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DC-DC Converters — Parallax Forums

DC-DC Converters

nick bernardnick bernard Posts: 329
edited 2005-05-31 18:47 in General Discussion
I never used one in any application before so i'm a little lost.
I need a cost effective low power solution to convert 24v into 12v

I'm considering a +12V@10W from jameco (217032) but its pricy at $30. I dont really need 800mA, 200mA would suffice but the 5W version (216910) is $25 and its the same size

why are they better than regulators?
can they handle raw dc?

any help?

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Byte walks into a bar and orders a pint. Bartender asks him "What's wrong?"
Byte says "Parity error." Bartender nods and says "Yeah, I thought you looked a bit off."

Comments

  • Paul BakerPaul Baker Posts: 6,351
    edited 2005-05-31 16:03
    My understanding is that DC-DC regulators are much more efficient than Regulators, Regulators dump the extra voltage as heat, DC-DC converters make the conversion using methods that mimic the way tranformers work by stepping an internally chopped signal of the DC input voltage, meaning the PowerOut = PowerIn·- ConversionOverhead.
  • ForrestForrest Posts: 1,341
    edited 2005-05-31 16:46
    I've seen TI's switching regulator's mentioned on this forum in the past, but I haven't used them myself. The TI PT5102 (12V, 1 A) costs $12.25 each from DigiKey and Newark - more info here focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/pt5102.html
  • Guenther DaubachGuenther Daubach Posts: 1,321
    edited 2005-05-31 16:53
    Nick,

    have a look at the LM2574 data sheet. This is a simple Switcher 0.5A Step-Down Voltage Regulator. It only requires a few external components: two el caps, an inductor, and a Schottky diode. They have thermal shutdown and current limit protection, and there are types available for input voltages up to 40, and up to 60 V, and for output voltages of 3.3, 5, 12, 15, and an adjustable type.

    I'm using types for 5 V output in one of my commecial SX-based projects, and never had trouble with them. I have also designed a small PCB for the regulator (see the attached picture). Maybe, I should call it "Power Stamp" as its size comes close to a stamp smile.gif .

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    Greetings from Germany,

    G
    DC_DC.jpg
    1566 x 1548 - 89K
  • nick bernardnick bernard Posts: 329
    edited 2005-05-31 18:32
    thanks everyone

    G
  • Guenther DaubachGuenther Daubach Posts: 1,321
    edited 2005-05-31 18:47
    Nick,

    I'm glad that I could put you on the (DIN) rail smile.gif .

    If you need one of my PCBs for evaluation (or maybe hundreds - I've go plenty of these), just let me know (g.daubach@mda-burscheid.de).

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Greetings from Germany,

    G
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