Digital Control and Instrumentation for Step-Voltage Regulators

Voltage regulators, LTC transformers, and switched capacitors control the voltage on a power system within defined limits. The devices used to control such equipment have used analog electronics. With developments in microprocessors, some control devices now use digital electronics because of their improved measurement accuracy, digital readout, enhanced reliability, high degree of flexibility and function capability, and ease of modular construction. This paper discusses the basic design philosophy, along with field-trial experiences, of a microprocessor-based voltage-regulator control with data-gathering and communications capability.