Variable DC Power Supply

Source: RED Free Circuit Designs

Voltage range: 0.7 - 24V

Current limiting range: 50mA - 2A

Parts:

P1____________500R   Linear Potentiometer
P2_____________10K   Log. Potentiometer

R1,R2___________2K2  1/2W Resistors
R3____________330R   1/4W Resistor
R4____________150R   1/4W Resistor
R5______________1R     5W Resistor

C1___________3300µF   35V Electrolytic Capacitor (see Notes)
C2______________1µF   63V Polyester Capacitor

D1,D2________1N5402 200V 3A Diodes
D3_____________5mm. Red LED

Q1____________BC182  50V 100mA NPN Transistor
Q2____________BD139  80V 1.5A  NPN Transistor
Q3____________BC212  50V 100mA PNP Transistor
Q4 __________2N3055  60V 15A   NPN Transistor

T1_____________220V Primary, 36V Center-tapped Secondary 50VA Mains transformer (see Notes)

PL1____________Male Mains plug

SW1____________SPST Mains switch

Device purpose:

A Variable DC Power Supply is one of the most useful tools on the electronics hobbyist's workbench. This circuit is not an absolute novelty, but it's simple, reliable, "rugged" and short-proof, featuring variable voltage up to 24V and variable current limiting up to 2A. It's well suited to supply the circuits shown in this website. You can adapt it to your own requirements as explained in the notes below.

Notes:

• P1 sets the maximum output current you want to be delivered by the power supply at a given output voltage.

• P2 sets the output voltage and must be a logarithmic taper type, in order to obtain a more linear scale voltage indication.

• You can choose the Transformer on the grounds of maximum voltage and current output needed.
  Best choices are: 36, 40 or 48V center-tapped and 50, 75, 80 or 100VA.

• Capacitor C1 can be 2200 to 6800µF, 35 to 50V.

• Q4 must be mounted on a good heatsink in order to withstand sustained output short-circuit.
  In some cases the rear panel of the metal box in which you will enclose the circuit can do the job.

• The 2N3055 transistor (Q4) can be replaced with the slightly less powerful TIP3055 type.

• Excellent quality-price ratio: enjoy!