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I’ve been searching the web for ways to increase outputs on voltage regulators recently and have seen an example using a 7805 with two 0.1uf capacitors on each side while also having two zener diodes (1N4148) on the ground. I’m new to learning but this example states the zener diodes increase the output by 0.7v per diode allowing for a 6.4v output. I’m curious to double check if this would work and/or if the capacitor sizes are correct for said function.

I’m looking to apply the same effect to a 7809 regulator to have an output of 10.4v but I’m in over my head trying to figure out capacitor sizes and the worry of it not working has me hesitant to commit to any designs.

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    \$\begingroup\$ Welcome to Stack Exchange. The input and output capacitor values are not too important for basic use if they are high enough. Staying above 0.1uF should be safe. For non-standard voltages (not 5V, 3.3V, etc.), I would recommend an adjustable regulator like the LM317. \$\endgroup\$
    – maxp
    Dec 31, 2022 at 18:59
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    \$\begingroup\$ Note that data sheets often include information like that, for example -ST's L78 datasheet (PDF download) on page 23. \$\endgroup\$ Dec 31, 2022 at 19:29

2 Answers 2

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1N4148 is not a Zener diode, just a regular diode.

It will work just as well with any 78XX regulator, there is nothing 7805 specific about it.

Adding diodes does not also change the capacitor values in that regard.

On the other hand, if you need to fine tune the output of a fixed regulator, perhaps the right thing to do is to directly use an adjustable regulator.

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schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

Figure 1. a) 5 V regulator. b) Boosted regulator.

The 1N4148 isn't a Zener diode - it's a regular small-signal diode made of silicon and capable of about 100 mA or so. It has a forward voltage drop of 0.7 V (capital V for the symbol).

The 7805 regulator works by adjusting the output voltage to 5 V above the voltage on the "GND" pin. That means that if we can hold the GND pin at some other voltage then we can adjust the output voltage.

The diode works because the regulator passes a few milliamps out on the GND pin. Thi is shown as 4 mA on the simulation of Figure 1a. If we run this current through one or more diodes the effect will be to raise the GND voltage by the diode's forward voltage drop at that current - 0.645 V according to the simulation.

VM4 shows that the GND voltage has been raised to 1.29 V by the addition of D1 and D2. This results in the regulator's output being raised to 5 + 1.29 = 6.29 V.

All of the 78xx series regulators work in a simular fashion so the 7809 output voltage can be raised in a similar fashion.

schematic

simulate this circuit

Figure 2. Using a Zener diode to raise the output voltage.

Note the different symbol for the Zener diode and its reverse connection.

The capacitors are for stability and prevent oscillation of the regulator. Typically 10 nF will do the job. I've shown a 10 μF on the input but a smaller one can be used if the input supply is stable.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Addition: adding a capacitor (e.g. 100nF) between ground and the GND connection of the regulator may slightly reduce noise on the output (due to Zener noise) and improve stability, and slow the rise of the output voltage from the nominal of the regulator to that plus the zener voltage (the later effect may be undesirable, though; in which case that extra capacitor can be reduced). \$\endgroup\$
    – fgrieu
    Jan 2 at 9:26

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