High efficiency linear regulators
Jim Williams
Introduction
Linear voltage regulators continue to enjoy widespread use despite the increasing popularity of switching approaches. Linear regulators are easily implemented, and have much better noise and drift characteristics than switchers. Additionally, they do not radiate RF, function with standard magnetics, are easily frequency compensated, and have fast response. Their largest disadvantage is inefficiency. Excess energy is dissipated as heat. This elegantly simplistic regulation mechanism pays dearly in terms of lost power. Because of this, linear regulators are associated with excessive dissipation, inefficiency, high operating temperatures and large heat sinks. While linears cannot ...
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