Author Topic: Convert AC/DC regulated power supply to variable (Constant Voltage, Current)  (Read 710 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline mastermachetierTopic starter

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 2
  • Country: us
Hello All,

I am new to electronics and have been researching AC/DC power supply circuits.

As I understand it a basic power supply works like this.

AC power --> Transformer( Takes the AC voltage down to a lower voltage) -->  Rectifier( Takes the ac voltage from transformer and makes it no longer go through negative cycle) --> Smoothing Capacitors (evens out fluctuations to create smoother waveform) --> Voltage Regulator ( further smooths signal to a perfectly smooth dc signal)

With that all said. I have a power supply at home that is a regulated power supply putting out 27v. I am trying to figure out where I would need to modify in order to convert it to a variable power supply and what steps would be necessary to have it be constant voltage and constant current. The power supply uses LM723CN volage regulator. I am guessing I'd need to someone interface with this IC with a potentiometer to be able to vary the output voltage.

Am I on the right track with this project ? Below are pictures of the power supply that I have.

https://imgur.com/gallery/JeTFYLH
 

Offline MosherIV

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1530
  • Country: gb
Hi. Welcome to the forum.

What you described is called a linear power supply.

Start by looking at the data sheet for the lm723 voltage regulator.
It should be relatively easy to  get a variable voltage psu.
However, bear in mind that the difference between input voltage and output voltage is converted into heat. You will have to make sure you have adequate heat sink and cooling.

I would not try to do current limit until you have mastered variable voltage.

 

Offline mastermachetierTopic starter

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 2
  • Country: us
Thanks knowing it’s a linear power supply took my down a good track !
 


Share me

Digg  Facebook  SlashDot  Delicious  Technorati  Twitter  Google  Yahoo
Smf