I'm looking for a high-efficiency replacement for the LM317.

DickCappels

Joined Aug 21, 2008
10,152
You can also use a resistor between the regulator's input and output to supply some of the current, thus reducing the power dissipated by the reguator. Just be careful to maintain a minimum load on the regulator's output so that the regulator does not go out of regulation.
 

panic mode

Joined Oct 10, 2011
2,715
if the space, heatsink etc are a problem, you can roll your own regulator that is anything you want it to be. specially if you need volume. you can easily make something that drops in place oif existing circuit with whatever pinout you need.

btw linear regulators can be convinced to operate in switching mode too. here is one take on LM317 as switching regulator:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/lm317-variable-switch-mode-power-supply/

but existing crop of SMPS is simple to use with only few external components and the whole thing takes very little space, even for significant load current. many have built in switching transistor etc. so 3-4 external components will do.

1647306992166.png
 

bassbindevil

Joined Jan 23, 2014
824
You could try reviewing the circuits to see if you can reduce the current being drawn. Resistor values are often just pulled out of the air (or a warmer darker place) and not based on what is really necessary.
 
Top