Operation of Voltage-Stabilizing Elements with Current-Stabilized Supplies

Abstract

The performance parameters of a voltage stabilizer consisting of a voltage-stabilizing element (such as a VR tube) connected across the output of a current-stabilized power supply are determined and a particular parameter (the range-regulation factor Q) suggested as a figure of merit. The advantages of a current-stabilized over an ordinary supply from the standpoints of voltage stabilization and suitability for variable load are emphasized. Stability criteria for the case when the stabilizing element has a negative-resistance characteristic and a graphical analysis for the case of non-linear elements are given. Application to the special case of VR tubes is made with experimental results.