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# 0-30 VDC Stabilized Power Supply with Current Control 0.002-3 A

- http://www.smartkit.gr
- 647069
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- Tested

Copyright of this circuit belongs to smart kit electronics. In this page we will use this circuit to discuss for improvements and we will introduce some changes based on original schematic.

>> Discuss about this project on the forum

### General Description

This is a high quality power supply with a continuously variable stabilised output adjustable at any value between 0 and 30VDC. The circuit also incorporates an electronic output current limiter that effectively controls the output current from a few milliamperes (2 mA) to the maximum output of three amperes that the circuit can deliver. This feature makes this power supply indispensable in the experimenters laboratory as it is possible to limit the current to the typical maximum that a circuit under test may require, and power it up then, without any fear that it may be damaged if something goes wrong. There is also a visual indication that the current limiter is in operation so that you can see at a glance that your circuit is exceeding or not its preset limits.

### Technical Specifications – Characteristics

Technical Specifications

- Input Voltage: ……………. 24 VAC
- Input Current: ……………. 3 A (max)
- Output Voltage: …………. 0-30 V adjustable
- Output Current: …………. 2 mA-3 A adjustable
- Output Voltage Ripple: …. 0.01 % maximum

Features

- Reduced dimensions, easy construction, simple operation.
- Output voltage easily adjustable.
- Output current limiting with visual indication.
- Complete protection of the supplied device against over loads and malfunction.

### How it Works

To start with, there is a step-down mains transformer with a secondary winding rated at 24 V/3 A, which is connected across the input points of the circuit at pins 1 & 2. (the quality of the supplies output will be directly proportional to the quality of the transformer). The AC voltage of the transformers secondary winding is rectified by the bridge formed by the four diodes D1-D4. The DC voltage taken across the output of the bridge is smoothed by the filter formed by the reservoir capacitor C1 and the resistor R1. The circuit incorporates some unique features which make it quite different from other power supplies of its class. Instead of using a variable feedback arrangement to control the output voltage, our circuit uses a constant gain amplifier to provide the reference voltage necessary for its stable operation. The reference voltage is generated at the output of U1.

The circuit operates as follows: The diode D8 is a 5.6 V zener, which here operates at its zero temperature coefficient current. The voltage in the output of U1 gradually increases till the diode D8 is turned on. When this happens the circuit stabilises and the Zener reference voltage (5.6 V) appears across the resistor R5. The current which flows through the non inverting input of the op-amp is negligible, therefore the same current flows through R5 and R6, and as the two resistors have the same value the voltage across the two of them in series will be exactly twice the voltage across each one. Thus the voltage present at the output of the op-amp (pin 6 of U1) is 11.2 V, twice the zeners reference voltage. The integrated circuit U2 has a constant amplification factor of approximately 3 X, according to the formula A=(R11+R12)/R11, and raises the 11.2 V reference voltage to approximately 33 V. The trimmer RV1 and the resistor R10 are used for the adjustment of the output voltages limits so that it can be reduced to 0 V, despite any value tolerances of the other components in the circuit.

Another very important feature of the circuit, is the possibility to preset the maximum output current which can be drawn from the p.s.u., effectively converting it from a constant voltage source to a constant current one. To make this possible the circuit detects the voltage drop across a resistor (R7) which is connected in series with the load. The IC responsible for this function of the circuit is U3. The inverting input of U3 is biased at 0 V via R21. At the same time the non inverting input of the same IC can be adjusted to any voltage by means of P2.

Let us assume that for a given output of several volts, P2 is set so that the input of the IC is kept at 1 V. If the load is increased the output voltage will be kept constant by the voltage amplifier section of the circuit and the presence of R7 in series with the output will have a negligible effect because of its low value and because of its location outside the feedback loop of the voltage control circuit. While the load is kept constant and the output voltage is not changed the circuit is stable. If the load is increased so that the voltage drop across R7 is greater than 1 V, IC3 is forced into action and the circuit is shifted into the constant current mode. The output of U3 is coupled to the non inverting input of U2 by D9. U2 is responsible for the voltage control and as U3 is coupled to its input the latter can effectively override its function. What happens is that the voltage across R7 is monitored and is not allowed to increase above the preset value (1 V in our example) by reducing the output voltage of the circuit.

This is in effect a means of maintaining the output current constant and is so accurate that it is possible to preset the current limit to as low as 2 mA. The capacitor C8 is there to increase the stability of the circuit. Q3 is used to drive the LED whenever the current limiter is activated in order to provide a visual indication of the limiters operation. In order to make it possible for U2 to control the output voltage down to 0 V, it is necessary to provide a negative supply rail and this is done by means of the circuit around C2 & C3. The same negative supply is also used for U3. As U1 is working under fixed conditions it can be run from the unregulated positive supply rail and the earth.

The negative supply rail is produced by a simple voltage pump circuit which is stabilised by means of R3 and D7. In order to avoid uncontrolled situations at shut-down there is a protection circuit built around Q1. As soon as the negative supply rail collapses Q1 removes all drive to the output stage. This in effect brings the output voltage to zero as soon as the AC is removed protecting the circuit and the appliances connected to its output. During normal operation Q1 is kept off by means of R14 but when the negative supply rail collapses the transistor is turned on and brings the output of U2 low. The IC has internal protection and can not be damaged because of this effective short circuiting of its output. It is a great advantage in experimental work to be able to kill the output of a power supply without having to wait for the capacitors to discharge and there is also an added protection because the output of many stabilised power supplies tends to rise instantaneously at switch off with disastrous results.

### Construction

First of all let us consider a few basics in building electronic circuits on a printed circuit board. The board is made of a thin insulating material clad with a thin layer of conductive copper that is shaped in such a way as to form the necessary conductors between the various components of the circuit. The use of a properly designed printed circuit board is very desirable as it speeds construction up considerably and reduces the possibility of making errors. To protect the board during storage from oxidation and assure it gets to you in perfect condition the copper is tinned during manufacturing and covered with a special varnish that protects it from getting oxidised and also makes soldering easier.

Soldering the components to the board is the only way to build your circuit and from the way you do it depends greatly your success or failure. This work is not very difficult and if you stick to a few rules you should have no problems. The soldering iron that you use must be light and its power should not exceed the 25 Watts. The tip should be fine and must be kept clean at all times. For this purpose come very handy specially made sponges that are kept wet and from time to time you can wipe the hot tip on them to remove all the residues that tend to accumulate on it.

DO NOT file or sandpaper a dirty or worn out tip. If the tip cannot be cleaned, replace it. There are many different types of solder in the market and you should choose a good quality one that contains the necessary flux in its core, to assure a perfect joint every time.
DO NOT use soldering flux apart from that which is already included in your solder. Too much flux can cause many problems and is one of the main causes of circuit malfunction. If nevertheless you have to use extra flux, as it is the case when you have to tin copper wires, clean it very thoroughly after you finish your work.

In order to solder a component correctly you should do the following:

- Clean the component leads with a small piece of emery paper.
- Bend them at the correct distance from the components body and insert he component in its place on the board.
- You may find sometimes a component with heavier gauge leads than usual, that are too thick to enter in the holes of the p.c. board. In this case use a mini drill to enlarge the holes slightly. Do not make the holes too large as this is going to make soldering difficult afterwards.
- Take the hot iron and place its tip on the component lead while holding the end of the solder wire at the point where the lead emerges from the board. The iron tip must touch the lead slightly above the p.c. board.
- When the solder starts to melt and flow wait till it covers evenly the area around the hole and the flux boils and gets out from underneath the solder.
- The whole operation should not take more than 5 seconds. Remove the iron and allow the solder to cool naturally without blowing on it or moving the component. If everything was done properly the surface of the joint must have a bright metallic finish and its edges should be smoothly ended on the component lead and the board track. If the solder looks dull, cracked, or has the shape of a blob then you have made a dry joint and you should remove the solder (with a pump, or a solder wick) and redo it. Take care not to overheat the tracks as it is very easy to lift them from the board and break them.
- When you are soldering a sensitive component it is good practice to hold the lead from the component side of the board with a pair of long-nose pliers to divert any heat that could possibly damage the component.
- Make sure that you do not use more solder than it is necessary as you are running the risk of short-circuiting adjacent tracks on the board, especially if they are very close together.
- When you finish your work, cut off the excess of the component leads and clean the board thoroughly with a suitable solvent to remove all flux residues that may still remain on it.

### Construction (… continued)

As it is recommended start working by identifying the components and separating them in groups. Place first of all the sockets for the ICs and the pins for the external connections and solder them in their places. Continue with the resistors. Remember to mound R7 at a certain distance from the printed circuit board as it tends to become quite hot, especially when the circuit is supplying heavy currents, and this could possibly damage the board. It is also advisable to mount R1 at a certain distance from the surface of the PCB as well. Continue with the capacitors observing the polarity of the electrolytic and finally solder in place the diodes and the transistors taking care not to overheat them and being at the same time very careful to align them correctly.

Mount the power transistor on the heatsink. To do this follow the diagram and remember to use the mica insulator between the transistor body and the heatsink and the special fibber washers to insulate the screws from the heatsink. Remember to place the soldering tag on one of the screws from the side of the transistor body, this is going to be used as the collector lead of the transistor. Use a little amount of Heat Transfer Compound between the transistor and the heatsink to ensure the maximum transfer of heat between them, and tighten the screws as far as they will go.

Attach a piece of insulated wire to each lead taking care to make very good joints as the current that flows in this part of the circuit is quite heavy, especially between the emitter and the collector of the transistor.
It is convenient to know where you are going to place every thing inside the case that is going to accommodate your power supply, in order to calculate the length of the wires to use between the PCB and the potentiometers, the power transistor and for the input and output connections to the circuit. (It does not really matter if the wires are longer but it makes a much neater project if the wires are trimmed at exactly the length necessary).
Connect the potentiometers, the LED and the power transistor and attach two pairs of leads for the input and output connections. Make sure that you follow the circuit diagram very care fully for these connections as there are 15 external connections to the circuit in total and if you make a mistake it may be very difficult to find it afterwards. It is a good idea to use cables of different colours in order to make trouble shooting easier.

The external connections are:

- 1 & 2 AC input, the secondary of the transformer.
- 3 (+) & 4 (-) DC output.
- 5, 10 & 12 to P1.
- 6, 11 & 13 to P2.
- 7 (E), 8 (B), 9 (E) to the power transistor Q4.
- The LED should also be placed on the front panel of the case where it is always visible but the pins where it is connected at are not numbered.

When all the external connections have been finished make a very careful inspection of the board and clean it to remove soldering flux residues. Make sure that there are no bridges that may short circuit adjacent tracks and if everything seems to be all right connect the input of the circuit with the secondary of a suitable mains transformer. Connect a voltmeter across the output of the circuit and the primary of the transformer to the mains.
DO NOT TOUCH ANY PART OF THE CIRCUIT WHILE IT IS UNDER POWER.

The voltmeter should measure a voltage between 0 and 30 VDC depending on the setting of P1, and should follow any changes of this setting to indicate that the variable voltage control is working properly. Turning P2 counter-clockwise should turn the LED on, indicating that the current limiter is in operation.

### Data

### Adjustments

If you want the output of your supply to be adjustable between 0 and 30 V you should adjust RV1 to make sure that when P1 is at its minimum setting the output of the supply is exactly 0 V. As it is not possible to measure very small values with a conventional panel meter it is better to use a digital meter for this adjustment, and to set it at a very low scale to increase its sensitivity.

### Warning

While using electrical parts, handle power supply and equipment with great care, following safety standards as described by international specs and regulations.

CAUTION
This circuit works off the mains and there are 220 VAC present in some of its parts.
Voltages above 50 V are DANGEROUS and could even be LETHAL.
In order to avoid accidents that could be fatal to you or members of your family please observe the following rules:

- DO NOT work if you are tired or in a hurry, double check every thing before connecting your circuit to the mains and be ready
- to disconnect it if something looks wrong.
- DO NOT touch any part of the circuit when it is under power.
- DO NOT leave mains leads exposed. All mains leads should be well insulated.
- DO NOT change the fuses with others of higher rating or replace them with wire or aluminium foil.
- DO NOT work with wet hands.
- If you are wearing a chain, necklace or anything that may be hanging and touch an exposed part of the circuit BE CAREFUL.
- ALWAYS use a proper mains lead with the correct plug and earth your circuit properly.
- If the case of your project is made of metal make sure that it is properly earthen.
- If it is possible use a mains transformer with a 1:1 ratio to isolate your circuit from the mains.
- When you are testing a circuit that works off the mains wear shoes with rubber soles, stand on dry non conductive floor
- and keep one hand in your pocket or behind your back.
- If you take all the above precautions you are reducing the
- risks you are taking to a minimum and this way you are protecting
- yourself and those around you.
- A carefully built and well insulated device does not constitute any danger for its user.
- BEWARE: ELECTRICITY CAN KILL IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL.

### If it does not work

Check your work for possible dry joints, bridges across adjacent tracks or soldering flux residues that usually cause problems.
Check again all the external connections to and from the circuit to see if there is a mistake there.

- See that there are no components missing or inserted in the wrong places.
- Make sure that all the polarised components have been soldered the right way round. – Make sure the supply has the correct voltage and is connected the right way round to your circuit.
- Check your project for faulty or damaged components.

### Parts List

R1 = 2,2 KOhm 1W
R2 = 82 Ohm 1/4W
R3 = 220 Ohm 1/4W
R4 = 4,7 KOhm 1/4W
R5, R6, R13, R20, R21 = 10 KOhm 1/4W
R7 = 0,47 Ohm 5W
R8, R11 = 27 KOhm 1/4W
R9, R19 = 2,2 KOhm 1/4W
R10 = 270 KOhm 1/4W
R12, R18 = 56KOhm 1/4W
R14 = 1,5 KOhm 1/4W
R15, R16 = 1 KOhm 1/4W
R17 = 33 Ohm 1/4W
R22 = 3,9 KOhm 1/4W
RV1 = 100K trimmer
P1, P2 = 10KOhm linear pontesiometer
C1 = 3300 uF/50V electrolytic
C2, C3 = 47uF/50V electrolytic
C4 = 100nF polyester
C5 = 200nF polyester
C6 = 100pF ceramic
C7 = 10uF/50V electrolytic
C8 = 330pF ceramic
C9 = 100pF ceramic
D1, D2, D3, D4 = 1N5402,3,4 diode 2A – RAX GI837U
D5, D6 = 1N4148
D7, D8 = 5,6V Zener
D9, D10 = 1N4148
D11 = 1N4001 diode 1A
Q1 = BC548, NPN transistor or BC547
Q2 = 2N2219 NPN transistor
Q3 = BC557, PNP transistor or BC327
Q4 = 2N3055 NPN power transistor
U1, U2, U3 = TL081, operational amplifier
D12 = LED diode

### Feedback

Please tell me your experiences / thoughts building this power supply here

Also check the conversation about this project at the community. Post you questions here.

Another implementation of this power supply is located here – in Czech language

here is a board made by Sam Carmel and worked nice

Daniel’s build of PSU – front view with LCD voltmeter
Potensiometers for coarse and fine voltage adjustment and current regulator

Daniel’s build of PSU – internal view. A mobile phone charger is used as power supply for voltmeter

Daniel’s build of PSU – internal view. He is going to change 2200uF a 6800uF capacitor to reduce ripple in high load.

Daniel’s build of PSU – internal view. new capacitor (6800uF x 40V) to improve ripple filtering

Daniel’s build of PSU – internal view. Modification to protect the LM311

Received the following email from Daniel on 06/2012:

I only face a problem with one of the biggest plagues in electronics now… Fake components. I bougth a fake 2N2219 and it last 100ms (or less) in my first try. As the piece was new I never suspected on it. I spent 2 hours looking for the problem and I could not believe when I test it… I had more two I bougth togeter, they had the same destiny… For my lucky I had a box with old components (some dates from the 70´s) and there I found a genuine Motorola 2N2219… This is running perfect. This was the only difficulty I found…

Received the following email from Ivan on 02/2010:

Ok. I bulid your project about a day ago. Mounted all the parts on the pcb and then concluded that there is some serious problems in this schematics. First, 2N3055 will overheat, so you have to connect two of them in parallel with emitter resistors 0.1ohm/5w. Second, maximal voltage between ‘+’ and ‘-‘ of TL081 is 36VDC.If you connect them as it is shown in this circuit diagram that voltage will be about 45VDC, so they will burn down immediately. To fix this problem you have to reconnect all pins number 7 of U1, U2 and U3, emitter of Q3 and ‘upper’ end of R19 to out of an 7809 with 18V zener diode between ‘common’ pin and ‘-‘ of 3300uF cap, and input of 7809 connect to ‘+’ of the same cap. Now, on pin number 7 and mentioned parts you’ll have 27VDC, and total voltage will be 32.6VDC. Third, instead of using 3300uF, use 4700 or 6800uF/63VDC to reduce the ripple on higher currents (2-3A). The rest of the circuit is perfect. I like it cause it is so inexpensive and easy to make with those simple reconstructions i mentioned.

A great addition to your PSU would be a Voltmeter + Ammeter LCD panel. Check it here!

LCD multimeter – Volt & Amper meter

### PCB

## Comments

- Pingback :
  Laboratuvar Güç Kaynağı Yapımı | elektrokod

  […] http://www.electronics-lab.com/project/0-30-vdc-stabilized-power-supply-with-current-control-0-002-3&#8230; […]

  3 years ago
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- Pingback :
  Digital Power Supply – Part 3: Concept comparison « Electro Bob

  […] The electronics lab design: uses a single secondary, but needs to generate a negative supply for the current op-amp to be able […]

  3 years ago
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- Pingback :
  DIY Universal Battery Charger Circuit with Variable Auto Cut-off Voltage - W3Epic

  […] http://www.electronics-lab.com/project/0-30-vdc-stabilized-power-supply-with-current-control-0-002-3&#8230; […]

  10 months ago
  Reply

- David Tilley

  Are there any ready made pcb’s with no components mounted, available for this project ?

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Ed Luke

    You a slightly modified version of this power supply as a kit from Banggood for about 10 bucks. The project code is SKU179821.

    3 years ago
    Reply
  - nayaz

    iwant 0to30v 500ma to 5amp shortcircuit protection pcb or assamble bord send price 9980977928

    3 years ago
    Reply
  - Marcelo

    yes, here -> http://www.banggood.com/pt/0-30V-2mA-3A-Adjustable-DC-Regulated-Power-Supply-DIY-Kit-p-958308.html

    2 years ago
    Reply
  - Jagdish Prasad Saini

    Yes a ready made PCB with components is available at ali express in cheap price . please search with same name of this article on ali express.

    1 year ago
    Reply
  - sergaasg19

    Yes, here I used this scheme
    http://got.by/1hwxr3

    1 year ago
    Reply
    - sergaasg19

      Here is my ready power supply

      but unfortunately in Russian

      1 year ago
      Reply
- Jaswinder Pal Singh bath

  Sir Required power supply kit 0-30 v 5AMP send price

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Atul.A.Ghatage

    sir you can contact me on my email will help you atulghatage@gmail.com

    2 years ago
    Reply
- Octavio

  Thanks for finally writing abkut >0-30 VDC
  Stabgilized Power Supply with Crrent Control
  0.002-3 A – Electronics-Lab <Loved it!

  3 years ago
  Reply
- Wendell Potter

  What is the purpose of the 18V zener proposed by Ivan ? The 18V zener seems to have no effect.

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Robert Gibbons

    An 18 volt zener in the ground leg of the 7809 raises the output voltage to 27 volts regulated.

    2 years ago
    Reply
  - Pierre

    Ivan’s proposal burned the 7809. It regulates it for a while until it eventually burns up and melts its own pins off.

    2 years ago
    Reply
- Sankar

  can i use a 24v dc as a input to have current and voltage control

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Marcelo

    The circuit must be connected to 24V alternating current power, and direct current is forbidden.

    2 years ago
    Reply
    - Søren Brun

      i was not thinking clear and tried testing it with a dc psu..
      which components might be damaged from this unfortunate mistake? im getting my input voltage out on my output and the same voltage on the output of all the opamps.. the voltage on the negative rail is .8 volts.. nothing happens when i turn my pots.. i tried changing all the 081’s no difference

      2 years ago
      Reply
      - René LEFEBVRE

        You MUST have -5v on the negative rail. It’s mandatory for this schem.

        2 years ago
        Reply
- Kasun Nanayakkare

  Hi there,
  What’s the software you used in designing this board??

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - subrat kumar jena

    WHERE SHOULD RV1 BE CONNECTED IN (PIN NOS.) U2

    3 years ago
    Reply
    - JAn

      connect to pin 1 and pin 5 ( offset pins )

      3 years ago
      Reply
- Don

  I see that the transformer used in the picture is labeled 24V 3A and that the design is for a 3A capability to the load. Has this arrangement ever been tested for full 3A output at 30Vdc?? It’s been my experience (many years) that a good rule of thumb for transformers is that under rated load the rectified and filtered voltage will be about the same as the transformer specs. That is, the dc output from a full wave rectifier and filter will be 24vdc with a 3A load when using a 24V 3A transformer. It seems to me that a transformer with a higher current rating must be used in order to achieve 30Vdc at 3A. After all, the supplied voltage must always be higher than 30Vdc if one wants 30Vdc out.
  tnx

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Aung Nay Lin

    please tell me.
    What IC can I use for voltage regulator

    4 months ago
    Reply
    - admin

      Which voltage regulator do you mean?

      4 months ago
      Reply
      - Aung Nay Lin

        Can I get calculation for this project?

        2 months ago
        Reply
- Pedro

  Hi. I built this power supply. I have a problem. To bring the voltage to zero, increase to the maximum value (40V). That may be happening?

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - JEB

    I also build and finish this project but when power is on the voltages is stay at 34v and all controls are not function P1, P2 even the VR1 is disable. can you please help me any suggestion for this is appreciated.

    3 years ago
    Reply
    - Marcelo

      recheck Q2 = 2N2219 NPN transistor position. confirm emmiter to 2n3055 base.

      2 years ago
      Reply
    - mato10

      Hey can i ask you if you find a solution for this problem because i have the same error.

      2 years ago
      Reply
- majid maroc

  please can you send how to make stabilized power supply Variable from 220v 24V & 5V + 7A in Output

  3 years ago
  Reply
- Amir

  What is the pcb size?

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Marcelo

    8,5 cm x 12 cm

    2 years ago
    Reply
- Saiful islam

  Please tell me what the printing size of pcb.

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Marcelo

    8,5 cm x 12 cm

    2 years ago
    Reply
    - Sarkar Yadav

      Brother if i download the above image file of the pcb and resize it to 8.5cm x 12cm would it work for me??? Quality is nice you’ve put a nice project on internet.

      1 year ago
      Reply
      - admin

        Sure, try it by fitting an ic to it’s socket.

        1 year ago
        Reply
- Bilal azhar

  Can we use a 3 A bridge rectifier instead of D1, D2, D3, D4 ? plz reply ?

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Electronics Lab

    Sure, just remove the diodes and make sure you connect the bridge rectifier the correct way.

    3 years ago
    Reply
  - Nouman

    yes bro you can use 3A bridge rectifier

    3 years ago
    Reply
- Pat

  Can this circuit be modified to generate 0 to -30VDC? Do you have a recommended circuit to generate negative voltage?0 to -VDC.
  Charge pump? Thanks

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - René LEFEBVRE

    Branch it in reverse and you have -30 V

    2 years ago
    Reply
- Shane

  What if I wanted to add an LED indicator for when the circuit enters constant voltage? Where can I put the LED? Thanks

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Eyal

    How does this circuit compare with others that use the LM2596 chip? I’ve seen designs with voltage and current limiting, like this one. For example, with three potentiometers: http://m.aliexpress.com/item/1841588052.html

    3 years ago
    Reply
- ahmed allam

  Hi
  I have power supply 24 volt /5 amp and I want to make current control circuit 0:5 amp for it.
  Can you help me to do it

  3 years ago
  Reply
- Eyal

  How does this circuit compare with others that use the LM2596 chip? I’ve seen designs with voltage and current limiting, like this one. For example, with three potentiometers: http://m.aliexpress.com/item/1841588052.html

  3 years ago
  Reply
- dumba

  hi there, i’d like to know what is the correct and final schematic of this power supply once the corrections have been made! thanks a lot

  3 years ago
  Reply
- elctrost

  I did everything an my setup does not working.
  Current limitter is working perfectly, but voltage limiter from P1 not working, voltage stay the same no matter of P1 position except when is at minimum, when voltage drop at 0 V

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - elctrost

    got it working, forgot to make circuit between C9 an pin 2 of U2 😉

    3 years ago
    Reply
    - juju

      hey it works properly?

      2 years ago
      Reply
- Vikas kumar singh

  Can i get the Calculations

  3 years ago
  Reply
- shushank

  HI i made the above supply and i got an output around 25V but My potentiometers dont seem to work at all. I can neither vary current nor the voltage. Can anyone suggest me a possible problem,,,….with my circuit.

  3 years ago
  Reply
- hamed

  dosent work it was awful

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Electronics Lab

    There are reports that this power supply works. I suggest you to follow the PCB design and not the schematic itself. Please also check all your connections and parts placement.

    3 years ago
    Reply
    - hot

      to who it may concern this design is all over ebay just a few changes made transistor and layout

      3 years ago
      Reply
- Lurchi

  With the TL081 OPs the circuit will not work reliably with a transformer of more than about 20 V. The maximum voltage will be somewhere near 24 V then. For getting 30 V, one needs an OP that can withstand a higher supply. At 3 A current chances are the output transistor will blow up – check the SOA diagram of the Transistor and use some derating for not so perfect cooling. So the 3 A might be OK with a 15 V transformer.

  3 years ago
  Reply
- Sooraj S A

  Could you provide the pcb layout for above circuit?

  3 years ago
  Reply
- rav

  I’m from philippines and there is no available 2n2219 in my country. what is your suggested replacement part for 2n2219? pls. replay. thank you

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Andre

    BD139 works well

    3 years ago
    Reply
  - Jagdish Prasad Saini

    D 882

    1 year ago
    Reply
- Bubu54

  Hy,

  If anyone would like just the pcb to be built please contact me I can do it for you.

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Milan Bravený

    I am interested in PCB Specify price

    2 years ago
    Reply
    - Electronics Lab

      We are sorry, we don’t sell PCBs, but you can find a kit of this power supply on ebay.

      2 years ago
      Reply
  - Atul.A.Ghatage

    Yes i would like a PCB to be made let me know its cost and courier charges and time required

    2 years ago
    Reply
    - admin

      We are sorry, we don’t sell PCBs of this project, but you can find them on Alixepress.

      2 years ago
      Reply
- bipsen

  If I want to limit the maximum current to 1A or 2A – how can I do this?
  My concern is that with 30V and 3A – if the output is short circuited, 90 Watt will put into Q4 – that requires a massive heatsink…

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Electronics Lab

    To limit the current you have to set P2 to a lower value, so that the current limiting circuitry triggers at 1A or 2A

    3 years ago
    Reply
  - helpmaboab

    Choose a 30V 1A transformer. If shorted it can only deliver 30W for dissipation at Q4.

    You will need to experiment with the values of R17, R18, P2, to ensure that P2 cannot command more than 1Amp which would cause the transformer to overheat.

    3 years ago
    Reply
- Spithas Peraia

  Hy .
  Bought two kits from Aliexpress one works well ! !
  The second raises not go 12 volts. . .
  A help please. .

  3 years ago
  Reply
- Spithas Peraia

  I found fixes the problem. .
  27 KOhm 27O KOhm Placing WRONG. .

  3 years ago
  Reply
- eili

  how could you hope to have 30v Dc from 24v dc with a linear regulator? magic?

  you’lose some volt because the rectifier, because the transistor Q4 etc
  i don’t need your answer :p

  3 years ago
  Reply
- Anon

  Bravo, Ivan, Lurchi & Don

  The comments are right, that is a seriously overhyped output.

  Doubling the 2N3055 and using a 7809 or similar to get 27V to run the OPs is a great idea. However, U2 will then not be able to drive the OP stage much higher than about 18V or so under max current conditions.

  I think with the right caps (2x6800uF or so) on a 0-30V 3A transformer, plus a different (i.e. expensive) choice of opamp [run from GND to the unregulated supply of about 44V] that can drive output close to those rails, it could actually do 30V @ 3A.

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Mark

    I did wonder about drive for the pass transisters if doubling up. However two transistors would only be sharing the current to assist in heat dissipation. Then I would expect lower base current for each transistor. So when ‘n’ma is needed for one transister then each of a pair would need ‘n/2’ma each so no change. I will breadboard this first before cutting metal.

    3 years ago
    Reply
    - Pierre

      yeah, however, Ivan’s email for adding 7809 just melts its own legs off. Is there any way to share the load even more (besides doubling 7809)?

      2 years ago
      Reply
  - ILESH patel

    I want solution for overheating U3 …….plz help me

    2 years ago
    Reply
    - piet pompies

      hi ILESH could you find a solution yet i also have the same problem

      2 years ago
      Reply
- JEB

  voltages is stay at 34V when power is on. P1, P2 and RV1 are disabled. any suggestions for this is apprecieted.

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Electronics Lab

    Please double check your connections and parts orientation according to PCB layout. Also check the Q2 and Q4 for fault.

    3 years ago
    Reply
    - jo black

      please i need help u3 is overheating

      2 years ago
      Reply
- bunday

  pls can someone help me with some changes I will have to make if I was limited to using discrete components throughout

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Electronics Lab

    There is a discussion on the forum about this power supply, where you can get some help. http://electronics-lab.com/community/index.php?/forum/107-projects-qa/

    3 years ago
    Reply
- dipak

  in this ckt aux supply of tl081 …near about 39 v & in spec.. +- 18 is it right?

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - Electronics Lab

    In spec maximum voltage is 36Vdc

    3 years ago
    Reply
- grahamed

  I don’t know whether this has been said before but the circuit was published in Practical Electronics Oct 1978. I built two and they have been working fine for 30 years and more

  3 years ago
  Reply
  - R.Jegadeesan

    your circuit is same as published here or any modification is there.what type of ic and transistor you have used.

    1 year ago
    Reply
- Mark Baker

  My PSU journey. Starting with the banggood kit.

  First I put to one side the rectifier diodes, op amps, pass transistor and smoothing cap. My transformer was a 12.0.12 toroid at 6A. I paralleled both outputs to give 12 amp headroom. The rectifier diodes were swapped from 3 to 10amp devices and all op amps replaced with devices from quality suppliers (RS etc.). The smoothing cap is a pair of Rubycon ZL 2200uF in parallel. The pass transistor was swapped for a pair of tip3055s and 0.01ohm 3W balance resistors on a 1.2c /W heat sink. A 5A NTC was added to control switch on surge with the low ESR caps. I have yet to mod the current limit to max out at 5A but everything works fine so far.

  My thinking was that 99% of all experimentation is done at 12v or less and usually around 1A, so why build to 30v? I have loads of headroom, a cool supply and something that should be reliable.

  3 years ago
  Reply
- abhijeet bhagat

  how to add digital voltmeter ammeter module in this project

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - Electronics Lab

    You can add a digital voltmeter like this one: http://www.electronics-lab.com/project/led-display-digital-voltmeter/ or http://www.electronics-lab.com/project/digital-panel-meter-dpm-dvm/ This meter is connected in parallel to the output of power supply.

    2 years ago
    Reply
  - Ternce

    Here on aliexpress two examples:

    Voltmeter

    https://fr.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=&SearchText=5+Chiffres+0.36+%22DC+0-33.000+V+Num%C3%A9rique+Voltm%C3%A8tre

    Ammeter

    https://fr.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20170517140332&SearchText=0.36+%225+Chiffres+0-3.0000A+DC+Amp%C3%A8rem%C3%A8tre+Num%C3%A9riqu

    1 year ago
    Reply
- Anon

  OK, I got this running.

  Unregulated supply mods:
  0-30V 100W transformer (should have got a 120W – the 100W is a little out of spec at full output 30V@3A, as the drive circuitry soaks up about 20W or so).
  8A bridge rec
  A big cap is needed to reduce ripple at full output. I used 2 x 6800uF caps. A 10000uF would have done, but I got the 2 smaller caps cheaper.
  This gives (unloaded) 46V DC, at rated (3A) output that should be 41V DC.

  Now the mods to main circuit:
  D7 is replaced by 2 x 1N4148 to get a -1.3V negative rail. No need for any more volts.
  U1 & U3 are run from a zener diode connected to the unregulated +ve supply, a 15V zener drops the voltage plenty enough.
  Q3 & R19 use the same zener as U3.
  U1 pin 4 moved to pin 4 (junction of R7/C7).
  Q4 is doubled up, adding 0.1Ohm 3W emitter resistors.

  U2 is a MC33171, it is within spec with the unregulated DC supply and was quite cheap for me to buy. R10 is a wire link for this opamp.
  U1 & U3 are TL071, no particular reason, any old cheap utility opamp will work, 741s, anything.

  The Q4s are on a big heatsink sat outside the project box. 1.5C/W I would say is minimum.

  So far, so good.

  2 years ago
  Reply
- AWNISH SHARMA

  Hi Anon,

  Can you share the updated schematic please.

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - Electronics Lab

    Check this forum topic: http://electronics-lab.com/community/index.php?/topic/40835-0-30v-0-3a-latest-data/

    2 years ago
    Reply
    - Anon

      Yes, almost identical to schematic in the first post in that thread.

      Except I ran U1 from its own 15V zener, as my U1 is a TL071 and the unregulated +46V DC is a bit much for it.

      Also I changed R13 & R14 like the schematic in 1st post, to account for -1.3V rail.

      2 years ago
      Reply
      - Anon

        Also, Q2 will need a decent heatsink as it dissipates 2 or 3W at full output into a short, I used a piece of aluminium about 25mm x 75mm

        2 years ago
        Reply
        - Anon

          Quick update:

          “D7 is replaced by 2 x 1N4148 to get a -1.3V negative rail. No need for any more volts.”

          With a TL071 for U3, I used 4 x 1N4148 to get -2.6V.

          With only -1.3V the output of U3 did not go low enough to correctly current limit into very low resistance loads (e.g. short).

          2 years ago
- T0astbr0t

  Hi,
  I build this Power Supply yesterday and my current control does not work. I checked for shorts and dry solder joints. What can caues this Problems, pls help.

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - Electronics Lab

    Did you used a load to test the power supply operation?

    2 years ago
    Reply
    - T0astbr0t

      Yes I used a 60 Watt Car Lamp, and I found my mistake. For R17 I accidentaly used 33k Ohm and not 33 Ohm. Now it workes great. Just like I hoped, and for sone reason the maximum output current is 4,5 amps, bit thats is not that bad, because I use a 15V 5A Transformer.

      2 years ago
      Reply
- Arjobax

  Hi,
  I modified this design (you can not call it modification really) to work with two switching PSUs (+30/-9 DC input instead of using a transformer) Wondering what limiting the maximum current to 3 amps. Is it the R7 value or Q4 maximum power? Is it possible to use a more powerful transistor for Q4 and if it is necessary a lower value for R7 to achieve higher maximum current?(around 7-10 amps)
  Thank you for this great design. Works perfectly

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - ILESH patel

    Can u give me your modified circuit diagram

    2 years ago
    Reply
    - Electronics Lab

      There are many topics on the forum discussing about this power supply. Check here: http://electronics-lab.com/community/index.php?/forum/107-projects-qa/

      2 years ago
      Reply
- Anon

  “Wondering what limiting the maximum current to 3 amps.”

  Power considerations… heatsinks.

  This design really needs about 0.7deg/W for Q4 on 3A@30V output into a short. With a fan on the heatsink you get away with a smaller one as I did (1.3deg/W). To be properly rated with a passive heatsink… that is a big heatsink.

  If you go to between 6A – 10A you also need to cool the bridge rec, make careful choice (maybe even two trans in parallel) of Q2 (2N2219 is not high power, Q2 needs to handle around 10W if output is 10A) and its heatsink will be significant. The main heatsink for your Q4s will need to be suitably large, almost certainly actively cooled, at which point thermal protection becomes a very desirable feature.

  Probably some other detail changes needed too.

  Yes, 0R47 would also change, but that’s the easiest bit and needs almost no thought 🙂

  2 years ago
  Reply
- mahdi

  i’ve fond in the net two separate diagrams of this power supply with different zeners and diode values 5.6v against 5.1v, 1N4004 against 1N4001 !
  what should i retain to realise this power supply ? thank you for your help.

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - Tarunjeet Singh

    sit is that this supply have short short circuit protection ?

    2 years ago
    Reply
- Martin

  Hello Electronics Lab
  I think your design looks exciting because it uses single opamp. Is it stable to HF? I would like to go a little in a different way and make it powerful … very powerful .. 0-18V / 50A and with a switch 18-36V / 25A. Transformer 2x16V 1000W
  I have a few questions.
  1. Which opamp can be used instead of the TL081 due. Supply up to 47V.
  2. U3 should I have to work with a smaller voltage.
  (R7x3A = 1,41V) I would like to have the down to R7x50A = 0,50V (1A = 10mV) P2 switched to multiturn (x20)
  3. Q2 I switch to 1xTIP141T and Q4 are 40xTIP141T, but can the voltage regulation still reach 0 and up to 36V

  2 years ago
  Reply
- branislavm

  Can someone please explain me how U1 works? I am having 0 volts at pins 2, 3 and 6. It should start raising voltage at pin 6 until D8 conduct, but it happily stays at 0V. Using 5532 there – I tried few new, all works the same (I mean, it is not broken). What voltages should appear on pins 2, 3 and 6? Pins 4 and 7 are on power supply, 0V and around 35V. No short connections, everything seems fine.

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - Anon

    “What voltages should appear on pins 2, 3 and 6? Pins 4 and 7 are on power supply, 0V and around 35V. ”

    pin 2, 5.6V
    pin 3, 5.6V
    pin 6, 11.2V

    check again for correct connections, and/or try it with R18 and P1 removed.

    2 years ago
    Reply
    - Anon

      BTW 5532 is a dual chip, pinout is different, pin 1 is OP, pin 2 is inv IP, pin 3 is non-inv IP. You know that I assume.

      2 years ago
      Reply
      - branislavm

        Thanks! I’ve put those 5532 on a protoboard and found a defective 5532. Not used before. Probably it comes from Chinese production.

        2 years ago
        Reply
- Ryan

  I have a question about this power supply. I am attempting to create a pulsed DC current suitable for electroplating. One of the issues with ripple and that creating pulses tends to make voltage spikes in a constant current rectifier. I’ve tried a simply chopper circuit bench power supply hooked up to the anode with limited but promising results. I’m theorizing its these voltage spikes keeping it from being ideal. Would this type of power supply avoid these spikes due to its constant gain amplifier? Could something like this be modified to deliver pulsed DC current? Thanks in advance!

  2 years ago
  Reply
- juanemc2

  I built this project and it is working from 19 to 27 volts and the current limitation works, but I can’t find out why it does not go down to 0 volts. Could you give me a hint?

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - Marcelo

    Double check 2N2219 and 2n3055 (polarity and condition). 2n2219 at emiter goes from 0v to 10v, check this 0-10 at 2n3055 base too.

    2 years ago
    Reply
- Terence

  Hello to all

  Forgive my broken English, I use a translator.

  I read the long article on this project and I have some questions to ask your community.

  – Who managed to complete and test this project?
  – What is the % regulation (difference between load voltage and full load voltage)?
  – Which schematic would you advise me to use?
  – Is there a quirky available for burning?

  Regarding the voltage display and intensity, I have chosen them for their quality, precision and … the price!
  While this can be useful:

  https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20160915075211&SearchText=DC+0-4.3000-33.000V
  https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20160915071342&SearchText=DC+0.0000-3.0000A

  Thank you in advance !

  Terence

  2 years ago
  Reply
- Pierre

  Wait hold on, I will quote sir Ivan’s first point, “2N3055 will overheat, so you have to connect two of them in parallel with emitter resistors 0.1ohm/5w.”

  Does he mean there would be two of these power transistors (2N3055) connected in parallel on the same 7,8 & 9 connections (on the PCB-component design) and each of these would have an emitter resistor in their own respective parallel branches? Just need a little clarification before I completely fire up the PSU.

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - Marcelo

    You do not have to worry about heating if you use a really good computer’s cooler with fan. Remember, at full power, the power delivered is 90 watts.

    2 years ago
    Reply
    - Pierre

      Hold on, but where on the 2N3055 power transistor should I put the resistors? Should I put it on the collector, emitte or base..? Thanks for the cooling tip though

      2 years ago
      Reply
- Jean-Christophe Ruel

  Be aware that if your circuit doesn’t work, maybe you didn’t know that electrolitic and polyesther capacitors are not the same… (C4, C5)

  2 years ago
  Reply
- branislavm

  Someone asked about printed board – complete DIY kit with excellent 2 sided board on Aliexpress is under $7 with free shipping. I bought 2 and both are already in use. You need to add transformer and cooler (the one from old processors or graphic cards works the job, but just replace 7824 with 7812). Great stuff!

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - Marcelo

    I did exactly the same thing, bought a board at Aliexpress, put a transformer and a 7812 and is working perfectly.
    By the way, also build the project shown here. I have both versions running. I’ll post the photos of the assemblies.

    2 years ago
    Reply
    - admin

      Feel free to post your experiences building this PSU on the forum: http://electronics-lab.com/community/index.php?/forum/107-projects-qa/

      2 years ago
      Reply
- regardt kotze

  can anyone please tell me why U3 is getting hot when i turn it on i cgecked but al my parts are in the right position

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - Placido Dignos

    I had just built today this power supply using the schematic and pcb lay out and everything works fine,maybe you have a bad solder or some parts are wrongly placed, recheck all connections and all soldered points it should looks shiny if properly soldered.

    1 year ago
    Reply
- Luis Miguel

  I’ve mounted this project and some modifications …
  First: Isolate the power supply to the op amp. By connecting with a 7909 with a 16v zener on the common pin, connected to ground, so it arrives 25V in the VCC of them.
  Second change: I placed a 1n4007 before R2, so R2 gets half the voltage … There is no reason to use R2 before rectification. If you rectify before, R2 does not heat up.
  Third: You can put a 1K Potentiometer in series with the 10K voltage, so you can make a finer adjustment.
  Fourth: I used a capacitor of 4700uf 63V in the filtering in C1

  But the project is very good, the filtering is very good, without any noise … I really enjoyed riding.

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - Amir

    hey dear, can you please tell me how to add fine volume for voltage and current ?
    please make a simple drawing with ms paint if its possible. i can’t do that with volume series. because in this pcb all 3 pins of volume are used and i just know how to series Potentiometer when they used 2 pins (middle and one of corners!)
    sorry for my bad english.

    1 year ago
    Reply
    - admin

      There is a long thread on the forum discussing improvements of this power supply. Check it here: http://electronics-lab.com/community/index.php?/topic/26825-0-30-vdc-stabilized-power-supply/

      1 year ago
      Reply
- Isaac

  I’ve tried simulating it on Multisim but couldnt get it to work. Checked the connections and all, not sure where the problem is. Can anyone give me their email and i’ll send the multisim design for u to check.

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - admin

    Please post this on the forum. Thanks

    2 years ago
    Reply
- Luke

  I’ve tried simulating this power supply on Multisim but it’s not working. Output voltage equals 0 and it can’t regulated. Could you pleas help me ?
  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9i6g_EFCtdJb3B6aFlfRzFkVzA/view?usp=sharing

  2 years ago
  Reply
- franc

  Hi
  I build this as a kit from bangood. It Failed because;
  Power supply was from a 25V transformer which delivers 42Vdc when rectified and not loaded. Add Minus 5.1V for the negative and The TL081 are supplied from 47V. They blow right away, this is why the negative supply then turns up to .8V as some have found. That in turns kills Q1. Very difficult to repair then.
  Would need a lower Xformer in order not to exceed 36Vdc which is the limit for TL081. That means 31VDC max out of the rectifier. Then it could be virtually possible to deliver 30V out, but Hmmm…
  Cheap thing but a frustration.

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - branislavm

    42 V DC means around 30.5 V AC (29.8+0,7). That is one weird transformer that gives -6.5 V with just a little current as a load. I wonder what is voltage drop on 3A load then?

    2 years ago
    Reply
- yruashvili

  Everything works OK except 1 thing. In constant current mode output has ripple for above 200 mv peak to peak, which is not normal as I think. if anyone has this problem please suggest

  2 years ago
  Reply
- Alex

  hi,
  I can not run with the simulator Multisim this project, but not even the original project.
  Someone can explain why?
  Waiting your kind reply.
  Thank and a greeting.

  Alex

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - admin

    It’s difficult to debug your circuit here.I would suggest to post more details on the forum. Thanks

    2 years ago
    Reply
    - Alex

      How do I attach the Multisim source here?

      2 years ago
      Reply
      - admin

        Please send it on the email found here: http://www.electronics-lab.com/contact-us/ and i will take care of the rest. Thanks

        2 years ago
        Reply
        - Alex

          Done, thank.

          2 years ago
- kyoharu03

  lm741 op-amp will work as replacement??

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - Alex

    Tried, but in Multisim does not work.
    Thank and a greeting.

    2 years ago
    Reply
  - admin

    LM741 should work as replacement.

    2 years ago
    Reply
- Avinash

  Hyy it works for me some complications but i solved it myself.and i can also help u either with detailed picture of power supply and also make it for u.. so if anyone intrested then contact me and derailed video is also available on youtube search for aviprink avinash.aviraj123@gmail.com

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - admin

    Thanks for your comment. Feel free to post your experiences building this psu on the community, this way you will help others that want to build it.

    2 years ago
    Reply
- rjegadeesan

  can you make it to deliver constant current and also constant voltage by this designed power supply

  2 years ago
  Reply
- Prithul

  Is there any problem if I use 6800uF & 50V capacitor as C1?

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - admin

    C1 is a filtering capacitor, so a bigger value will do the job also.

    2 years ago
    Reply
  - Bandi

    Yes, just the voltage needs to be bigger than the [secondary voltage of transformer]*1,41

    2 years ago
    Reply
    - Robert Philpot

      The last answer put yes when the should have put no. Yes you can use a 6800uF 50V it will work fine.

      2 years ago
      Reply
      - Bandi

        That’s right, thank you for the correction!

        1 year ago
        Reply
- mon3104

  Hi. I have built this power supply in the past. Some years ago I was using this to power up a 6V 15 A dc motor which of course was being limited to #a by the current limiter not knowing that it would go wrong. Now every time I turn it on is gives me solid 30V without any kind of regulation. I have been trying to solve this. In the past I changed the T0-3 2N3055 NPN power transistor together with the 3 opamps. The voltage regulation would be solved but as soon as I connect a load (Resistor and LED) the power supplies messes up again back to 30V constant. I was thinking of changed most of the components on the board since I am unable to figure out exactly what is wrong. But before I do so.. does anybody even have a clue of what it might be? Thanks

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - mon3104

    Edit : When a small load is connected the power supply only messes up if the current limiter is reduced (action done to confirm if the current limit is working).

    2 years ago
    Reply
    - Bandi

      Do you tried to swap out D9 diode?

      2 years ago
      Reply
- Prithul

  I killed this power supply with a relay on it’s output!
  I changed Q2 and it started working again.
  What can I do to avoid damaging my power supply with relays?

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - Bandi

    A relay always needs a backwards biased parallel diode.The collapsing magnetic field generates a negative spike, which kills the transistor.Google relay diode to see how exactly should it connected.

    2 years ago
    Reply
  - Bandi

    And check the D11 for polarity.The role of D11 is protecting Q2, so if you connected it reversed, then it can not protect yout power transistor.

    2 years ago
    Reply
- Robert Philpot

  Jan 2017 WARNING! Some of the kits currently being sold on eBay and Amazon have the small diode markings reversed. This naturally causes damage and the circuit will not work. As no circuit is supplied I wondered if this was a redesign but it seems that simply the making are plain wrong! I have trued to explain this to the sellers (who are Chinese) but they are simply not interested. Double and triple check the small diode marking before soldering.

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - Torgeir

    Hi Robert Philpot. Thanks for sharing this. Could you please specify which diodes that might have wrong markings. And is it the marking on the PCB or the actual diodes provided in the kit? A reference to the schematics on this web page would be great.

    Thanks in advance.

    Kind regards Torgeir

    1 year ago
    Reply
- Hải

  I am in Vietnam and I have 2n2219 so there is no alternative npn

  2 years ago
  Reply
  - Bandi

    Look out for BD139. Basically any medium-power transistor will do it.

    2 years ago
    Reply
- meysa

  how change ciruit output 3
  amp to 5 or 6 amp.

  1 year ago
  Reply
- Omar Mekkawy

  Please could you send me the PCB layout in PDF form because when i printed it it looks ugly.

  1 year ago
  Reply
- SidRobo

  Hi. I make this power supply and added Ivan’s modifications without connecting two 2N3055 in parallel and everything were working fine (including short circuit protection).
  then i decided to add another 2N3055 in parallel but i did’t use 0.1ohm/5w resistor. after i turned it on i wanted to test short circuit. at that moment the LED didn’t turned on and the output voltage was equaled to 35V and it couldn’t get changed with P1.
  after i checked some part i saw one of 2N3055 is failed and the other one looks ok. so i disconnected the broken one and when i turned on the power supply, output voltage was 12.5V. after some few tests i found out R20 was broken too, so i changed it. after that, in the moment that i was turning the power supply on or off the LED was flashing for a second. and after few times of turning on and off it stops flashing (i think R20 failed again)
  So can anyone help me?!

  1 year ago
  Reply
- SidRobo

  My problem solve and when i was testing my power supply, i found out that i couldn’t control current. I test another motor and at that moment i saw that current is about 7 amps !!!!!
  When i disconnected the motor, voltage bcame 35V and i can’t change it with P1
  pls help!

  1 year ago
  Reply
  - admin

    Hi SidRobo, thanks for sharing your experience with this PSU. I would suggest you to post on the community if you would like to receive support on this. This is the best place for discussions. Also there are some open topics about this power supply. Thanks

    1 year ago
    Reply
  - Aer

    Man, your PS needs to be fixed. Check Q2 and Q4, I think u just replace it and everything will be good.

    1 year ago
    Reply
- Michal Dvorak

  Hi guys, I’ve bought a kit for this PSU and assembled it. It works, at least for small currents, I’ve not yet attached proper heatsink to test it fully. But it has a small glitch. When caps are fully discharged, PSU doesn’t start, overload diode is on, output voltage is about -0.5V. If I then briefly disconnect and reconnect power, PSU starts working correctly. I’ve tried to poke around the circuit and check the voltages, it seems the issue is that output voltage of U1 pin 6 is around 0V . Attaching single multimeter probe to each side of D8 zener diode , so it’s not closed circuit, really just a 1m long wire not connected to anything, “fixes” the issue 🙂 Any idea how to implement proper fix ?

  1 year ago
  Reply
  - Bandi

    If you can measure negative voltage on the output, thats not good.Check the diodes for polarity, especially D10.

    1 year ago
    Reply
  - admin

    I will encourage you to start a conversation on the community. This is the best place to share your experience. http://electronics-lab.com/community/index.php?/topic/40835-0-30v-0-3a-latest-data/

    1 year ago
    Reply
    - Michal Dvorak

      It seems the issue is caused by negative rail oscillations. I know, i should check that at the very beginning, but this is the first circuit I’m troubleshooting. I’ve captured it with a scope and uploaded it at http://imgur.com/a/wOmRt .

      It’s some kind of transient issue, because it occurs only when connecting transformer to AC while circuit is connected secondary. If I first connect transformer to AC and only after that PSU to secondary, negative rail is stable.

      The voltage of negative rail when oscillating is below zener voltage of D7, so increasing capacity of C2&C3 let’s say by 50% should fix the issue?

      1 year ago
      Reply
      - Bandi

        You should check that part of the circuit.What is the voltage before the R3 resistor when it’s oscillating? If you built in used capacitors, check them for capacity, they could be worn out.And check the diodes also. Here is the working principle of that part of the circuit, hope it helps: https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/semiconductors/chpt-3/voltage-multipliers/

        1 year ago
        Reply
        - Bandi

          And I have a feeling, that the R2 resistor could have an incorrect value, or the capacitor’s esr is too high.Maybe.

          1 year ago
      - Bandi

        Or if you’re out of ideas, you can swap out R14 to a 3.3v zener like on the czech schematic above.

        1 year ago
        Reply
- shivam patel

  Sir,
  Please tell me i don’t found 1N5402 diode can i use 1N54008 instead of 1N54002.
  Can i use 3300uf/71V capacitor instead of 3300uf/50.
  And i didn’t found 0.47ohms/5w resiatance can i use 1ohm/5w.
  Sir pleaae help me and provide guidelines so i can build..
  Thanks.

  1 year ago
  Reply
  - branislavm

    5408 withstand higher reverse voltage and both has same maximum current (answer is yes). 71V (71? are you sure?) is more than 50V, that capacitor withstand higher voltage and it has same capacity. if it is older one, check it first, it may lose capacity over the years (answer is yes).
    You can put 2×1 Ohm in parallel and you’ll get 0.5 Ohm resistor (wattage sum up so it will be 0.5 Ohm 10 W – answer is yes).

    1 year ago
    Reply
- SHIVAM PATEL

  Sir,
  Please tell me cal i replace 1N4001 with 1N4007 diode.
  And replace 200nf polyster capacitor with 220nf.
  And when i add two resistor 1ohm5w parallel then watt will be 10w yet my circuit work efficiently..
  Thank you.

  1 year ago
  Reply
- vashe vashe

  ok i build it and it work but there is a problem for full load max current is 3 a and voltage is 12v . anyway it’s good

  1 year ago
  Reply
- shivam singh

  Sir,
  Please tell me can I replace 1N4001 with 1N4007 diode.
  And can I replace 200nf polyster capacitor with 220nf.
  And when i add two resistor 1ohm5w in parallel then watt will be 10w then my circuit work efficiently or not..
  Thank you..

  1 year ago
  Reply
  - Engr Asim

    Yes both are equivalent. You can replace with 4007.

    1 year ago
    Reply
- shivam singh

  Sir Admin,
  please help me why u3 IC so hot and no output voltage ,and where should i connect RV1 ….can I use 220nf instead of 220..

  1 year ago
  Reply
- shivam singh

  Can I use 220nf instead of 200nf , and u2 so hot and output not come and LED also not glow please help me…

  1 year ago
  Reply
- lloydplesis

  is this a dual output
  ?

  1 year ago
  Reply
- Mohamed Saber

  Can I use 24VA 2A transformer to get 3 amps output or I will get only 2 amps? Please give me a reply

  1 year ago
  Reply
  - Kasun Dhananjaya Nanayakkare

    No you can’t. Yo’re only capable of having 2 Amps out of the transformer. If you try full load on this unit with that transformer, either one them will die immediately..

    1 year ago
    Reply
- Susovan

  Sir canyouplease tell me how to connect the 16×2 display with it?

  1 year ago
  Reply
  - admin

    The connection of the LCD ammeter-voltmeter is shown in this page: http://www.electronics-lab.com/project/voltmeter-ammeter-lcd-panel/

    1 year ago
    Reply
- susovan

  Sir , can you please gave me a diagram of dual usb 5v 1a and 2a output power bank circuit with 18650 battery charging option.

  12 months ago
  Reply
- charly

  does this source deliver -30V as well?

  11 months ago
  Reply
  - admin

    No, it’s only for positive voltages.

    11 months ago
    Reply
- Avinash

  Great tutorial.Can I use one of the op-amps of LM224 IC in place of TL081 op-amp used in above circuit.

  9 months ago
  Reply
- Resakator

  What type of fuse should be used to protect the circuit?

  9 months ago
  Reply
  - admin

    I would propose to use a fuse on the primary coil of the transformer. To specify it’s rating you can use a multimeter to measure the current while the power supply is giving it’s maximum output power. Then choose a fuse with rating above the measured current.

    9 months ago
    Reply
- Miroslav

  Hello, I’ve built this power supply in about 2010. It works fine, but there is an issue:
  -If it is unpowered and you connect the output leads to a power source, the 2N2219 will certainly die. This scenario is not so unlikely: Simply charging a battery and turning off the PSU before removing the charged battery, or a power outage while charging will destroy it.
  -Today I repleced the 2N2219 , but it’s probably a fake component… 3 transistors died in just few seconds of functioning. I used an old 2N2204A, it works fine now. Is there any solution to protect it? (except adding a diode on the output witch will make it working from 0.6v and it will not take negative current from capacitive loads… heat dissipation on diode ect…)

  9 months ago
  Reply
  - Iqbal Samin Prithul

    Do you have a diode connected in reverse on the output? I mean, the anode to negative and cathode to positive?

    9 months ago
    Reply
    - Miroslav

      I have no diode in reverse on the output, as negative voltage protection. I will add a relay, so when the PSU is not powered the output will be disconnected. This relay will be supply separately from the transformer, with an independent rectifier bridge and very low capacitange. How will it work? When charging battery, in case of a power outage the relay will disconnect the output leads before C1 (2x8100uF in my case) gets discharged. Also, I will change U1, U2, U3 to TLE2142 and put a 28V transformer. TL081 has only 36V maximum supply. 2N2219 will be replaced by 2N2204a (or BD139), 2N3055 will be replaced by 2x2n2055W. R8 and R18 will be modified (increased), R7 from 0.47Ohm to 0.22Ohm. I hope after all this it should be capable of delivering 0-30V 0-5A. And I suppose there will be no more problems, if a power source is connected to the output when the PSU is off.

      8 months ago
      Reply
- Nursultan Esirkegenov

  Can you tell me what is the feedback path of op-amp U2? Is it Q1-R7-D11-R12?

  8 months ago
  Reply
- Roger

  What type of fuse should be used to protect the circuit??

  6 months ago
  Reply
  - Iqbal Samin Prithul

    That’s a good idea but I’d still use a diode. No harm in using one right?

    6 months ago
    Reply
- hammad

  can we use digital potentiomter like mcp41010(10kohms) in place of mechanical to make digitally controlled

  6 months ago
  Reply
  - Iqbal Samin Prithul

    YES U CAN! But this power supply actually has some bugs. I’d much prefer buying a switched power supply module and use digital potentiometer with those, like LTC3780 module. Very cheap from China on AliExpress/Banggood.

    6 months ago
    Reply
- OWL

  Hello Everyone, I’ve just bought PCB+parts kit from Banggood and I’m starting to build this power supply.
  I have 120VA transformer with secondary voltage 21VAC under load (~23VAC with no load).
  It’s clear that I cannot achieve 0-30V range but it’s not important for me.
  I did some calculation and I believe that I can achieve at least 0-24V range.
  Am I right? Any confirmation/advice please?

  Regards

  OWL

  6 months ago
  Reply
- Nibeesh

  Hi friends. In this circuit diagram , the U1, U2 and U3 connecting pin number is not clear. So anyone please send me a clear diagram .

  4 months ago
  Reply
  - admin

    I can see OP-AMPS pin numbers on schematic above. Please save image as and open it on an image viewer.

    3 weeks ago
    Reply
- Rodrigo

  I’ve a question. This power supply is short-circuit?? what i mean is, if i link the outputs to ajust current turn P2 until multimeter show the current that i want?

  3 months ago
  Reply
  - admin

    Yes, right. If you short the output then current regulation will take place and will limit the output current to the defined level. You can measure this current using a simple ammeter.

    3 months ago
    Reply
- Aung NayLin

  If I can`t bought TL081 IC in market, what op-amp I should use.

  3 months ago
  Reply
  - admin

    You may use TLE2141 or MC34071 OPAMPS

    3 weeks ago
    Reply
- Dmitry

  Hello!

  I have built this kit and tested it with oscilloscope under load . Also, I have built it in Multisim 14 simulator.
  So, I have faced a problem and meanwhile can not find the solution:
  In CC mode there are very high pulsations on the load with amplitude about 250 mV 100 Hz at 3A. In Multisim 14 I do not have such pulsations. When I return to CV mode, everything works fine and real pulsations are within 5 mV range at 100 Hz.
  I tried to solve the problem with high pulsations in CC mode by increasing C8 up to 100n, and this was helpfull: pulsations reduced to 10 mV 100 Hz, but this caused overloads during short circuit mode and leaded to duration of overload current up to 5 ms.

  Any ideas why in CC mode I have such high pulsations? Also, I do not understand why in simulator pulsations are within normal range, but in reality they are too high.

  Thanks.

  2 months ago
  Reply
- john bacas

  I tested the circuit but it doesn’t work as expected. The voltage on the output has a max value 25V instead of 30V. The x3 gain of U3 seems to work fine as far as input is less than 8,3V (3 x 8,3 = 24,9V). But when input is more than 8,3 V the output of U3 stays at 25V. Any suggestion what is the fault element???

  1 month ago
  Reply
  - Dmitry

    Check values of transformer secondary winding and Vcc of U3. Probably 25 volts is the max value of U3 output due to Vcc limit.

    3 weeks ago
    Reply
- Konrad Lubowicki

  With which software you have drawn the scheme?

  1 month ago
  Reply

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