Voltage Regulator using LM317 and it’s Application
1. Department of Electrical Engineering
“Voltage Regulator using LM317 and it’s Application”
PBL Presentation on
2. 31/07/2025 DIT, Department of Electrical Engineering 2
Flow of Presentation
o Introduction
o Literature Survey
o Proposed System
o Block Diagram with Explanation
o Circuit Diagram with Explanation
o Details of Software and Hardware
o Simulation Diagram/Programming/ Both
o Details of hardware and Selection of Components
o Advantages, Disadvantages and Applications
o Conclusion
3. Introduction
A variable voltage regulator is circuit which varies the output voltage by taking specific range supply at input,
and it allows the output voltage to be adjusted manually within specified range it's commonly used in electronic
circuits to provide stable voltage to components such as integrated circuits.
This circuit has an inbuilt bridge rectifier, so We can directly supply 12V AC supply form 230 -12v step down
transformer to the bridge rectifier. The whole circuit converts 230V AC to 0v – 12v DC. We can also monitor
the output voltage on the digital voltmeter, connected with the circuit We can use this circuit as a variable DC
power supply for different electronics projects and also integrate with other circuits.
4. Literature Survey
o The LM317 datasheet provided by the manufacturer (usually Texas Instruments) is a primary source of
information. It includes details about the operating conditions, electrical characteristics, and typical
application circuits.
o "The Art of Electronics" by Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill: This comprehensive book covers a wide
range of electronic circuits and components, including voltage regulators. It provides practical insights and
design considerations for using components like the LM317.
o Websites such as All About Circuits, Electronics Hub, and Electronics Tutorials provide tutorials,
articles, and user forums discussing voltage regulators and their applications.
5. Proposed System
Block Diagram :-
Bridge
Rectifier
Step Down
Voltage 230
to 12V AC
Input
voltage
12v DC
Variable
Output
voltage
o Step-down Voltage (230-12V AC): This likely represents a transformer that reduces the incoming voltage from
230V AC to 12V AC.
o Bridge Rectifier: This component converts the AC voltage to DC voltage. It essentially rectifies the alternating
current into a pulsating direct current.
o Input Voltage (12V DC) to Voltage Regulator: The rectified DC voltage (from the bridge rectifier) serves as the
input to the voltage regulator.
o Voltage Regulator: This regulates the incoming voltage to a stable output voltage. It ensures that the output
voltage remains constant despite changes in the input voltage or load.
o Variable Output Voltage: This indicates that the voltage regulator is adjustable, allowing you to vary the output
voltage as needed within a certain range
7. Sr
No.
Component Name Specification Quantity Cost (Rs.)
1 Single phase
Transformer
230/12v AC
step down
01 100/-
2 Diodes 1N4007 06 30/-
3 Capacitors 10uF,100 nF
1000uF 35 v
05 25/-
4 Resistor 1k ohm
220 ohm
02 10/-
5 Voltmeter Digital 01 150/-
6 Potentiometer 10k ohm 01 30/-
7 LM317IC 1.5 A , upto
37v
01 30/-
8 LED 5mm,10mm 02 15/-
9 Motor 12V DC,
0.15-0.75A
01 100/-
TOTAL 460
Components :-
8. Details of Hardware :-
Transformer
230-12V AC
Potentiometer
10k ohm
LM317IC
Variable voltage Regulator
Input 12v AC Output 0-12V DC
9. Advantages :-
1.Adjustability : It allows to adjust the output voltage according to specific requirements (0-12v DC).
2.Stability : Circuit provides stable output voltage despite fluctuations in input voltage and load
conditions.
3.Easy to use : Its simple configuration and availability in various package types make it easy to implement
in different circuit and application.
Disadvantages :-
1. Limited Current Output :The LM317 is not suitable for high-current applications as it has a relatively
low maximum output current compared to other voltage regulators.
2. Heat Dissipation: When regulating higher voltage differentials or currents, the LM317 can generate
significant heat, requiring adequate heat sinking to prevent overheating and ensure proper operation.
3. Voltage Regulation Accuracy: In projects requiring precise voltage regulation, the LM317's inherent
voltage reference inaccuracies might require additional calibration or compensation circuitry, adding
complexity to the design.
10. Applications :-
Battery charging system DC Motor speed controller
Electrical Projects Light Intensity Control
Electrical appliances Testing
11. 31/07/2025 DIT, Department of Electrical Engineering 11
Conclusion
o The project successfully demonstrated the design and implementation of a variable voltage regulator using
the LM317IC. Through experimentation, we observed the regulator's ability to provide a stable Variable
output voltage(0-12V DC) with current capacity 1.5. across a range of input voltages (11-12V) AC ,
showcasing its versatility and reliability.
o Despite encountering some challenges during the design and testing phases, such as component selection
and circuit optimization, the project ultimately achieved its objectives.
o Furthermore, the practical application of the variable voltage regulator was explored, highlighting its
potential use in various electronic devices and systems where stable and adjustable voltage supply is
essential., We can use this circuit as a variable DC power supply for different electronics projects & also
integrate with other circuits. highlighting its potential in powering electronic devices with different voltage
requirements. Overall, the project contributes to a better understanding of voltage regulation principles and
practical applications using the LM317IC.
12. 31/07/2025
DIT, Department of Electrical Engineering 12
Learnings
Teamwork Circuit Design Technical skills
Project Manegement Problem Sloving Communication Skills