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Rojony Khatun
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Last updated: September 22, 2025

Regulated Adjustable Power Supply Circuit Using LM317 IC

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LM317 Voltage Regulator

LM317 Voltage Regulator

Adjustable 3-terminal positive regulator, output 1.25V – 37V, up to 1.5A

10K Fixed Resistor

10K Variable Resistor

Adjustable resistor with 10,000 ohm resistance

330-ohm Fixed Resistor 1/4W

330R Fixed Resistor 1/4W

A 330-ohm resistor rated for 0.25 watts

100R Fixed Resistor 1/4W

100R Fixed Resistor 1/4W

A 100-ohm resistor rated for 0.25 watts

47N60C3 MOSFET

47N60C3 MOSFET

A 650V, 47A N-channel CoolMOS™ power MOSFET designed for high-efficiency applications such as SMPS, PFC circuits, inverters, and UPS systems.

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Regulated adjustable Power Supply

Build a regulated adjustable power supply using LM317 IC. Provides stable, adjustable DC voltage for electronics projects, hobby circuits, and testing purposes.

LM317 adjustable power supply

A DC voltage is obtained with an adjustable and controllable supply of power using the LM317. The output voltage to the hobby circuit, testing, and other educational electronics projects may be chosen by adjusting a resistor divider.

low-voltage magnetic sensor

The Regulated Adjustable Power Supply with LM317 is a flexible project to electronic hobbyists, offering a fixed and variable DC result in voltage. LM317 is a three-terminal variable voltage regulator IC that enables the voltage to be output between 1.25V and 37V with the correct input voltage and resistor values. It is a good power supply to use in hobby projects, experimental circuits, and learning experiments. Touching a resistor divider between the adjust pin and the output results in the selection of the exact wanted voltage. The inclusion of a capacitor input and output makes the operation low ripple and stable. Optional current-limiting resistors may be used to shield the power supply and devices used. Small, inexpensive, and simple to put together on a PCB or breadboard, this circuit is an indispensable part of DIY electronics laboratories.

Work / Installation (Inputs → Outputs)

  • Input Supply → DC voltage higher than desired output (e.g., 12–40V).
  • LM317 IC → Acts as an adjustable voltage regulator.
  • Voltage Divider Resistors → Set output voltage.
  • Capacitors → Filter input and output for stability.
  • Output Load → Provides stable adjustable voltage to circuits.
  • Installation → Assemble on PCB or breadboard, connect input voltage, resistors, capacitors, and load; measure output voltage and adjust resistors to desired value.

Testing & Final Adjustments

Once assemble,d turn on the circuit and place a multimeter on it. Use the voltage divider to adjust the value of the resistors to obtain the desired voltage. LM317 should have a good heatsink with increased currents. Load test at different loads to ensure that there is no drastic drop in voltage. To have a higher level of protection, add a fuse current-limiting resistor. Ensure that the input voltage is at all times greater than maximum output to ensure that it is regulated. Fine-tuning provides a stable, accurate, and safe hobby, electronics laboratory, or even DIY power supply. Reliability can be determined by proper testing to protect the LM317 IC and circuits.

Frequently Asked Questions - Regulated adjustable Power Supply:

What is LM317?

LM317 is a three-terminal adjustable voltage regulator IC.

What voltage range is possible?

Output voltage from 1.25V up to 37V depending on resistors and input voltage.

Can it supply high current?

Typically up to 1.5A with proper heatsink.

Do I need capacitors?

Yes, for input/output stability and low ripple.

Applications?

Hobby projects, lab experiments, testing circuits, adjustable power supply.

Is it beginner-friendly?

Yes, simple assembly with resistors and capacitors.

Do I need a heatsink?

Recommended for currents above 1A.

Can I use it for LEDs?

Yes, suitable for powering LEDs with correct voltage.

Can current be limited?

Yes, by adding series resistors or a current limiting circuit.

Is it safe for breadboard testing?

Yes, if input voltage and current are within safe limits.

Rojony Khatun

Rojony Khatun

CalculatorToolsProject

Rojony Khatun is the creator of a free online tools website designed to simplify everyday and engineering-related calculations for students, professionals, and hobbyists. The platform offers a wide variety of basic and advanced calculators across key categories, including Electrical Calculators, Electronic Calculators, and Time & Date Calculators, helping users solve problems quickly and accurately.