- Mon Apr 17, 2006 9:16 am
#12375
I'm trying to figure out power dissipation in voltage regulators. Basically, I want to know how much heat will be generated if I plug a 24V battery into a 5V regulator. Typically, the data sheet gives some figures (like 45deg. C/W, or something), but I'm not sure how to use this to figure out the actual heat that will be generated. I mean, do I calculate the power based on the voltage drop across the regulator, or what?
If so, this could be a problem. If I want to power a 5V, 5A circuit off a 9V battery, the power will be 20W. at 45deg.C/W, that gives 900deg. C. More than enough to reduce my PCB to a bubbling toxic mess. Is there something I'm doing wrong?
Please help this clueless newbie!
If so, this could be a problem. If I want to power a 5V, 5A circuit off a 9V battery, the power will be 20W. at 45deg.C/W, that gives 900deg. C. More than enough to reduce my PCB to a bubbling toxic mess. Is there something I'm doing wrong?
Please help this clueless newbie!