Solar Application Switching Regulator

Figure 1 

The regulator circuit is being used with devices with solar panel to efficiently power lower voltage devices with or without batteries.

A variable input voltage can produce a steady output voltage with the use of a voltage regulator circuit which can be classified as linear and switch mode. The voltage is being regulated by varying the width of the DC pulse which is used to charge a storage capacitor to the desired output voltage. Devices that normally use a set of small batteries for power is using this circuit to provide power like the solar powered lead-acid battery power source. This circuit can produce common voltages such as 1.5V, 3V, 4.5V, 6V, 7.5V, and 9V. A miniature TV, portable radios, small fans, and other equipments can be powered using this circuit.

A linear current booster is another application for this circuit. Devices with running motors are commonly using LCB together with other devices that directly depend from a solar panel with out the use of batteries. It is possible to use the circuit for changing a low current solar panel input to a high current with low voltage output in the LCB mode of operation.

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