A regulated power supply is an electronic circuit that converts unregulated AC (alternating current) into a constant DC (direct current) voltage. It is designed to supply a stable voltage or current to a circuit or device that must be operated within certain power supply limits. The output from the regulated power supply may be alternating or unidirectional, but is nearly always DC. The type of stabilization used may be restricted to ensuring that the output remains within certain limits under various load conditions, or it may also include compensation for variations in its own supply source.

Regulated power supplies have voltage regulators on their output, which ensures that the output voltage will always stay at the rated value of the power supply, regardless of the current that the device is consuming. Any change in the input voltage will not affect the output voltage because of the regulators. Regulated power supplies maintain the voltage at the desired level and are ideal for almost all types of electronic devices because of the smooth, steady supply of voltage they offer.

The most significant difference between regulated and unregulated power supplies is the use of a voltage regulator. Unregulated power supplies are designed to produce a certain voltage at a varying output. Regulated power supplies, on the other hand, have all the same parts that unregulated supplies do but with the addition of a voltage regulator. This part ensures the output delivered is smooth and unchanging, regardless of draw or input. Delicate electronics require this consistency in electricity delivery, which makes regulated power supplies necessary for some functions.

Regulated power supplies can be linear or switching. Linear regulated power supplies use a series regulator to regulate the output voltage. Switching regulated ...