Constant Voltage Transformer (CVT) or Ferroresonant Transformer (Ferro) is a non-linear transformer, which passively provides a regulated voltage output through an electromagnetic phenomenon called ferroreso- nance (where the term ferroresonant transformer was derived). Ferroresonance is associated with the behavior of iron cores while operating near a point of magnetic saturation, wherein the core is so strongly magnetized that further variation in the input voltage results in little or no increase in magnetic flux. Basically, the ferroresonant action is a flux limiter rather than a voltage regulator. Nonetheless, with a fairly constant supply frequency, the CVT can maintain an almost constant output voltage even as the input voltage varies widely. In fact, the output voltage of the ferro varies about 1.2% for every 1% change in supply frequency, such that even with a considerable generator frequency change (2-Hertz), results in an output voltage change of only 4%.

In short, CVTs are basically 1:1 transformers that are excited high on their saturation curves, thereby providing an output voltage which is not significantly affected by input voltage variations. This special characteristic is the foundation of the application of ferroresonant transformers as power conditioners.