What is the purpose of a voltage regulator?

A voltage regulator serves a crucial role in electrical systems by maintaining a constant voltage level in a power supply. This is essential for protecting sensitive electronic components and ensuring their optimal operation. Variations in input voltage can lead to unstable performance or damage in devices that require a specific voltage range to function correctly.

By regulating the voltage, this device ensures that fluctuations—whether from changes in load or input supply—do not affect the output voltage. The ability to stabilize voltage levels is what makes a voltage regulator an integral component in applications ranging from power supply circuits to larger electrical systems in various electronic devices.

While the other options touch on relevant concepts in electrical circuits, they do not accurately describe the primary function of a voltage regulator. Increasing current, measuring voltage, and reducing power consumption serve different purposes and are typically associated with different components or aspects of electrical engineering.