# Linear voltage regulator

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/linear-voltage-regulator
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-27
Lookup label: LIN REG
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: Manufacturer

A linear regulator controls its pass element to maintain a specified output voltage from a suitable input.

## In plain English

### What does Linear voltage regulator mean?

A linear regulator controls its pass element to maintain a specified output voltage from a suitable input.

### A simple example

A small electronic circuit can receive a regulated supply from a higher DC input through the selected regulator.

### What the drawings help you do

Show input supply, regulated output and the regulator’s reference connection. A linear regulator adjusts its conducting element rather than using the same switching arrangement as a switch-mode converter. The input/output difference and load affect heat, which must be assessed for the actual device and installation.

### Before using this reference

- Identify input, output and reference connections.
- Reference required headroom and output components.
- Check the selected load and thermal arrangement.

### Does unused input voltage disappear without a cost?

No. The voltage difference across the conducting path together with current produces loss. The selected regulator, load and thermal design determine the resulting temperature and permitted operation.

### Terms

- Headroom: The input-to-output voltage difference needed for the selected operating conditions.
- Thermal design: The arrangement for managing heat and temperature.

Concept diagram: Suitable DC input → Linear regulating element → Regulated DC output
Original functional explanation. Arrows show information or energy roles; two-headed arrows identify two-way interfaces. This is not a pinout, certified standards graphic or complete circuit.

- [Linear voltage regulation](https://www.ti.com/product-category/power-management/linear-ldo-regulators/overview.html)


## What it represents

A linear regulator controls its pass element to maintain a specified output voltage from a suitable input.
A small electronic circuit can receive a regulated supply from a higher DC input through the selected regulator.
Show input supply, regulated output and the regulator’s reference connection. A linear regulator adjusts its conducting element rather than using the same switching arrangement as a switch-mode converter. The input/output difference and load affect heat, which must be assessed for the actual device and installation. This is original functional artwork, not a certified standard graphic or device pinout.

## How to read it

- Identify input, output and reference connections.
- Reference required headroom and output components.
- Check the selected load and thermal arrangement.
- The input/output voltage difference and load create heat that must be considered.

## Information to show or reference

- Identify input, output and reference connections.
- Reference required headroom and output components.
- Check the selected load and thermal arrangement.

## Important distinction

The input/output voltage difference and load create heat that must be considered.

## Facts

- Representation type: Original functional block; not a certified IEC or IEEE graphic
- Concept input: Suitable DC input
- Concept output: Regulated DC output

## Public references

- [Linear voltage regulation](https://www.ti.com/product-category/power-management/linear-ldo-regulators/overview.html) — Texas Instruments. Linear voltage regulation: public technical context for the named function. Product and compliance details remain with the publisher.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.