Mark,
     
     Another name to drop into the heap is Micrel, if you are building more 
     than just a one off - look at the Mic52xx series in sot23-5 (or is it 
     sot323-5?) can't remember if they do it in TO92. If you can stand 
     running the application at 2.6V at end of battery life, you could use 
     only 3 alkalines, as the regulator is very low drop out, and follows 
     the battery down without any crazies. It's quesient current is very 
     small. Should give you about 2000hours / battery set (give or take)
     
     If you can keep the required current below a 1mA, and the linear reg's 
     quiescent is uAs, a switcher is probably not worth using.
     
        Steve Lawther


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject:      Any Favorite 3V Regulator for PIC?
Author:  MIME:JURRAM@TORRINGTON.COM at INTERNET-HUSKY
Date:    06/02/98 17:24


I have a battery power PIC application that I have the opportunity to reduce the
 power by running
the PIC at 3V. I looked at Linear Technology, Maxim, National Semiconductor and
 Harris for a LDO
micropower 3V regulator and found MAX663 666 and 689. I was hoping for a three
 terminal TO-92
type part. The circuit has 4 Alkaline cells (6V) and draws 1.4ma @6V at 3V the
 draw is 0.74mA and
runs continuously until the batteries need replacement.
     
I don't  any experience using  switching regulators for battery power. Is this a
 viable option or is a
linear regulator a better choice for battery life.
     
Any  favorites??
     
- -Mark