Thread: Small, cheap, 12V-12V regulator

Of course, I write that and then I go find this bad boy:
picoUPS 120 12V DC micro UPS

What do you think? It's not available on the mp3car store, but it looks like even if I don't put a battery on it, it'll do what I want. For bonus points, I could put a battery on it and actually enjoy a UPS for my pogoplug...

Gary (-;

http://store.mp3car.com/Intelligent_..._p/pwr-034.htm
this is a nice option too depending on your need

How much current do you need? eBay has some switching regulators that do 1A for <$20.

Punky: I actually have one of those at home, but for this particular project I'm shooting for something smaller.

Nobb; nominally 8W, although startup will possibly be a bit more. [so... two thirds of an amp, but possibly more than 1A]

Gary (-;

you can do that using a single tiny regulator, there'll be a bit of heat thats all.

How would that work?

The truth, of course, is that now I'm thinking about putting in a UPS on purpose...

Gary (-;

I think Punky is forgetting the drop-out voltage as well as up conversion.

FYI - a versatile kit for up to 50W, or 100W heatsinked (AUD$22.50 + P&P) - see Oatley Electronics Kit K168 - DC to DC Converter

I remembered looking this up at one point. I think this chip can do it:
http://www.national.com/ds/LM/LM138.pdf
However, for the cost, oldspark's suggestion will most likely be cheaper and easier.

The LM138 drops at least 1.5V across it, hence you need 13.5V in to get 12V out. (It's similar to the LM117/317, 780x & 790x 3-terminal regulators.)

In this application, being a UPS I assumed a typical 12V supply to supply 12V, hence say 11V - 15V in assuming a battery, or 8-16V in using typical automotive design specs.

If that regulation wasn't required, why not connect 12v to 12V?

Pity though - for 8W, cheap $2-$3 fixed 12V 7812 or adjustable 317k regs would do (up to 1.5A output).