Linear Regulators: Another Option

[Longbow]

I want to bring to your attention a neat switching regulator drop-in replacement for the linear 78XX voltage regulators.



They come in vertical or horizontal packages and plug right into the holes that might be used for the TO-220. They are more expensive than a 78XX, but might be worth it if you otherwise have to dump a large input voltage through a linear regulator. Using the MuRata part, for example, would avoid the need for a large heat sink when using a 12v. input to a 5v. regulator running at 1 amp.

[stj]

Re: Linear Regulators: Another Option

not a new idea.
http://www.rapidonline.com/electrica...0-series-78072

[mariushm]

Re: Linear Regulators: Another Option

You can always build them by yourself, just get a decent switching regulator IC and build a small pcb.

See for example AOZ1021 : http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...5-1-ND/1856090

1.06$ in 25pcs for the IC, 0.5-1$ for inductor, 0.2$ for ceramic capacitors and resistors, maybe 0.2$ for pcb, if you panelize the small boards into a whole panel. So basically, under 2-2.5$ for each, maybe under 1.5$ if you make 250-500 pcs.

[ben7]

Re: Linear Regulators: Another Option

You can always build them by yourself, just get a decent switching regulator IC and build a small pcb.

See for example AOZ1021 : http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...5-1-ND/1856090

1.06$ in 25pcs for the IC, 0.5-1$ for inductor, 0.2$ for ceramic capacitors and resistors, maybe 0.2$ for pcb, if you panelize the small boards into a whole panel. So basically, under 2-2.5$ for each, maybe under 1.5$ if you make 250-500 pcs.

I don't usually bother to make one myself, unless I really need to, because it takes time and money to design the PCB, get prototypes made, etc... and you might have stability issues, so you'd have to fix those in the design.

Yes indeed these are not new, I've known about these replacements for a few years now. Only downside is they are switching ... not good in places where you actually NEED a linear regulator, for low noise.