Low Voltage Regulators with Short Circuit Protection

These Low Voltage regulators with short circuit protection can provide 6, 7.5, and 9 V from an automobile battery supply of 13.5 V nominal, however, they will function just as well if connected to a smoothed dc output from a transformer/rectifier circuit.

Two types are shown for both positive and negative ground systems. The power transistors can be mounted on the heatsink without a mica insulating spacer thus allowing for greater cooling efficiency. Both circuits are protected against overload or short-circuits. The current can’t exceed 330 mA. Under normal operating conditions the voltage across R2 does not rise above the 500 mV necessary to turn Q2 on and the circuit behaves as if there was only Q1 present. If excessive current is drawn, Q2  turns on and cuts off Q1, protecting the reg-ulating transistor. The table gives the values of R1 for different zener voltages.