On Tue, Mar 16, 2004 at 07:50:16AM -0500, Anthony Toft wrote:
> > Not stupid in the least. In fact a lot of novices brag about using low power
> > parts with a battery. But further into the discussion you realize that they
> > are using a linear regulator that's sucking down almost half the battery's
> > power.
>
> So which are the better regulators to use? As a non EE I generally stick
> to what I know, and I have used the 78l05 in my project, but if that's
> not the best (and it strongly sounds like it) I would like to educate
> myself in the better devices.

Actually it's better type of device for the application. First off if the
application is line connected, then the 78LXX parts are fine. They do have
high quiescent current consumption and require nearly 3V of headroom but...

>
> The thing I like with the 'l05 is that it works great with a handful of
> caps, in a 'cookbook' solution, if I want 12v just use the 'l12.

Which is why everyone uses them. Cheap and plentiful (i.e. it passes the
RatShack test) are reasons for using them too.

> Are
> there other devices with similar recipe solutions, I'd like something
> that's in the manner of do this, do that and feed volts in here and get
> smooth volts out there.

I think you missed my point. The 78LXX parts are fine for some applications.
However linear regulators will burn through any power budgeted applications
like a battery based one.

For that type of application you need a switcher. National's Simple Switcher
series is about as simple as it gets: Regulator, inductor, catch diode, and
low ESR filter cap. Check out the LN2574 and it's similar members.

>
> I don't really need the recipe as I realize the datasheets are out
> there, but which datasheets should I read and why.

Hope this helps,

BAJ

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