Voltage Regulation Calculator
Calculate voltage regulation and percentage change for linear and switching regulators
Calculate Voltage Regulation
Voltage when there is no load on the regulator
Voltage when there is full load on the regulator
Step-down (Buck) Voltage Regulation
Formula: VR = (Vno-load - Vfull-load) / Vno-load
Calculation: (0 - 0) / 0 = 0.0000
Step-up (Boost) Voltage Regulation
Formula: VR = (Vno-load - Vfull-load) / Vfull-load
Calculation: (0 - 0) / 0 = 0.0000
Regulation Analysis
Regulation Quality Assessment
Example Calculation
Buck Regulator Example
No-load voltage: 230 V
Full-load voltage: 220 V
Step-down regulation: (230 - 220) / 230 = 0.0435
Percentage change: 0.0435 × 100 = 4.35%
Boost Regulator Example
No-load voltage: 140 V
Full-load voltage: 120 V
Step-up regulation: (140 - 120) / 120 = 0.167
Percentage change: 0.167 × 100 = 16.7%
Voltage Regulator Types
Linear Regulators
Step-down only, simple design
Low efficiency, heat dissipation
Switching Regulators
Buck, boost, or buck-boost
High efficiency, complex design
Quick Reference
Good regulation: <5% voltage change
Fair regulation: 5-10% voltage change
Poor regulation: >10% voltage change
Ideal regulator: 0% voltage change
Understanding Voltage Regulation
What is Voltage Regulation?
Voltage regulation is a measure of how well a voltage regulator maintains a constant output voltage when the load conditions change. It quantifies the voltage variation between no-load and full-load conditions.
Why is it Important?
- •Ensures stable voltage for sensitive electronic components
- •Prevents damage from voltage fluctuations
- •Maintains consistent performance under varying loads
- •Critical for power supply design and selection
Regulation Formulas
Step-down (Buck) Regulation:
VR = (Vno-load - Vfull-load) / Vno-load
Step-up (Boost) Regulation:
VR = (Vno-load - Vfull-load) / Vfull-load
Percentage Change:
PC = VR × 100
Note: Lower voltage regulation values indicate better performance
Regulator Comparison
| Type | Efficiency | Regulation | Complexity | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | Low (30-60%) | Excellent | Simple | Low-power, noise-sensitive |
| Switching | High (80-95%) | Good | Complex | High-power, battery-operated |