Voltage Regulator For LiPo Batteries- Using, Value And Working

As LiPo batteries are becoming a trend worldwide, people are trying to learn as much as possible about them. And it involves understanding their specification, cell chemistry, and how they are handled correctly. This consists of knowing how the voltage is regulated in the Lithium Polymer batteries. There is a system designed that can automatically maintain the constant voltage inside a battery called voltage regulator. While charging the batteries, the chargers have a Voltage Regulator that ensures that only a specific voltage is allowed to pass. 

As voltage regular serves as a critical component of the battery charger, you need to gain as much information about it as possible. So, in this guide, we will discuss the use of a Voltage Regulator, its value, and working in the Lithium Polymer batteries. Let's begin. 

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LiPo Battery Which Regulator To Use:

The charging system over the past half-century hasn't changed much. It consists of an alternator, regulator, and interconnecting wires. It is the Alternator that generates AC, and the Regulator regulates the charging voltage produced by it. Maintaining the ideal voltage for a LiPo battery is very important. Hence, you must know which regulator will be best for your battery. 

There are many voltage regulators available in the market these days that it gets hard to pick one. Neglecting the cost, there are many prominent figures that you need to focus upon while buying a regulator. The figures are stated below. 

• Fixed or Adjustable: 

You can choose amongst the variety of regulators whose voltage is fixed or the ones whose voltage can be regulated according to requirement. The adjustable output voltage seems like a great functionality. However, if you ever forget that you need to adjust the voltage before plugging the LiPo battery, the battery will short circuit. So, the fixed voltage regulator is a better choice. 

• Dropout Voltage (Linear Regulator or (U)LDO): 

There are many people who believe that both the system is the same, but they are not. The linear regulator typically requires a minimum of 3 Volts difference between the input and output voltages. The regulator with low output voltage or ultra-low voltage has less than 1 V difference. The low voltage ensures that even when the supply is low, the output will be maintained. 

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• Maximum Output Current: 

Every LiPo battery has a specified range of current in the circuit. So, while you are choosing the maximum output current for the voltage regulator, make sure that you keep the voltage reasonably close to the maximum limit. The regulators which are lightly loaded lead to stability issues and performance reduction. Alongside, make sure that you don't choose a device rating that is too high. This means that the short circuit current will be high, which might fry up the circuit without being aware of the consequences. 

• Voltage Accuracy: 

The voltage accuracy of the regulator is circuit dependent. So, make sure that you know all about the LiPo battery circuit before you decide the voltage. In general cases, a 5% change in voltage can be tolerated, and it won't be a big concern. 

• PSRR: 

The Power Supply Rejection Ratio is an essential factor in determining the best voltage regulator for LiPo batteries. The ability of the circuit to suppress any power supply variation needs to be strong. 

Other than the above-mentioned points, other figures like power dissipation, stability, impedance, and some safety measures must also be checked to pick the right voltage regulator. 

What Is The Best Value LiPo Voltage Regulator?

At present, unlimited devices ,including air conditioners, cell phones, and even power tools, uses LiPo batteries. And in all of them, the voltage regulator plays a major role. So, you need to pick the best by looking at the specifications according to your battery specifications. 

We have three recommendations for you that might suit your requirements. If not, you can always look for one online. 

• Toshiba TCR2LE31,LM: This linear regulator is handy as it has a very low drop-out voltage that is one of the main requirements of an ideal system. 

• Microchip Technology MIC2877-5.25YFT-TR: This is commonly used for devices like robotics components, medical equipment, portable computers, etc. due to the switching regulator chip. 

• ON Semiconductor NCV51198PDR2G: Suitable for devices like graphics cards, televisions, computers, printers, and other embedded systems.

Mostly, you'll have to choose between a linear regulator and a switching regulator for the device. Even though linear regulators have low output noise, fast response during disturbances, and other features; when we need power efficiency, switching regulators are considered better. And when the power levels required is above a few watts and in DC, switching regulators will be cheaper as well. 

How Does Voltage Regulator Work?

It is not hard to understand the working of a voltage regulator. You just need to be familiar with some standard electronic equipment and terms. Even though these devices are widely used, the system works in a similar way for all. The voltage regulator is a part of all power supply systems; even your car has one. 

Inside the Voltage Regulator, the AC voltage generated is converted into DC voltage. Then the voltage is supplied to the battery. The battery system will have a specified value or nominal voltage that it can accept without damaging the circuit. That's where the Voltage Regulator works by maintaining the voltage according to the battery system requirement. The voltage will be regulated within the limit of the battery. For example, on the phone, the charger is producing 120VAC, which is too high for the phone. So, the voltage regulator will lower down the voltage to a limit, say 8VAC, which is appropriate for the phone. 

All the equipment we use today has a specific voltage requirement, such as a computer that has components like motherboard, cooling fan, hard drive, etc. All the components can function ideally under the specified voltage, which is regulated by the Voltage regulator. So, the LiPo battery can get constant voltage to each component and perform better.