v1.0 - June 27, 2023
The BJT Voltage Regulator v1.0 was inspired by the voltage regulation circuits analyzed in ROBT 3351: Automation Equipment. Based on a simple 3-transistor design that featured variable voltage and current limiting. This circuit was designed to be built alongside the BJT DC Motor Driver. The current limiting is important when students accidentally short the output. The capacitor allows for the storage of Back-EMF from the DC Motor. Since the capacitor is at the output, the current limiting will limit the surge current needed to charge the capacitor. A diode is placed to block the capacitor voltage from going back to the input source. A proposed over-voltage circuit protects the capacitor from high voltages but was never tested.
Note: One error was found on the PCB. D1 is placed backwards.
Digikey Cart for Parts: https://www.digikey.ca/en/mylists/list/DQN7PO1CPM
The PCB without the parts can be purchased for $10.
Things I may change:
Resistors footprints were small but that is due to a package mismatch.
TO-220 footprints were a little small.
C1 - a potentiometer hole cuts off the Silkscreen Label. Annoying but not really an issue.
The capacitor is a bit big and too close to the potentiometer.
Need labels for input voltage and output voltage.
Labels needed for LEDs.
LEDs and Potentiometers should be moved towards the front.
Resistor values should be on the silkscreen.
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