Is there an ic that can be used to control a relatively large power supply (12 volt lantern battery) without the power passing through the ic?

 

Ashanti,

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is there an ic that can be used to control a relatively large power supply (12 volt lantern battery) without the power passing through the ic?

Why sure. You can use a weak wimpy IC that hardly dissipates any power to control a big hefty rugged power transistor with a heat sink as large as a loaf of bread. It might not be the best way to do it with respect to performance, but it is possible.

Ratch

 

The datasheet for the LM317 might have some ideas.

Check out pages 17-19.

http://www.national.com/ds/LM/LM117.pdf

 

Use the IC to pull in a relay or turn on a FET.

 

I have never been disappointed with the Wizards of AAC. Thank you.

 

What is the application?

We may give you some good ideas.