Hello,
I'm trying to power an 18F4550 (PIC 3) which is a microcontroller that requires 5 Volts of power. Since I'm not an expert when it comes to electronics, here's my idea of how to do it.

- Use a 5V voltage regulator.
- Use a capacitor to provide a clear signal.

Question is:
- If I use a 5V voltage regulator, what would be the difference between using a battery that provides 6V or more? In other words, would using a 6V battery or a 11V battery make any difference? or does it simply mean that my 11V battery would last longer than a 6V battery?
- How do I figure out how long my battery would last?
- If the voltage regulator's job is to regulate voltage, do I still need to use a capacitor to provide a clear signal? If so, how do I pick my capacitor?

Thank you for your patience.

 

Welcome to AAC!

If I use a 5V voltage regulator, what would be the difference between using a battery that provides 6V or more? In other words, would using a 6V battery or a 11V battery make any difference?

It depends on the type of regulator. A 6V battery would require either a 'low drop-out' linear regulator or a switched mode (SM) regulator. A linear regulator with an 11V battery would waste a lot of energy.

does it simply mean that my 11V battery would last longer than a 6V battery?

Not necessarily. The duration depends on the capacity, i.e. ampere-hour (Ah) value, of the battery. For example, a 1Ah (1000mAh) battery will (in theory) supply a 10mA load for 1000mAh/10mA = 100 hours.

do I still need to use a capacitor to provide a clear signal? If so, how do I pick my capacitor?

You read the regulator's datasheet to find the recommended capacitor value.

 

Welcome to AAC!

It depends on the type of regulator. A 6V battery would require either a 'low drop-out' linear regulator or a switched mode (SM) regulator.

No. The duration depends on the capacity, i.e. ampere-hour (Ah) value, of the battery. For example, a 1Ah (1000mAh) battery will (in theory) supply a 10mA load for 1000mAh/10mA = 100 hours.
You read the regulator's datasheet to find the recommended capacitor value.

Thank you for your answer.