Hello Russel,

> If a regulator IS required there are much lower quiescent current drain
> versions than the 7805. For example the beautiful (but excessively
> expensive) LM2936 draws about 20 uA with no load in real world use and
> others draw even less.

    Thomas McGahee sugested a LDO circuit four months ago. It's not very
simple, but it could be made very cheap for low current applications.

> Turning the processor off completely can also be useful in some
> applications - eliminating the 42 uA off current MAY allow you to use
> smaller batteries (but PLEASE don't use AAA's :-) ) and a more compact
> design in some applications. As long as the startup time is quick enough
for
> your application you can achieve true zero current when off. There are ICs
> that do this for you but you can achieve the same result with 2 (maybe 1)
> transistors.

    Hehehe, I hate AAA's too. :) I'm thinking if I could adapt the Thomas
circuit so that the PIC can turn it off.

    Thanks,

    Brusque

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Edson Brusque                 C.I.Tronics Lighting Designers Ltda
Research and Development               Blumenau  -  SC  -  Brazil
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