1) + (50u × R2) Vout = 1.25 × (1 + (63.1%×100k/22k)) + (50u×63.1%×100k) = 8V. LM317 Series: Adjustable Voltage Regulator: https://everycircuit.com/circuit/6138847104335872 Constant Current Source: https://everycircuit.com/circuit/5424946364547072 Adjustable Current Source: https://everycircuit.com/circuit/4902539157569536 Soft Power On: https://everycircuit.com/circuit/6070007032971264 Simple Battery Charger: https://everycircuit.com/circuit/4594156412076032 CCCV Li-ion Battery Charger: https://everycircuit.com/circuit/5336266329292800
published 2 years ago
yra
1 year ago
I know you love the math of electronics, others of us love the application of electronics. Together we can make things better or we can say why is your power handling component not doing anything in the circuit. Shouldn't it be handling the load. Can you say PNP
yra
1 year ago
Try connecting the PNP to the - of the op amp and see how that works for you.
yra
1 year ago
- = negative
yra
1 year ago
It's kinda in the name PNP you hook two to positive and one (Base) to negative.
592azy2circuitdude
1 year ago
Hi. Yes, at low current, the power transistor is not doing anything, but at higher currents, it begins to activate. You can toggle the switch on the right to see the difference. I got this circuit example from the internet. (I searched "LM317 power supply circuit," I think...).
592azy2circuitdude
1 year ago
I'm not very familiar with transistors. I just know how they can be used as amplifiers and switches.
yra
1 year ago
High or low current, the op amp is a driver and the PNP is the working device when the circuit is operating properly.
yra
1 year ago
https://everycircuit.com/circuit/5376984800296960
yra
1 year ago
Maybe you would like this one more: https://everycircuit.com/circuit/5978615598284800
yra
1 year ago
More senseable circuit https://everycircuit.com/circuit/5287838291329024
yra
1 year ago
Just better than a regulator. https://everycircuit.com/circuit/4874671195160576
592azy2circuitdude
1 year ago
I think we may be confusing terms. When I say "load," I'm referring to the impedance the circuit is driving. Usually, they are motors, other circuit networks, speakers, etc. In this case, they are the resistors and switch on the right. The PNP transistor works together with the LM317 chip (contained inside the box) to power or drive high current loads. This is to the best of my understanding.
592azy2circuitdude
1 year ago
Also, I appreciate the circuits. I checked each one out. I liked the MOSFET regulator the most.

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