An unregulated power supply produces a DC voltage from an AC input but the output voltage varies with changes in input voltage or load. A regulated power supply uses voltage regulating devices to keep the output voltage constant regardless of input or load variations. It consists of a rectifier, filter and voltage regulator like a zener diode. A series regulator places the regulating device in series with the load while a shunt regulator diverts excess current around the load to regulate voltage. Feedback circuits are also used to more precisely control the regulator and maintain a stable output voltage.