Peter wrote:
> Dropping 6V out of 24 on a linear regulator at 2A is not 'a lot of
> heat'.

12W is going to require a heatsink.  I don't think there is any off the
shelf linearl regulator that can dissipate 12W in just ambient air and not
fry itself, or shut down first.

> 12W out of the total 48 that device will be consuming means
> 75% efficiency for a linear regulator.

Which only matters if the 36W the load uses is in the same box.  I don't
remember the OP stating that one way or another.  It may also not be easy to
piggyback the power supply heat removal on the load heat removal mechanism.


********************************************************************
Embed Inc, Littleton Massachusetts, http://www.embedinc.com/products
(978) 742-9014.  Gold level PIC consultants since 2000.
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist