A dc power supply that maintain the output voltage constant

irrespective of the fluctuations in ac mains or variations in load Is

known as s regulated power supply. A regulated power supply generally
consists of a step down transformer, rectifier circuit, and filter circuit
and some voltage devise connected to the input.

The above block diagram can be drawn as a circuit diagram

using bridge rectifier and a zener diode voltage regulated
shown in figure.
The function of each block of the regulated power supply is as
described blow:
1. TRANSFORMER- U sally in most of electronic circuits
D.C. Voltage requirements for operation of a various

electronic equipment is quite less, 3 to 24 volts. This

voltage is very small as compared to that obtained from
the main ac line. A step down transformer is used for this
purpose before rectification to get the voltage of required
value. The transformer consists of two windings. The
primary winding is connected to a.c 220 v and the
required ac voltage is obtained from secondary winding.
It works on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
2. RECTIFIR- Usually, a bridge rectifier is used to convert
the ac into pulsating dc the rectifier employed usually a
bridge rectifier due to its advantages over any other type
of rectifier. Thus the output of the rectifier is pulsating
dc.
3. FILTER- Usually, a filter comprising of capacitors and
an inductor is used for filtration of the rectifier output.
Filter is used to remove the ripples from the output of
rectifier and so smooth it out. The dc output at the filter
output is dependent upon the ac mains and applied load.
Variation in any of two results in variation of the output.
Generally a voltage regulator is employed at the filter
output.

4. VOLTAGE REGULTOR- Usually, zener or a 78XX or 79XX

series IC voltage regulator is employed that keeps the dc
output voltage constant even if there is variation in ac or the
load.