instructables

Mini Linear Variable Power Supply (1.2-20 V , 2 Amp)

by patrick panikulam

No matter what project we are working on,a power
supply is always needed to power it or test it. The
required voltage will always be different for different
projects.So here is an easy way to built your own
compact yet powerful linear variable voltage power
supply which can produce any voltage between 1.2 to
20 volt with 2 ampere current but still takes less
space than a coffee mug on your work table.It is also
very useful in cases were the adapter go missing for
different electronics like desktop speakers etc and it
can also be used for charging batteries.

Mini Linear Variable Power Supply (1.2-20 V , 2 Amp): Page 1

Step 1: Things You Will Need:-

1. LM338K voltage regulator IC X1 10. Transformer ( with 15 volt at transformer output) X

1
2. 4700uf 50v capacitor X 2
11. 2 amp diodes X 2 (in case of central tap
3. Variable resistance potentiometer 10k X 1 transformer)

4. 220 ohms resistor (1 watt) X 1 X 4 (in case of ordinary transformer)

5.12K resistor (1 watt) X 1 12. Mini volt meter X 1

6. 2.7K resistor ( for led) X 1 13. Small plastic connector for taking output voltage
X1
7. LED X 1
14. Any metallic watch can.
8. Diode 1N4007 X 2
15. A power chord.
9. Capacitor 0.1uf X 1

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Step 2: Making the Transformer Rectifier Circuit

The rectifier filter circuit for both central tap and ordinary transformer is given above.

Here I have used a 15v 2 amp central tap transformer which is over 25 years old which I scavenged from one of
my dad's old college project. The rectifier circuit consist of 2 diodes of 2 amp rating and a 4700uf capacitor (50v).

The voltage output after the rectifier and filter stages will be nearly 20 volt.

1. 15 v transformer

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Step 3: Mounting the Transformer Inside the Can

1. The inside of the can is insulated using insulation
tape just in case .
2. Two holes are drilled under the can for the nuts
and bolts
3. One hole is drilled on the side or back to take the
power cable out.
soldered to the primary coil of the transformer.
(note:rubber padding should be used around the hole
to prevent cutting of wired due to sharp edges)
5. The transformer is positioned and fastened tightly
to the bottom of the can.
6. The rectifier is placed in the can in one of the gaps.

4. The power cable is taken in through that hole and

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Step 4: THE MAIN VOLTAGE REGULATION CIRCUIT

1. All the necessary holes are made on the can lid.
2. The IC, potentiometer and voltmeter are fixed to
the lid of the can.
3. All the components are soldered according to the
above circuit inside the lid.
4. The transformer rectifier circuit and the voltage
regulation circuits are connected together.
5. A hole is made on the top or front of the can and
the final variable output wires are taken through it and
connected to a plastic two wire connector which is
bolted to the body of the can.

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Step 5: Testing and Finishing

1. before the lid is closed the circuit is tested by switching the power supply on and turning the knob to see if the
voltage is changing

2. If all is fine close the lid carefully and there you have it , your own variable power supply.

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