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Show Notes
This week's EYE ON NPI is a big time upgrade - we're featuring GAPTEC's
LC78 series switching regulator modules
(https://www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/g/gaptec/lc78_3-0-series-switching-regulator)
with up to 28V inputs, 95% efficiency and 3 Amp outputs!
There's two things we dig about these modules. One, they are
pin-compatible with 78xx regulators that we all grew up on. So you can
use them to quickly update existing designs from linear to switching
power supply. Second, they are extremely easy to use, with ultra-wide
input voltage ranges, various output voltages and current outputs if
needed.
(https://www.digikey.com/en/products/filter/dc-dc-converters/922?s=N4IgTCBcDaIOYEMAOAXApgYwAQBsMHYAOEAXQF8g)
Why use these instead of just DIYing a switching regulator layout? After
all, we've covered many great DC/DC controllers on EYE on NPI! Well, to
start - laying out and specifying switching regulators is a real pain
for folks who are not experienced with some of the pitfalls and it's very
very easy to make a mistake that can smash your regulator or have noisy
output or have less efficiency/output than expected. For some high
current outputs, you may need to update to 2 oz copper, 4 layer boards,
or have heat sinking vias.
(https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/power-delivery/whitepaper/21120734/minimizing-powersupply-voltage-drop-on-pcbs)
If your board is large enough, making the whole thing 4 layer or 2 oz
just for the regulator outweighs the cost savings of DIY.
And of course, it's adorable that these li'l DC/DC bricks are pin-and-size
compatible with the standard 78xx regulators that have been used since
the beginning of time.
(https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/stmicroelectronics/L7805ACV/585962)
That makes them a good choice when repairing or upgrading existing
designs. The GAPTECH LC78's have much much better efficiency, allowing
folks to use a wide range of voltages without worrying about heatsinking
or air flow.
(https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/heat-sinks-a-step-by-step-guide)
I'm a huge fan of these kinds of upgrade modules, because they solve a
problem neatly and easily. These have a massive 3 Amp output, a
non-trivial amount of current to manage with a linear or DIY switching
setup. At that current range these could work great for robotics, large
quantities of LEDs, running single-board computers, etc. all in a
compact module. These are available in both 5V LC78_05-3.0
(https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/gaptec-electronic/LC78_05-3.0/13692361)
and 3.3V outputs LC78_03-3.0
(https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/gaptec-electronic/LC78_03-3.0/13692290)
for immediate ordering. Order the GAPTECH LC78 series modules
today,(https://www.digikey.com/en/products/filter/dc-dc-converters/922?s=N4IgTCBcDaIOYEMAOAXApgYwAQBsMHYAOEAXQF8g)
and you could have your power supply up and running by tomorrow morning!
See on Digi-Key at https://www.digikey.com/short/bdpjmd02
Check out the manufacturer: https://www.facebook.com/GaptecElectronic