How to Make DIY Variable Power Supply

Introduction

A variable power supply is a vital tool for electronic enthusiasts and DIYers. It allows users to adjust the voltage output to provide a specific power input level that their circuit needs. An LM317 is a top-quality voltage regulator commonly used for this purpose. It helps in regulating the voltage, creating a constant current or voltage supply. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a DIY variable power supply using LM317.

How to Make DIY Variable Power Supply — **DIY Variable Power Supply**

Circuit Diagram of DIY Variable Power Supply

This project can be designed using a few basic components. The circuit diagram of this project is shown below.

How to Make DIY Variable Power Supply Circuit Diagram — **DIY Variable Power Supply Circuit Diagram**

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Components List of DIY Variable Power Supply

The following are the materials that you will need to make the variable power supply project:

1X LM317 IC
1X LED
1X 5K POTENTIOMETER
1X 220 OHM RESISTOR
1X 2.2K OHM RESISTOR
2X 2 PIN TERMINAL BLOCKS
1X PERF BOARD
JUMPER WIRES

Explanation of DIY Variable Power Supply

Description of LM317

The LM317 is a positive voltage regulator that can be adjusted to vary the output voltage from 1.2V to 37V. It is capable of providing more than 1.5A of current. It’s very user-friendly and requires only two external resistors to set the voltage. Furthermore, it includes features such as internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and safe area compensation, making it resistant to blowing out.

Specification of LM317

Output current in excess of 1.5 ampere
Output adjustable between 1.2V and 37V
Internal thermal overload protection
Internal short-circuit current limiting constant with temperature
Output transistor safe-area compensation
Floating operation for high voltage applications
Eliminates stocking many fixed voltages
TO-220 and TO-263 packages.

Conclusion

Constructing a DIY variable power supply using LM317 is an excellent way to customize your voltage supply as per your specific needs. The above guide suggests a simple yet effective way of building a variable power supply. Using an LM317 regulator and other readily available materials, one can achieve this task with ease. To increase the functionality, you can add an ammeter, voltmeter, and a current limiter to the power supply. With a little bit of experimentation, you can get satisfactory results and enjoy the benefits of having a variable power supply that meets your needs.