Linear Regulator
Electronics Engineering · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: A linear regulator is an electronic component that maintains a constant output voltage by dissipating excess power as heat, using a transistor operating in its linear region. It provides low output noise and fast transient response but typically has lower efficiency than switching regulators.
Example in context
“For the sensitive analog front-end, we used a linear regulator to ensure low noise on the supply rail.”
“Hassas analog ön uç için, besleme hattında düşük gürültü sağlamak amacıyla doğrusal bir regülatör kullandık.”
Where engineers use it
Linear regulators are preferred in designs requiring low output noise and simple implementation, such as audio and precision analog circuits. Engineers must consider dropout voltage and power dissipation.
Synonyms: linear voltage regulator
Antonyms: switching regulator
Practice: can you use “Linear Regulator” at work?
Your team is designing a sensor interface that requires a clean 3.3V supply from a 5V rail. An engineer suggests using a linear regulator. What are the key parameters to verify?
Show a model answer
“Check the dropout voltage of the linear regulator under maximum load.”
“Linear Regulator” in 21 languages
| English | Linear Regulator |
|---|---|
| Turkish | doğrusal regülatör |
| French | régulateur linéaire |
| German | Linearregler |
| Spanish | regulador lineal |
| Chinese | 线性稳压器 |
| Arabic | منظم خطي |
| Portuguese | regulador linear |
| Russian | линейный стабилизатор |
| Japanese | リニアレギュレータ |
| Italian | regolatore lineare |
| Vietnamese | bộ điều chỉnh tuyến tính |
| Hindi | रैखिक नियामक |
| Thai | ตัวควบคุมเชิงเส้น |
| Indonesian | regulator linier |
| Korean | 리니어 레귤레이터 |
| Bengali | লিনিয়ার রেগুলেটর |
| Dutch | lineaire regelaar |
| Swedish | linjär regulator |
| Finnish | lineaariregulaattori |
| Ukrainian | лінійний стабілізатор |
Frequently asked questions
What does Linear Regulator mean in engineering?
A linear regulator is an electronic component that maintains a constant output voltage by dissipating excess power as heat, using a transistor operating in its linear region. It provides low output noise and fast transient response but typically has lower efficiency than switching regulators. In Electronics Engineering, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Linear Regulator?
Linear Regulator is pronounced /ˈlɪniər ˈrɛɡjʊleɪtər/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Linear Regulator used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “For the sensitive analog front-end, we used a linear regulator to ensure low noise on the supply rail.”
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