The function of a voltage regulator is to modify the voltage in a circuit. These devices are necessary because the raw voltage from a power source frequently varies outside the operational range of the components of that circuit. Voltage regulators can have a variety of specific names, depending on their application.
Mains Regulation
Voltage regulators are commonly used to control the voltage on a main AC power line. This type of regulator works with a transformer that has multiple taps. The regulator connects to a tap with a higher voltage if its output voltage is too low, and switches to a tap with a lower voltage if its output voltage is too high. A mains regulator will not change taps unless the output voltage differs from the desired voltage by some minimum amount. This feature prevents the mains regulator from constantly changing taps.
AC Voltage Stabilization
Some voltage regulators are specifically designed to keep AC voltage within a narrow range. This type of voltage regulator is known as a voltage stabilizer and is needed in a home to keep the main voltage from damaging household appliances. Voltage stabilizers use a servomechanism to control the position of the tap on the transformer very precisely. This design keeps the house voltage as close as possible to the desired voltage.
DC Voltage Stabilization
DC voltage stabilizers control the voltage from a power source that provides a direct current, such as a battery. These devices use a shunt that only conducts electricity of a specific voltage and will conduct as much current as needed to hold this voltage. The maximum current of the power supply must not exceed the maximum capability of the shunt.
Linear Voltage Regulation
A linear regulator operates only within a particular range of voltage known as a "linear region." This type of voltage regulator acts as a variable resistor and continuously adjusts a group of voltage dividers to maintain a constant voltage. Linear voltage regulators dispose of the unwanted voltage by converting it into heat.
Switched Voltage Regulation
Switching regulators are used in applications that require a power switch to be rapidly turned on and off. This regulator is always fully conducting or fully nonconducting, which means it loses very little power as heat. Unlike linear regulators, switching regulators are able to produce an output voltage that's higher than its input voltage.
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