In this post we learn how a shunt regulator IC works typically in SMPS circuits. We take the example of the popular TL431 device and try to understand its use in electronic circuits through a few of its application notes.
Electrical Specifications
Technically the device TL431 is called a programmable shunt regulator, in simple terms it may be understood as an adjustable zener diode.
Let's learn more about its specifications and application notes.
The TL431 is attributed with the following main features:
- Output voltage settable or programmable from 2.5V (minimum reference) up to 36 volts.
- Output Impedance low dynamic, around 0.2 Ohm.
- Sink current handling capacity up to maximum 100mA
- Unlike normal zeners, noise generation is negligible.
- Switching response lightning fast.
How the IC TL431 works?
The TL431 is a three pin transistor like (such as BC547) adjustable or programmable voltage regulator.
The output voltage can be dimensioned using just two resistors across the specified pin outs of the device.
The diagram below shows the internal block diagram of the device and also the pin out designations.
The following diagram indicates the pin outs of the actual device. Let's see how this device can be configured into practical circuits.
Circuit Examples using TL431
The circuit below shows how the above device TL431 can be used as a typical shunt regulator.
The above figure shows how with the help of just a couple of resistors the TL431 can be wired up as a shunt regulator for generating outputs between 2.5v to 36v. R1 is a variable resistor which is used for adjusting the output voltage.
The series resistor at the supply positive input can be calculated using Ohm's law:
R = Vi / I = Vi / 0.1
Here Vi is the supply input which must be below 35 V. The 0.1 or 100 mA is the maximum shunting current specification of the IC, and R is the resistor in Ohms.
Calculating Shunt Regulator Resistors
The following formula holds good for acquiring the values of the various components used for fixing the shunt voltage.
Vo = (1 + R1/R2)Vref
In case a 78XX needs to be used in conjunction with the device, the following circuit can be used:
The ground of the TL431 cathode is connected with the ground pin of the 78XX. The output from the 78XX IC is connected with the potential divider network which determines the output voltage.
The parts can be identified through the formula shown in the diagram.
The above configurations are restricted to a max 100 mA current at the output. For getting higher current a transistor buffer may be used, as shown in the following circuit.
In the above diagram most of the parts placement is similar to the first shunt regulator design, except that here the cathode is provided with a resistor to positive and the point also becomes the base trigger of the connected buffer transistor.
The output current will depend on the magnitude of current the transistor is able to sink.
In the above diagram we can see two resistors whose values are not mentioned, one in series with the input supply line, another at the base of the PNP transistor.
The resistor at the input side limits the maximum tolerable current that can be sinked or shunted by the PNP transistor. This can be calculated in the same way as discussed previously for the first TL431 regulator diagram. This resistor protects the transistor from burning due to short circuit at the output.
The resistor at the base of the transistor is not critical and may arbitrarily selected anything between 1k and 4k7.
Application Areas of the IC TL431
Although the above configurations can be used in any place where precision voltage setting and references may be required, it's extensively used in SMPS circuits nowadays for generating precise reference voltage for the connected opto coupler, which in turn prompts the input mosfet of the SMPS to regulate the output voltage precisely to the desired levels.
For more info please go to https://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/TL/TL431A.pdf
Seun says
Please can you help with opamp based shunt regulator
Swagatam says
The left side op amp stage is the op amp shunt regulator in the following schematic
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/solar-water-heater-with-battery-charger/
Fatih Y. says
hi, what is the circuit efficiency? I want to use this as a powerbank, 2 lipo batteries. And also for power suppy charging 12v car batteries.
Swagatam says
Efficiency is not relevant for this circuit since it is supposed to shunt and dissipate the excess power. If it is used for charging battery then the recommended source should be an alternator.
Lisa Lisa says
Hello Swagatam:
You mentioned that this device can goto 36 volt…I want to build a 36 volt supply to charge a 36 volt lithium iron phosphate pack. I have a 36 volt transformer, bridge rectifier, caps, tl431’s, and NPN power transistors rated at 60 Volt… i.e 2n3055. i am assuming I need to make the power circuit with a darlington configuration to drive the 2n3055 type.
Can you recommend using the tl431 at this upper voltage, or use a fixed zener?
Many thanks for your work.
Swagatam says
Hello Lisa, a shunt regulator is not recommended for a transformer based supply, it is recommended for alternators or generators. Instead you can use a simple emitter follower circuit for charging your bats. as given below
Lisa Lisa says
Hello Swagatam..
I guess I was over thinking this… I will make this up and test it…
Thank You..
Swagatam says
OK, no problem!
Adeyemi says
Please regarding your comments, I want to ask about the difference among trafo based charger, alternator and generator, as trafo affects shunt regulator.
I have used emitter follower system but it doesn’t regulate well as it shoots above level.
I have tried tl431 shunt regulator but for high voltage/current, 15v, 10amps, the tl431 gets very hot and burns without any negative effect on the transistor Please help to resolve these issues. Thanks Swag
Swagatam says
For trafo based charger it is better to go for normal linear voltage regulators like LM338 etc, for alternators shunt regulator is recommended since it prevents high voltage rise in the alternator coil, and also keeps its frequency in control, but for trafo this may result in heating of the trafo.
Adeyemi says
Please where will I put the 12v regulator for the tl431 in the circuit. Thanks sir.
Swagatam says
Adeyemi, Actually TL431 will never burn if the parameters are correctly calculated. Secondly an emitter follower will also never change is output if the zener diode is correctly installed on its base. Check your circuits again.
You can refer to the following article for more variations:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/simple-voltage-regulator-circuits-using-transistor-and-zener-diode/
Adeyemi says
Thanks so much Swagatam for your response. I have tried few of transistor-zener regulators but I still prefer tl431 shunt regulator. It worked well for me in regulation but just that it got burnt as it can sustain at high voltage-current. Please help me out in getting the parameters right. Thanks
Swagatam says
Adeyemi, the last circuit is the ideal shunt circuit for high current,you must calculate the parameters as per your requirement. The transistor must be appropriately rated to sink the excess voltage.
Adeyemi says
R=(Vi – 0.6)hFE / Load Current, for 15.5v input, and 10amps load current, please what will be R for base of the transistor. Please help to calculate the parameters. Thanks
Swagatam says
Actually, the base resistor in the last circuit is not the biasing resistor of the BJT, since the BJT is a PNP. It is just to make sure the BJT base is held at positive switch OFF state as long as the input supply is below the maximum threshold.
You just have to calculate the other things in the circuit as explained through the various diagrams.
Adeyemi says
Good day Swag, how can I modify this circuit for 12v, 10A output. Thanks.
Swagatam says
Hi Adeymei, you can do it by replacing the transistor in the last circuit with a 20 amp transistor
Tim Pinder says
Hi Swag
This is a most useful website – thank you.
I’m wondering how to make a BMS to control charging and discharging a battery made up of LTO cells connected as 5S to give me approximately 12V.
I found something I hope can be easily modified at http://www.homemade-circuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/5.jpg but this will only top balance and I don’t understand how to select the resistor values to make the cut-off 2.75V.
Thanks for any help and advice you are able to offer
Swagatam says
Thanks Tim,
You can use the following set up and adjust the preset accordingly for each module separately:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/5-1.jpg
devdatt says
how TL431 can be used from 1 volt to higher voltages as ref. pl. help me.
Swagatam says
Do you mean from minimum 1V input, Sorry it won’t work with a 1V input supply
Anil Kumar.K says
Dear Swagatham,
I think Mr.Devdatt is asking about Reference voltage. TLV431 has a low Ref.voltage of 1.25V . (TL431’s reference voltage is 2.5V)
Actualy I came here to ask a doubt.
The circuit (TL431 + 7805) shows R1 & R2 connected between output and ground. But in some circuits, somewhere, I have seen R1 & R2 connected between input and ground.
Is there any difference/advantage between these two type of connections.
Thanks
Swagatam says
Dear Anil,
For the 7805 circuit, taking the reference from the output makes more sense because the output is more stabilized than the input. Once the output is set using the preset, there’s virtually no chance for the reference to change, and therefore it’s more reliable to use R1/R2 at the output side.
Swagatam says
I copied it from the linked datasheet, it still shows the same data.
yes it makes sense…any voltage drop in series with a 78XX ground pin adds up with the output result.
Phoenix P.A. says
Can also use 2N3819
Swagatam says
where?
Unknown says
can also use 2N3819
Emran Mehrwarz says
Thanks you. Was very helpful.
Swagatam says
you are welcome
Joe W. says
Great article!
Swagatam says
You are welcome!