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Switching Regulator
The graphic below shows the schematic diagram of a positive output switching regulator IC. The input voltage is input to pin 4 and the regulated output is taken from pin 1, note the LC filtering applied to the output signal. The switching voltage is applied to pin 3.
DC/DC Switching Regulator Schematic
Some switching regulators also have an external pin for feedback, and may also have an internal oscillator instead of an external pin for switching. Of course except for the polarity change[s], the schematic would appear almost identical if it were showing a negative voltage regulator.
Switching Regulator. A regulator that converts the incoming DC to a switched voltage applied to a transistor or FET with a feed-back path to keep the output voltage constant. A standard 4-terminal regulator is shown above consisting of a input terminal, and output terminal a switch input and ground.
Switching Regulator Construction
One example of the internal structure of a switching regulator. Note the input and outputs referenced to ground and the switching input pin. A 4-terminal leaded metal can is shown below as a possible package [one of many possible].
TO-72 Metal Can
Related Terms for switching Regulators.
Inductor-less DC/DC Regulators. Charge Pumps.
Integrated Switch. Another name for a switching regulator, without a controller.
Noise. Because switching regulators use a square-wave to turn the regulator on and off they tend to generate noise. The noise could pose an issue with sensitive analog circuits.
Non-Isolated Switching DC/DC Regulators. Text in review
Package Type. The case used to house the regulator
Pulse Width Modulator Regulator. PWM Regulator
Point-of-Load Regulator [Controller]. Also called a Point-of-Source Regulator. A regulator that resides next to the component receiving the output voltage. Basically any regulator could be referred to as point of load regulator, as long as it sits next to device receiving the power. In fact some engineers may refer to a regulator located on a Printed Wiring Board as Point-of-Load Regulator, in a multi-card design.
MIL-PRF-49470 - Capacitor, Fixed, Ceramic Dielectric, Switch Mode Power Supply (General Purpose and Temperature Stable)
