1.

What is the importance of a regulator in common circuit

applications? Explain.
The importance of a regulator is to ensure that specified amount of
voltage is within a range the electric components can safely receive.
Since electric components are built to accept certain extent of voltage,
it can be damaged if power surges occur. Just like the high amount of
voltages, low voltage may not be able to power up a component to its
functionality. Depending on its design, a regulator can regulate single
or multiple DC and AC voltages. It maintains a steady output of volts in
a circuit by generating a precise output that stays constant despite
changes to its load conditions or input voltages.
2. How do we increase the current handling capabilities of
regulator circuits?

Current handling capabilities can be increased through a power

transistor that supplies extra current to the load. It is the practice in
electrical or electronic circuits of imposing an upper limit on the
current that may be delivered to a load with the purpose of protecting
the circuit generating or transmitting the current from harmful effects
due to a short-circuit or similar problem in the load.
For example, an amount of current flow through the regulator. Above
an input current flowing through the resistor, a certain amount of
voltage was developed. As this voltage increases, the power transistor
starts to conduct, supplying the extra current to the load. The resistor
limits excessive base current. The power transistor requires an
adequate heat sink as it is likely to get very hot. The minimum input
voltage should always be a few volts higher than the regulator output
voltage to allow for voltage drops.
If you want to increase the output current with a negative regulator, an
NPN type power transistor can be used.

3. Design a 1 ampere regulator circuit that can give an output of

18 V through the use of an operational amplifier. (c/o Ate
Jessica)