Analysis of series regulators as active two-port networks

Regulators for regulated power supplies are here treated as active two-port networks. To characterize the performance, two parameters: the regulation factor R and the internal impedance Zoutare defined for the ideal case of infinite load impedance and zero source impedance of the unregulated side. A general theory is developed and specific circuit arrangements are shown to be particular cases of the general theory. For the simplest series transistor regulator it is found that R = hrband Zout = hib, hrband hib being standard hybrid parameters of the transistor. A more advanced series transistor regulator is then dealt with and extension of the theory to more complicated cases is discussed. The treatment is from a transistor point of view, but the method is also applicable to vacuum tubes.