Linear Regulator Error Amplifier Operation

This is lab 3 of 12 in the course

by Texas Instruments, and Dr. Nicola Femia | University of Salerno

In this lab, students will investigate the properties and response of the error amplifier generated by the MOSFET gate driver in a linear regulator. First, students will review the architecture and the simplified equations describing the error amplifier in DC and AC operation. Students will use the simplified model to analyze and predict the AC gain. Next, students will simulate the response of the error amplifier to the perturbations of the output voltage with respect to the desired nominal value in a regulator. Finally, they will perform experimental tests with a real amplifier to compare the results with simulation. Throughout the lab, students will be answering short questions to verify their understanding.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lab, students will be able to:

Given a MOSFET operating as linear regulator, a load resistance, a DC source, a gate driver generator, and an error amplifier, calculate the magnitude of the error amplifier voltage determined by DC deviations and AC perturbations on the output voltage of the linear regulator, with specified units and decimal digits, by applying the appropriate theoretical formulae.
Given a MOSFET operating as linear regulator, a load resistance, a DC source, a gate driver generator, and an error amplifier, simulate the operation of the error amplifier to analyze the sensitivity of its voltage with respect to AC perturbations of the linear regulator output voltage, with specified units and decimal digits, to verify the consistency of theoretical predictions.
Given a real MOSFET operating as linear regulator, a DC power supply, a load resistor of given resistance, a function generator, and a real error amplifier, measure the DC and AC components of the error amplifier voltage determined by DC and AC perturbations of the linear regulator output voltage, with specified units and decimal digits, to verify the consistency of simulations and correct the model parameters.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Basic proficiency using Multisim Live
Basic proficiency using ELVIS III Instruments
Basic proficiency in circuits and analog electronics

Requirements

Multisim Live

Multisim Live is an online, touch-optimized component of Multisim, so students can design and simulate their circuits anywhere, anytime, on any device. Learn more

TI Power Electronics Board for NI ELVIS III

Application board for NI ELVIS III which provides a hands-on approach to power electronics using functional blocks and TI circuits to understand each component in a power electronics system. Learn more

NI ELVIS III

Engineering laboratory solution for project-based learning that combines instrumentation and embedded design with a web-driven experience, delivering a greater understanding of engineering fundamentals and system design. Learn more

DETAILED REQUIREMENTS

Required Software

Download Academic Software, Learn About Software Licensing

NI ELVIS III Soft Front Panel Support - Install Instructions
Measurements Live - Access
Multisim Live (Some circuits require premium access) - Access; Learn about Premium
TI Power Electronics Board Configuration Utility Download

Required Hardware

Purchase Engineering Education Products

NI ELVIS III - View User Manual & Specifications
TI Power Electronics Board for NI ELVIS III - View User Manual & Specifications

Resources

INSTRUCTOR RESOURCES

Instructor resources are available. Get access

OTHER RESOURCES

Download Configuration Utility for the TI Power Electronics Board