Diode question and introdction

[wolfcustomleds]

Hello everyone. I'm new to this forum and would like to introduce myself. My name is Paul and I'm from Texas. I drive a truck for a living and I'm trying to start my own business in led lighting. So here's my question.

Would someone happen to know the best way I can drop an automotive 12 volt current down to around 5 volt 1amp? Size is a factor. I have very limited space so a buck converter is out of the question. Hopefully someone can help me on this. Thanks in advance.

www.wolfcustomleds.com

[Tom C]

http://electronics.stackexchange.com...sing-resistors

[James McDonald]

Hello everyone. I'm new to this forum and would like to introduce myself. My name is Paul and I'm from Texas. I drive a truck for a living and I'm trying to start my own business in led lighting. So here's my question.

Would someone happen to know the best way I can drop an automotive 12 volt current down to around 5 volt 1amp? Size is a factor. I have very limited space so a buck converter is out of the question. Hopefully someone can help me on this. Thanks in advance.

www.wolfcustomleds.com

Hi --

You could use one of the following devices depending on the current draw from the 5 volt lamp. The 7805 Voltage
Regulator can reduce 12 volts down to 5 volts. The LT323A can also reduce 12 volts down to 5 volts at 3 times the
current. You will pay 4 times the money for this part if you need the current output. The smaller the voltage regulator
the less current you will get out of that voltage regulator. Is the size the size of a penny, nickel or quarter? The two
items below with the legs would be quarter size. Just using a resistor divider network would also become a size issue
depending on the current draw. Give us more information and maybe we can help more if the below items are not good
enough.

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/107 <--- For currents between 500 Mili-Amps to 750 Mili-Amps at 5 volt output.
http://www.digikey.com/product-searc...=0&pageSize=25

http://www.linear.com/product/LT323A <-- Claims up to 3 amps output current at 5 volts.
http://www.digikey.com/product-searc...eywords=LT323A
http://www.newark.com/linear-technol...d=800000025504

Linear Technology parts power supply parts have been used in satellites. Depending on the physical
size you are looking for and have much current the 5 volt lamp draws you can choose one of the
above parts.

-- James