Voltage Regulators

HuarcheJoe · Joined: Mar 31, 2014 Posts: 9 Location: San Diego

Hi Folks-

I need some regulated voltage for a design, was hoping someone here could guide me.

I have a +/- 12v supply and need a steady 5v. The LM7512 is a pretty standard-issue solution. Most of these, though, are spec'd for somewhere between 0.5A and 1.5A - and my power supply is 3A. I'm worried about blowing it out.

I do not need 3A out of the regulator, I just want to make sure it can handle the amperage coming in. Is there a simple way to use a few resistors to safely diffuse some of this power?

Thank you..

Boerge · Joined: Sep 02, 2009 Posts: 82 Location: Germany

No problem as long as the output load on the 7512 (? I only know 7812 for pos /7912 for neg voltage) doesn't exceed its specs. Your 3A means: it _can_ handle this current, that doesn't mean that it will pump 3A into your 7512 Wink

A fuse would be a good idea, though...

PHOBoS

The current your powersupply can deliver is not a problem as long as it is enough. It will just use as much as it needs,
which depends on what you power with it.

m.o · Joined: Jul 05, 2014 Posts: 44 Location: Sweden

Also for getting 5 volts you'd want the 7805, last two digits indicate the output voltage.