1. What is Load Regulation?

Load Regulation is a measure of how well a power supply can maintain its output voltage when the load changes from no load to full load. It's expressed as a percentage of the full load voltage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Load Regulation formula:

Where:

• \( LR \) — Load Regulation (%)
• \( V_{nl} \) — No load output voltage (V)
• \( V_{fl} \) — Full load output voltage (V)

Explanation: The formula calculates the percentage change in output voltage between no load and full load conditions.

3. Importance of Load Regulation

Details: Good load regulation is crucial for stable power supply performance. It ensures that connected devices receive consistent voltage regardless of load variations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure the output voltage with no load connected (V_nl) and with full load (V_fl). Enter both values in volts. All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good load regulation percentage?
A: For most power supplies, load regulation under 5% is considered good, with high-quality supplies achieving <1%.

Q2: How is load regulation different from line regulation?
A: Load regulation measures stability against load changes, while line regulation measures stability against input voltage changes.

Q3: Can load regulation be negative?
A: Yes, if the voltage increases with load (rare), the regulation will be negative. Normally it's positive as voltage drops with increasing load.

Q4: Why is load regulation important?
A: It ensures electronic devices receive stable voltage regardless of how much current they're drawing, preventing malfunctions.

Q5: How can I improve load regulation?
A: Using better voltage regulation circuitry, feedback loops, or post-regulation can improve load regulation.