This section provides an overview for shunt regulators as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 26 shunt regulator manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked shunt regulator companies as of November, 2024: 1.Tyco Electronics UK Ltd., 2.Rochester Electronics, 3.ADVANCED Motion Controls.
Table of Contents
A shunt regulator is an integrated circuit (IC) that monitors the input voltage of a circuit and applies feedback to maintain the output voltage constant.
Generally, the voltage in an integrated circuit deviates or varies due to various factors such as temperature change and individual component differences. On the other hand, shunt regulators are also called reference voltage integrated circuits because they can control voltages with high accuracy and are often used as a reference voltage source.
Compared to voltage stabilizing circuits such as linear regulators and switching regulators, shunt regulators are characterized by their ability to control voltage with high precision.
Shunt regulators are widely used in applications that require high-precision reference power supplies, such as reference voltage sources for AD/DA converters and DSP refs, along with high-precision control of electronic devices.
Although shunt regulators are capable of high-precision voltage control, their efficiency is very low, especially when operating under high currents, due to their function of constant voltage in parallel with the load. Therefore, they are used as a reference voltage source under low-current load conditions where their low efficiency is negligible. They are also used to drive another high-current regulator in series with them in the subsequent stage.
For example, in a logic circuit that compares two voltages, such as a comparator, the reference voltage is used as the comparison target. If the reference voltage drifts, the intended circuit operation itself may fail, so the reference voltage value must be as stable as possible.
Figure 1. Principle of a shunt regulator
The operating principle of a shunt regulator is that its components, an error amplifier and transistor connected in parallel with the load, compensate for input voltage fluctuations and maintain a constant load current, resulting in a highly accurate voltage value.
A general shunt regulator consists of an internal reference voltage pin, an error amplifier, and a transistor, which are connected in parallel to the load in the circuit. When the input voltage rises, the output voltage tries to rise along with it. However, the error amplifier senses this and increases the current flowing to the transistors, thereby decreasing the current flowing through the load and suppressing the rise in output voltage.
The simplest example of a shunt regulator is a Zener diode regulator. Unlike a normal diode, a Zener diode has the characteristic of applying a voltage in the reverse direction and when it exceeds a certain threshold, a large current begins to flow. The threshold voltage is called the Zener voltage. The Zener voltage can be accurately designed by adding impurities to the PN junction.
Shunt regulators that make good use of this diode characteristic can obtain a constant voltage with only a diode, which leads to the simplification of circuits and cost reduction. However, due to large temperature fluctuations, shunt regulators composed of error amplifiers and transistors should be used when temperature characteristics are important.
Linear regulators are DCDC converters that produce an output voltage lower than the input voltage, and they can be classified into two types: series regulators and shunt regulators.
Shunt regulators are DCDC converters that use resistors for voltage drop generation and control elements that control the load in parallel and are also called parallel control types. On the other hand, a series regulator has control elements in series with the load and is also called a series control type.
Unlike series regulators, shunt regulators are characterized by the continuous flow of a set current. They tend to have high reactive power and are not suitable for high-current applications.
Unlike shunt regulators, series regulators, which are also used for high-current applications, can be classified into two categories: three-terminal regulators and LDOs (Low Dropout Regulators). Three-terminal regulators consist of a device with three terminals: input, output, and GND. Generally, switching regulators are used in DC power supply circuits because of their high efficiency, but three-terminal regulators are used in some applications because of their low noise, few external components, and low cost.
LDOs are series regulators that can operate with a small input-output potential difference and have the advantage of lower power loss than general-purpose series regulators. However, due to its operation, some precautions must be taken in its use, such as input voltage limits and load conditions, so it is important to check the specifications.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Spectrum Control is based in Pennsylvania, USA, and is a manufacturer of microwave and radio frequency (RF) subsystems and components for the defense industry that was originally established in 1963 before its acquisition by API Technologies in 2011. The company produces conditioning and distribution products such as RF signal couplers, digital blocks such as RF signal modulators, and power distribution accessories such as inverters. It also offers EMI protection products and integrated microwave assemblies tailored to customer specifications. The company’s products are used in the defense and aerospace industries, with additional applications in military-grade secure systems.
Incorporated in 1965, Analog Devices, Inc. designs, manufactures, tests, and markets integrated circuits (ICs), software, and subsystems that leverage analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies. The company provides data converter products, power management and reference products for power conversion, driver monitoring, sequencing, and energy management applications in the automotive, communications, industrial, and high-end consumer markets. In addition, the company provides digital signal processing and system products for high-speed numeric calculations. It serves clients in the industrial, automotive, consumer, instrumentation, aerospace, and communications markets.
Ohmite, established in 1925 and headquartered in Warrenville, Illinois, is a manufacturer of resistive products. Their product offerings incldue wirewound resistors, thick film resistors for high temperature and humidity resistance, and chip resistors for space-constrained applications. Additionally, they provide power resistors designed to handle high currents and voltages, suitable for power supplies and motors. Ohmite's diverse product range also includes custom-designed resistors tailored to meet specific customer requirements. These products find extensive application across various industries, including electronics, automotive, and industrial.
Rochester Electronics, LLC is a manufacturer stocking distributor of end-of-life semiconductors and the broadest range of active semiconductors that is headquartered in Newburyport, Massachusetts, and was founded in 1981. The company caters to manufacturing services ranging from design, wafer processing, testing, reliability, and IP Archiving. These specifically include OCM, build-to-order products, process flows, and standard packaging creation. The company pivots on manufacturing and distributing semiconductors that are no longer produced by its original manufacturer.
ADVANCED Motion Controls, founded in 1987 and based in Camarillo, California, is a manufacturer and supplier of servo drives and motor controllers. Its product offerings include servo drives, the AxCent Drive Family for servo motor control, FlexPro and DigiFlex Performance Digital Drives for precise motor control, mounting cards for secure drive installation, and power supplies to provide necessary electrical power. Its 20-90 VDC Micro-Sized FlexPro servo drives received 3rd place in the Motion Control category at the 2023 Leap Awards, benefiting the engineering design industry.
Renesas Electronics Corporation was established in 2002 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Renesas is a global research, design, and manufacturer of semiconductors used in industries spanning automotive, consumer electronics, the internet of things, power & energy, and industrial sectors. Renesas manufactures both analog and digital products. Analog products include amplifiers, audio & video devices, data converters, PLC, and switches & multiplexers. Digital products include microcontrollers, memory components, sensors, wireless connectivity products, and others. Renesas also offers design resources such as kits, development tools, partner programs, and design tools.
Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc., established in 1959, and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of semiconductors and electronic components. The company specializes in producing integrated circuits, discrete semiconductors, optoelectronic devices, which caters to industries such as telecommunications, automotive, and consumer electronics. The company holds ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certifications, ensuring quality in their products which are used for various applications, including wireless communication, automotive systems, and industrial automation, providing crucial electronic components for advanced technologies in various industrial and commercial sectors.
Manchester Organics Ltd., established in 1951 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of mechanical components and electronic devices. Starting as Japan's first manufacturer specializing in miniature ball bearings, the company has grown and expanded its portfolio to motors, sensors, access products, electronic devices and components like semiconductors and sensors. These products have various applications ranging from modern homes and offices to information and telecommunication devices, robotics and automobiles. The company has developed Electro Mechanics Solution, that integrates control technology with machine and electronic technology for manufacturing precision components.
Continental Device India Pvt. Ltd. (CDIL), established in 1964, is a semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in New Delhi, India. Certified with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001, the company produces TRIACs, SCRs, and TVSs. It also offers complementary products, including diodes, rectifiers, and transistors. These products adhere to the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directives. The company expanded its services by launching the Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) division, Deltron, in 1982. It also manufactures space-grade semiconductor devices for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Nexperia is based in the Netherlands and is a designer, manufacturer, and global supplier of semiconductors. Their stock includes Bipolar Transistors, Diodes, MOSFETs, GaN FETs, and various ICs that are used as basic components in electronic systems and devices and have multiple applications. These parts are supplied to the automotive, computing, power, and electronic industries as parts of a system or as essential tools for various gadgets and devices. They are also used by manufacturers of consumer appliances such as smartphones, batteries, aerial vehicles, fire detectors, and more.
HY Electronic (Cayman) Limited, founded in 1959 with headquarters in Taiwan, is a manufacturer of semiconductor rectification components for power separation. The company's products include diodes, bridge rectifiers, LED driver boards, ICs, and power modules used in the computing, communication, automotive, and consumer industries. HY Electronic’s products are found in EV chargers, automotive powertrains, home appliances, personal computing devices, networking devices, and many more. The company is also a developer of green-friendly products for the LED lighting, solar, and automotive power-saving markets.
Lision Technology Inc. is a Taiwanese manufacturer of discrete, motor and analog integrated circuit (IC) products established in 2001 and based in Zhongli City, Taoyuan. The company manufactures various discrete products including diodes and metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), analog products such as regulators and timers, and motor products including application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). They also offer design support and capacity planning services for customers requiring technical assistance. Lision Technology Inc. primarily serves client companies and OEMs in the consumer electronics, computing, and communication sectors.
Acme Chip Technology Co. Ltd., founded in 2008 and based in Shenzhen, China, is a distributor of electronic components that is ISO 9001 certified. Its products include sensors, power supplies, and optical inspection equipment sourced from several manufacturers, including Advanced Linear Devices Inc., Central Semiconductor Corp., and Fluke. The company also offers a large stock of electronic components, including obsolete components and old code chips that are always available for immediate shipment.
Omicron, established in 1984 and based in Texas, United States, is a manufacturer of a large range of electrical power systems. The company fabricates universal relay test sets and commissioning tools, PC software suites for advanced secondary testing, and universal primary injection test sets for substation assets. It also creates primary test managers, universal partial discharge measurement and analysis systems, and CT analyzers. Its universal relay test sets and commissioning tools have six current sources with a great dynamic range. The company holds various certifications, including ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 covering quality assurance, environmental management, and health and safety.
GE Healthcare is a healthcare technology manufacturer and supplier headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in designing, developing and distributing diagnostic imaging and clinical systems. The company’s product portfolio includes imaging solutions, ultrasound technology, patient care solutions, digital solutions and various parts and accessories. Their products cater to different aspects of healthcare, from diagnostics and treatment to operational efficiency and quality enhancement. With offices across the globe, GE Healthcare offers healthcare technology systems and solutions worldwide, backed by expert service teams to ensure equipment uptime and longevity.
Texas Instruments Incorporated was founded in 1930 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Texas Instruments is a producer of high tech equipment for industrial, automotive, personal electronics, communications equipment industries. Texas Instruments designs, manufactures, and sells semiconductors to electronics designers and manufacturers in the United States and internationally. Texas Instruments operates in two segments: analog and embedded processing. The Analog segment offers power products, including battery-management solutions, DC/DC switching regulators, power switches, linear regulators, voltage references, and lighting products. The Embedded Processing segment offers microcontrollers that are used in fields such as electronic equipment and digital signal processors for mathematical computations.
Taiwan Semiconductor, established in 1979 in Taiwan, is a manufacturer and distributor of integrated circuits and wafer semiconductor devices for commercial and industrial customers worldwide. The company's product line includes discrete power rectifiers, power transistors, LED driver ICs, analog ICs, and ESD protection devices. Taiwan Semiconductor has production facilities in China and Taiwan that are compliant with automotive and environmental standards, including IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001. Taiwan Semiconductor is also a member of the ECIA and the PSMA.
Shenzhen Kawaxin Electronics Co. Ltd., established in 2001 and headquartered in Meizhou City. Guangdong, China, is an electronic component designer, manufacturer, and B2B supplier. The company's primary products include ceramic composition resistors, noise suppressor resistors, and damping resistors. It also produces SMD components, resistive load banks, and a range of electrical shunts. These components are used in numerous electronic and electric devices, including mobile phone chargers, microwaves, and street lighting. The company's services include the supply of sample products and custom component production.
Richardson RFPD, based in Geneva, Illinois, is an electronic component distributor that became a subsidiary of Arrow Electronics in 2011. The company stocks products such as antennas, power supplies, and ICs, and its engineering team brings together over 600 years of combined design experience in IoT product development, wireless, and RF, making it competent from conception to production. The company is ISO 9001 certified and has three international distribution hubs in Asia, Europe, and North America. It sells products from several brands, including Advanced Thermal Solutions, Empower RF Systems Inc., and Carlisle Interconnect Technologies.
Lingto Electronic Limited is a distributor of electronic components and wireless modules that was incorporated in 2022 in Hong Kong, China. The company stocks passive and active electronic components from brands such as Xilinx, Fairchild, and Altera, These include power management devices, logic integrated circuits, and electrolytic capacitors. It also offers wireless and GPRS modules, such as cell jamming detectors, vehicle tracking chips, and text-to-speech (TTS) modules. The company mainly markets to clients in electronic manufacturing, networking, and telecommunications operations.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | ADVANCED Motion Controls |
12.2%
|
2 | Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc. |
10.2%
|
3 | Tyco Electronics UK Ltd. |
8.2%
|
4 | Rochester Electronics |
8.2%
|
5 | Spectrum Control |
6.1%
|
6 | Ohmite |
6.1%
|
7 | Acme Chip Technology Co. |
4.1%
|
8 | Lingto electronic Limited |
4.1%
|
9 | MinebeaMitsumi Product Site |
4.1%
|
10 | BCD Semiconductor Manufacturing Limited |
4.1%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the shunt regulator page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 5 | 33.3% |
Japan | 3 | 20.0% |
United Kingdom | 2 | 13.3% |
India | 1 | 6.7% |
Netherlands | 1 | 6.7% |
Taiwan | 1 | 6.7% |
Italy | 1 | 6.7% |
China | 1 | 6.7% |