5v regulator -vs- 5v LDO regulator...
Jed
Posts: 107
What's the difference? I'm assuming that means the regulator wont output any voltage until a low threshold is reached? What would be the benefits of this and when would it matter/
Comments
- 5v regulator - needs about 7v or higher to get 5v out
- 5v LDO regulator -- needs about 5.5v or higher to get 5v out
So why ever use non-LDO? Remember that the difference between input and output voltage is expressed in HEAT. If you need to drop 9v to 5v, an LDO will not handle the heat so well.
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LDO: Low Drop Out means that the regulator drops less voltage internally on its own. A useful comparison is the garden variety 7805 positive 5 Volt regulator versus its LDO counterpart the LM2940. The 7805 needs at least 2.2V more than its rated output, so you need 7.2V to get 5V out. The LM part though needs only 5.7 Volts. If you put this 5.7V into the 7805 you'd get 5.7 - 2.2, or 3.5V out.
LDO is preferable.
kenjj
LDOs are selected because, when run near their dropout differential, they waste less power through heat. 5V logic powered from a 6V battery is a frequent application. This is how the BOE-Bot is powered. It uses an LM2940 5V regulator, which is an LDO.
-Phil
Stock up, $1.01 is a great price. I just bought two while replying!
I read up on the tiny regulator and everyone was posting that it overheats.
I'm going to use it to drive a laser. Would this switching regulator be enough?