Pololu 5V, 5A Step-Down Voltage Regulator

Pololu 5V, 5A Step-Down Voltage RegulatorThis Pololu 5V, 5A Step Down Voltage Regulator is a step down (buck) regulator that generates a fixed 5 V output from input voltages up to 38 V. This small synchronous switching step down (or buck) regulator takes an input voltage of up to 38 V and efficiently reduces it to 5 V. The board measures only 0. 7 0. 8, but it allows a typical continuous output current of up to 5 A. Typical efficiencies of 85% to 95% make this regulator well suited for high

This Pololu 5V, 5A Step-Down Voltage Regulator is a step-down (buck) regulator that generates a fixed 5 V output from input voltages up to 38 V.

This small synchronous switching step-down (or buck) regulator takes an input voltage of up to 38 V and efficiently reduces it to 5 V. The board measures only 0.7″ × 0.8″, but it allows a typical continuous output current of up to 5 A. Typical efficiencies of 85% to 95% make this regulator well suited for high-power applications like powering motors or servos.

High efficiencies are maintained at light loads by dynamically changing the switching frequency, and an optional shutdown pin enables a low-power state with a current draw of a few hundred microamps.

VIDEO: ProTip - Soldering Pololu 5v header pins

Features

• Typical efficiency of 85% to 95%, depending on input voltage and load; the switching frequency automatically changes at light loads to maintain high efficiencies
• Integrated reverse-voltage protection, over-current and short-circuit protection, over-temperature shutoff, soft-start, and under-voltage lockout
• Input voltage: 6 V to 38 V (see below for more details on the regulator’s dropout voltage, which affects the low end of the operating range)
• 700 μA typical no-load quiescent current; can be reduced to 10 µA to 20 µA per volt on VIN by disabling the board
• Compact size: 0.7″ × 0.8″ × 0.35″ (17.8 mm × 20.3 mm × 8.8 mm)
• Typical maximum continuous output current: 5 A
• Two 0.086″ mounting holes for #2 or M2 screws
• Fixed 5 V output (with 4% accuracy)

It is a switching regulator (also called a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) or DC-to-DC converter) and has a typical efficiency between 85% to 95%, which is much more efficient than linear voltage regulators, especially when the difference between the input and output voltage is large. The available output current is a function of the input voltage and efficiency (see the Typical Efficiency and Output Current section below), but the output current can typically be as high as 5 A.

At light loads, the switching frequency automatically changes to maintain high efficiencies. The regulator has a typical quiescent current draw of less than 1 mA, and the ENABLE pin can be used to put the board in a low-power state that reduces the quiescent current to approximately 10 µA to 20 µA per volt on VIN.

This regulator has built-in reverse-voltage protection, short-circuit protection, a thermal shutdown feature that helps prevent damage from overheating, a soft-start feature that reduces inrush current, and an under-voltage lockout.

For lower-power applications, please consider our D24V25Fx family of step-down voltage regulators; these are slightly smaller, pin-compatible versions of this regulator with a typical maximum output current of 2.5 A. For higher-power alternatives, please consider our D36V50Fx family of step-down voltage regulators, which can operate from voltages as high as 50 V and deliver higher output currents. Both of these regulator families are available in several different voltage versions.

For a 5 V regulator with even more output current, consider our D24V90F5 step-down voltage regulator, which has a typical maximum output current of 9 A. This higher-power regulator also has a few additional features, like a “power good” signal and the ability to lower its output voltage, and it includes optional terminal blocks for easy removable connections.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 0.7″ × 0.8″ × 0.35″ (17.8 mm × 20.3 mm × 8.8 mm)

• Maximum quiescent current: 0.8 mA4

• No-load quiescent current: 700 μA

• Maximum operating voltage: 38 V

• Minimum operating voltage: 6 V2
• Continuous output current: 5 A3

• Reverse voltage protection?: Y

• Other PCB markings: 0J8511

• Input voltage: 6 V to 38 V

• PCB dev codes: reg15d

• Max output current: 5 A
• Mounting Holes: M2

• Output voltage: 5 V

• Efficiency: 85-95%
• Fixed Output: 5V
• Weight: 3g

Typical efficiency and output current

The efficiency of a voltage regulator, defined as (Power out)/(Power in), is an important measure of its performance, especially when battery life or heat are concerns. This family of switching regulators typically has an efficiency of 80% to 93%, though the actual efficiency in a given system depends on input voltage, output voltage, and output current. See the efficiency graph near the bottom of this page for more information.

In order to achieve high efficiency at low loads, this regulator automatically goes into a power-save mode where the switching frequency is reduced. In power-save mode, the switching frequency of the regulator changes as necessary to minimize power loss. This could make it harder to filter out noise on the output caused by switching.

Typical dropout voltage

The dropout voltage of a step-down regulator is the minimum amount by which the input voltage must exceed the regulator’s target output voltage in order to ensure the target output can be achieved. For example, if a 5 V regulator has a 1 V dropout voltage, the input must be at least 6 V to ensure the output is the full 5 V. Generally speaking, the dropout voltage increases as the output current increases.

Switching frequency and behavior under light loads

The regulator generally operates at a switching frequency of around 600 kHz, but the frequency drops when encountering a light load to improve efficiency. This could make it harder to filter out noise on the output caused by switching.

Includes

• 1x Pololu 5V, 5A Step-Down Voltage Regulator