In a regulator, what is the role of the sense resistor network?

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Multiple Choice

In a regulator, what is the role of the sense resistor network?

Explanation:
The sense resistor network provides a voltage proportional to the load current that the regulator uses as feedback to keep the output voltage at the set point. As load current flows, it creates a small, known drop across the sense resistor; the control circuit compares this sensed voltage to a reference and adjusts the pass element to maintain the desired output. The drop is kept intentionally small so regulation isn’t wasted in a large voltage loss, while still giving a measurable signal that reflects how much current is being drawn. This arrangement also enables current limiting, since the regulator can react when the sense voltage reaches a limit, but its primary purpose is to supply the feedback signal that maintains regulation while delivering the load current.

The sense resistor network provides a voltage proportional to the load current that the regulator uses as feedback to keep the output voltage at the set point. As load current flows, it creates a small, known drop across the sense resistor; the control circuit compares this sensed voltage to a reference and adjusts the pass element to maintain the desired output. The drop is kept intentionally small so regulation isn’t wasted in a large voltage loss, while still giving a measurable signal that reflects how much current is being drawn. This arrangement also enables current limiting, since the regulator can react when the sense voltage reaches a limit, but its primary purpose is to supply the feedback signal that maintains regulation while delivering the load current.

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