LDO (Low Dropout) Regulators | Portable devices, battery-powered systems | Output Voltage: 3.3V ±1% (IEC 60068-2-39); Dropout Voltage: 0.3V (▲ vs 1.5V in standard linear regulators) Efficiency: 70-80% (IEC 62301) | ▲ Enables operation with minimal voltage differential (e.g., 0.3V ▲ vs 1.5V) Stable under load fluctuations | Limited current capability (typically <1A) Heat dissipation at high input voltages |
Switching Voltage Regulators | High-power applications (e.g., servers) | Efficiency: 85-95% (IEC 62301); Output Regulation: ±5% (IEC 60068-2-39) Current: Up to 10A+ | ▲ 15-20% higher efficiency than LDOs Handles high current loads | Generates electrical noise (requires filtering) Complex design with inductors/capacitors |
Buck Converters | Step-down voltage in power supplies | Output Voltage: Adjustable (e.g., 1.2V-3.3V) Efficiency: 80-90% (IEC 62301) | ▲ Efficient step-down (e.g., 12V → 3.3V with 85% efficiency) Compact design | Requires external inductors/capacitors Output ripple may affect sensitive circuits |
Boost Converters | Solar panels, battery systems | Output Voltage: Adjustable (e.g., 5V-12V) Efficiency: 75-85% (IEC 62301) | ▲ Boosts voltage for energy harvesting (e.g., 3V → 5V) Flexible voltage scaling | Larger footprint due to inductor requirements Lower efficiency at low input voltages |
Adjustable Voltage Regulators | Custom applications (e.g., lab equipment) | Output Range: 1.25V-15V (via resistors) Regulation: ±1% (IEC 60068-2-39) | ▲ Customizable output (e.g., 3.3V ▲ to 5V) Precision control | Requires external components (resistors, capacitors) Higher cost for customization |
Fixed Voltage Regulators | Standardized systems (e.g., USB devices) | Fixed Output Voltage (e.g., 3.3V) Dropout Voltage: 2V (non-LDO) | Simple, cost-effective solution Robust for stable input voltages | No flexibility in output voltage ▲ 1.5V higher dropout voltage than LDOs (inefficient at low input) |