I need to convert a 24V source to 5V / 1.0 A max output. I tried using
a 7805 but it generates alot of heat. Is there a way of gettinh 5V
without the excessive heat generation? Thx!
Add a fan and heat sink?
Use additional regulators to sucessively drop the voltage down(say a 20V to
15 to 12 to 8 to 5). This essentially just spreads out the heat over the
different regulators). This difference here is that you can use the outputs
for power sources too(Although you have to be careful about the total power
used).
Your best bet is simply to get a transformer that actually drops down to the
voltage you need. Your problem is that your wasting about 16W(max) in the
regulator for no reason. 16W is not much if you get a better regulator but I
think its way to much for the 7805.
I would suggest you run down to radio sluts and get a 78M05 or even the
LM317. These are better regulators that are essentially drop in replacements
for what you want. You could also use an external transistor to handle the
current(and can achive much larger currents if you wish).
Either get a new regulator, use some method do distribute the heat across
different elements, use a heat sink and/or fan, or get a transformer or
wall-wart that gets you around 10V instead of 24V.
Jon