Voltage Regulator Using Zener Diode

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Electronic_Device_and_Circuits

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💡 End-Semester EDC Lab Project – Design and Simulation of a Voltage Regulator

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📘 Project Description

This project demonstrates the design and implementation of a voltage regulator using a 3.6V Zener diode to provide a constant 4.1V output from a rectified pulsating DC input (6–8V). The circuit is designed to maintain voltage stability even as the load current varies from 0 to 70 mA.

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🎯 Objective

• Design a voltage regulator that outputs a steady 4.1V from a 6V–8V input.
• Ensure proper operation across a varying load current of 0–70 mA.
• Explore the roles of capacitors, resistors, and Zener diodes in voltage regulation.

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🔧 Components Used

Component	Specification
Power Supply	6–8 V DC Input
Zener Diode	1N4729A (3.6V)
Rectifier Diode	1N4007
Capacitor	470 µF
Resistors	56Ω, 75Ω

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🛠️ Circuit Design

• Rectification: AC input is converted to pulsating DC using a half-wave rectifier.
• Filtering: A capacitor smoothens the ripple in the pulsating DC.
• Regulation: A Zener diode maintains a constant output voltage.
• Load: Resistor emulates variable load from 0–70 mA.

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📈 Results

Input Voltage	Output Voltage	Load Current
6 V	4.080 V	53.80 mA
7 V	4.096 V	54.02 mA
8 V	4.102 V	54.88 mA

• Peak voltage observed: 4.12 V
• Maximum current measured: 55.05 mA

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✅ Conclusion

• The designed circuit successfully provides a stable 4.1V output despite fluctuations in input voltage.
• The combination of Zener diode, filter capacitor, and resistors offers an effective low-cost regulation technique.
• This project serves as a strong foundation for further exploration of power electronics and voltage regulation circuits.