Hi, I was looking for a way to power some IC's/semiconductor pieces for my project. Since the main transformer I'm using gives around 40-45VDC with rectifier/capacitor, using linear regulators to drop it to 12v or 5v seems very inefficient, if it's even possible. I thought about using a second transformer to give me a lower rectified DC voltage that I can use alongside the main power rail.
A search for "12v transformer" found a load of "low voltage lighting transformers" such as this one which can be had for not much money on eBay.
Rectified with capacitor, these would give a max of 16.8VDC, generally less under drain. This could be used directly to drive power mosfets which need 10-20v, and could be regulated to 12v or 5v easily.
Are these suitable for use when there is only a low current draw, such as when only a uC and a few ICs need power? For my project I can see the current draw varying quite a lot, depending on if its being used or not. Are there any other problems with using such a transformer for this job?
Thanks for the advice.
A search for "12v transformer" found a load of "low voltage lighting transformers" such as this one which can be had for not much money on eBay.
Rectified with capacitor, these would give a max of 16.8VDC, generally less under drain. This could be used directly to drive power mosfets which need 10-20v, and could be regulated to 12v or 5v easily.
Are these suitable for use when there is only a low current draw, such as when only a uC and a few ICs need power? For my project I can see the current draw varying quite a lot, depending on if its being used or not. Are there any other problems with using such a transformer for this job?
Thanks for the advice.