CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

I. Background of the Study

Power supply is an electrical device that supplies electricity to the

electrical load. The principal purpose of a power supply is to convert

electric current from a source to the correct voltage, current, and frequency

to the power load.

Power supply has two varieties; namely, unregulated and regulated.

Unregulated power supplies are the most basic type of power supply and

cannot provide a stable voltage to a load, nevertheless, regulated power

supplies can and have many other design possibilities. A regulated energy

supply has a consistent output voltage or current regardless of the load

speed or input voltage. The output of an unregistered power supply may

be considerably affected if its input voltage or load current fluctuates

significantly.

The study will focus on “Circuit Design of an Adjustable and Low-

Cost 1.5-30 volts power supply for 1.5-30 volts Electronic Devices” by knowing

what type of power supply is designed and how we surpass the challenges

to maintain a 1.5- 30 volts power supply. This study would like to focus on

maintaining 1.5 to 30 volts power supply for 1.5-30 volts electronic

devices. The main objective of the research is to explore the journey of

converting AC to DC circuit using adjustable power supply.

II. Objectives of the Study

The overall objectives of this study is to produce and make a Cost-

Efficient AC-DC power supply and an adjustable Step Down transformer

specifically from 220-30 Volts range with an increment of 1.5 Volts.

In particular, following were the specific objectives.

• Design a circuit that will produce a DC output from an AC

source.

• Design a power supply that is cheap but can work efficiently

• Reduce the amplitude of 220V AC source to 30V DC output.

• Regulate the output voltage from 1.5V DC minimum to 30V

DC maximum.

III. Significance of the Study

An adjustable power supply like DC voltage regulator is a device that

provides a stable, variable voltage output and is commonly used in electronic

circuits. It is an essential tool for anyone working with electronics, as it can be

adjusted to provide a specific output voltage, making it a versatile tool for a

range of applications. With the ability to regulate the voltage output, an

adjustable power supply can help protect electronic components from damage

due to overvoltage or undervoltage. In this way, an adjustable power supply is

a crucial component in many electronic devices, from simple hobbyist projects

to complex industrial applications. In this article, we will explore the basics of

adjustable power supplies and DC voltage regulators, their types, and their

applications in various fields.

 DC voltage regulators are an essential component in electronic circuits

that require a stable and regulated power supply. The significance of studying

DC voltage regulators lies in the fact that they help ensure the proper

functioning and longevity of electronic devices.

One of the main advantages of a regulated power supply is that it

provides a constant voltage output, regardless of changes in the input voltage

or load current. This is particularly important in sensitive electronic circuits that

require a steady voltage source to function correctly.

Moreover, DC voltage regulators also protect electronic circuits from

voltage spikes, which can damage or even destroy components. By limiting the

voltage supplied to a circuit, voltage regulators prevent overvoltage conditions

and ensure that the circuit operates within safe limits. Studying DC voltage

regulators also helps in understanding the different types of voltage regulators,

such as linear regulators and switching regulators. Linear regulators are simple

and efficient, but they are not suitable for high voltage or high current

applications. Switching regulators, on the other hand, are more complex and

energy-efficient, making them ideal for high-power applications.

In conclusion, studying DC voltage regulators is crucial for anyone

involved in designing or working with electronic circuits. It enables the creation

of stable power supplies that protect electronic devices and ensure their proper

functioning.
 IV. Scope and Limitations

This research focuses to make a cost-efficient AC to DC Power Supply

and an adjustable Stepdown transformer. Recent studies and researches will

be used as reference in finding out what is the most efficient and cheapest

design for an AC to DC power supply.

This research will not extend to power supply designs that will cost a

fortune rather it will focus on the cheapest and efficient design for an AC to

DC power supply. However, we might not use cheap parts in some occasions

because it might ruin the efficiency of the power supply.

CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES

This chapter represents the related literature and studies of the AC

to DC power supply design, circuits, as well as its efficiency in low-cost

production.

The AC to DC Converters is used in almost all electronics and

electrical devices. They serve as power supply circuits for household

appliances such electric rice cookers, washing machines, and refrigerators.

Usable items for everyday living, such as laptops, TVs, phone chargers,

etc. AC-to-DC converters are crucial in this process. The majority of

electronic sensors and modules utilize AC to DC converters since they can

only run-on DC power. Additionally, they are used in telecommunication,

signage displays, process control systems, factory automation, building

automation, and medical equipment. (Electrical Terminology, 2023)

The size, weight and cost of the converter are mainly determined

by these components. However, power conversion systems can be

classified according to whether the input and output are alternating current

(AC) or direct current (DC). Alternative current (AC) to Direct current

(DC) is one of those heavily used conversion in power electronics system.

For instance, a laptop battery adapter is the example of the AC to DC

conversion. (S. Mahmud, 2022)

Direct current is the form of the current that does not change with

time. DC sources lead to circuit current, voltage and power that are

constant – unchanging with time. There are numerous applications for DC

circuits but mostly used to supply power to electronic devices.

The so-called war of currents between alternating current (AC) and

direct current (DC) has its roots in the very start of electricity. The

pioneers of electricity generation Edison and Tesla both had their own

views of the mode of electricity. Edison supported DC as a mode of

electricity whereas Tesla supported AC. In the beginning, AC won the

battle of currents due to the invention of transformers an easy and cost-

effective way of stepping up and stepping down voltages as required.

Many advantages of DC distribution systems are currently driving the

market growth for DC technologies. Since equipment protection has been

a major concern, many companies have been researching DC protection

 devices. Currently, major companies have started providing products used

in DC distribution that follow existing standards for safety.

(P. Chauhan, 2022)

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

I. Review of Existing Design & Circuit Layout Design

Existing project designs and circuits for Adjustable 1.5-30 Volts power

supply is reviewed and set as reference to get design and circuit ideas. There

are two separate circuits for this project; the first circuit (Figure 1) will be used

to create a step down 220-30 Volts AC to DC transformer; the second circuit

(Figure 2) will be used to create a 1.5 – 30 Volts DC Voltage regulator. The

figures 1&2 are the recreated and revised versions of the reviewed circuits

online through a software called Multisim Live.

Figure 1. Step down 220-30 Volts AC to DC

 Figure 2. 1.5 – 30 Volts DC Regulator

In this study, we chose this circuit designs as it will be easier for the

researchers to read and execute the tangible and working model of this

project. These designs also consist of cheap materials while still

performing efficiently and without fail.

II. Hardware Preparation

i. Component Selection

1. 220 – 30 V Rating Transformer

2. 3 resistors: 10 Ohm, 50 Ohm, 250 Ohm
3. 4 pcs 1N4007 Diodes
4. Linear Voltage Regulator (LM317H)
5. 2 capacitors: 1uF, 100uF
6. 10 k-Ohm Potentiometer
7. 1A Fuse
8. Multimeter to measure voltage output

ii. Complete Hardware

*Insert photo of prototype*

III. Results
IV. Discussion and Conclusion
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are extremely grateful to our course

instructor, Engr. Melissa Ebue, for
her capable direction; smart supervision and
motivation that helped us to complete this project.
Without her constant help, this proposition would
not have been conceivable

References

[1] AC to DC Converters: Features, Design & Applications (how2electronics.com)

[2] POWER SUPPLY BASICS – Wavelength Electronics (teamwavelength.com)

[3] Advantages of Direct Current (DC): Why DC is Superior? (electricalterminology.com)

[4] (PDF) Study of AC to DC Converter (researchgate.net)