Here are the key components of a regulated power supply:
- Transformer - Steps down the high voltage mains power to a lower voltage.
- Rectifier - Converts the AC output of the transformer to DC using diodes.
- Filtering - A capacitor filters the DC output to smooth the voltage.
- Regulator - A voltage regulator IC like the 7805 regulates the filtered DC voltage to a constant value, in this case 5V.
- Heat sinking - The regulator needs to be mounted to an adequate heat sink to dissipate heat from regulating the voltage.
- Input and output terminals - Allow connection of input voltage and output regulated voltage.
So in summary, a regulated power supply takes