Signal modulated, self-regulating voltage regulator/amplifier controls the output b-plus voltage in modulated regulator systems. It uses self-oscillation with feedback to a control circuit with a discontinuous amplitude action feedback loop

Day, W. E.

Phillips, D. E.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

May 1967
	 Brief 67-10156 
NASA TECH BRIEF . 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Voltage Regulator/Amplifier Is Self-Regulated 
r- - ------------r 
Switching Regulator Circuit 
DC Switching Filter
I
"I
_____ 
I	 Outp 
Power ______
____ Load 
Supply
I
Circuit	 Circuit 1	 17	 Circu  ________ II t	 _______ I	 .11 I	 Bang-	 Feedback I II I Bang And 
I I	 Svitching Modulation Li.i I 
i	 I	 Control	 Mixer	 I	 I
I	 Circuit	 I	 I	 Circuit	 I	 $ 
I	 + 
L____—_---I-------J 
Signal 
The problem: 
In modulated regulator systems, the output B+ 
voltage must be very closely regulated if input power 
requirements are to be held to a reasonable level. 
Loss type dc regulators, for example, while operable 
in such systems, are quite inefficient, dissipate ap-
preciable power through heat loss, and require a con-
siderable power supply system. 
The solution: 
A signal modulated, self-regulating voltage regu-
lator/amplifier using self-oscillation with feedback to 
a control circuit with a discontinuous amplitude 
action feedback loop. Maximum frequency response is 
assured plus a substantially continuous regulating 
action by mixing of the output and input signals in a 
combining network within the feedback loop. 
How it's done: 
The switching regulator circuit is powered by a dc 
supply and modulated by an external rf signal input. 
The dc supply is connected directly to a switching
circuit that is controlled by a "bang-bang" type 
switching control circuit in the filtered feedback loop 
that incorporates a feedback and modulation mixer 
circuit. This latter circuit combines the outputs of the 
regulator/amplifier circuit and the switching control 
circuit. A filter circuit converts the output signal to a 
dc regulating voltage as it is routed through the feed-
back loop. Operating impedance of the feedback cir-
cuit to the dc regulating voltage levels is much higher 
than output load circuit impedance. This provides the 
required regulator amplifying action and, in conjunc-
tion with high modulating signal input impedance that 
is matched to the feedback signal impedance, a very 
large signal amplification. The regulator/amplifier 
is thus self-regulating with the output both controlled 
by the input and regulated to it. 
Notes: 
1. This circuitry provides a relatively large signal 
power gain; for example, 10 milliwats of audio 
can effectively control a 50-watt dc output. 
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights. 
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19670000156 2020-03-11T20:47:59+00:00Z
2. Various alternate circuit configurations are possi-
ble for obtaining a variety of outputs, all of which 
will exhibit similar close control and high gain. 
3. Inquiries concerning this invention may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Manned Spacecraft Center 
Houston, Texas 77058 
Reference: B67-101 56
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Source: Willis E. Day and Donald E. Phillips

of Collins Radio Company
under contract to

Manned Spacecraft Center

(MSC-1240) 
Hrief67-10156	 Category 01


Voltage regulator/amplifier is self-regulated

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