Deep Dive: E7D05
The correct answer is D: A shunt regulator. Which of the following types of linear voltage regulator operates by loading the unregulated voltage source is a shunt regulator. Shunt regulators load the source by shunting current. For amateur radio operators, this is important for power supply design. Understanding this helps when selecting regulators.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A (Constant current source): Incorrect. Constant current source isn't a voltage regulator - shunt regulator loads the source. Current source isn't the regulator. Option B (Series regulator): Incorrect. Series regulator doesn't load the source - shunt regulator loads the source by shunting current. Series regulator isn't the answer. Option C (Shunt current source): Incorrect. Shunt current source isn't a voltage regulator - shunt regulator loads the source. Current source isn't the regulator.
Exam Tip
Linear regulator that loads unregulated source = shunt regulator. Think 'S'hunt 'R'egulator = 'S'hunts current (loads source). Shunt regulators load the source by shunting current. Not constant current source, not series regulator, not shunt current source - just shunt regulator.
Memory Aid
Linear regulator that loads unregulated source = shunt regulator. Think 'S'hunt 'R'egulator = 'L'oads source. Shunt regulators load the source by shunting current. Important for power supply design.
Real-World Example
A linear voltage regulator that operates by loading the unregulated voltage source: It's a shunt regulator. The shunt regulator shunts excess current to ground, loading the source. This is the type - shunt regulator.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool
Subelement: E7D
Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E7 - Practical Circuits
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E7D topic.