This week's EYE ON NPI is a big time upgrade - we're featuring GAPTEC's

LC78 series switching regulator modules

(https://www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/g/gaptec/lc78_3-0-series-switching-regulator)

with up to 28V inputs, 95% efficiency and 3 Amp outputs!

There's two things we dig about these modules. One, they are

pin-compatible with 78xx regulators that we all grew up on. So you can

use them to quickly update existing designs from linear to switching

power supply. Second, they are extremely easy to use, with ultra-wide

input voltage ranges, various output voltages and current outputs if

needed.

(https://www.digikey.com/en/products/filter/dc-dc-converters/922?s=N4IgTCBcDaIOYEMAOAXApgYwAQBsMHYAOEAXQF8g)

Why use these instead of just DIYing a switching regulator layout? After

all, we've covered many great DC/DC controllers on EYE on NPI! Well, to

start - laying out and specifying switching regulators is a real pain

for folks who are not experienced with some of the pitfalls and it's very

very easy to make a mistake that can smash your regulator or have noisy

output or have less efficiency/output than expected. For some high

current outputs, you may need to update to 2 oz copper, 4 layer boards,

or have heat sinking vias.

(https://www.electronicdesign.com/power-management/power-delivery/whitepaper/21120734/minimizing-powersupply-voltage-drop-on-pcbs)

If your board is large enough, making the whole thing 4 layer or 2 oz

just for the regulator outweighs the cost savings of DIY.

And of course, it's adorable that these li'l DC/DC bricks are pin-and-size

compatible with the standard 78xx regulators that have been used since

the beginning of time.

(https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/stmicroelectronics/L7805ACV/585962)

That makes them a good choice when repairing or upgrading existing

designs. The GAPTECH LC78's have much much better efficiency, allowing

folks to use a wide range of voltages without worrying about heatsinking

or air flow.

(https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/heat-sinks-a-step-by-step-guide)

I'm a huge fan of these kinds of upgrade modules, because they solve a

problem neatly and easily. These have a massive 3 Amp output, a

non-trivial amount of current to manage with a linear or DIY switching

setup. At that current range these could work great for robotics, large

quantities of LEDs, running single-board computers, etc. all in a

compact module. These are available in both 5V LC78_05-3.0

(https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/gaptec-electronic/LC78_05-3.0/13692361)

and 3.3V outputs LC78_03-3.0

(https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/gaptec-electronic/LC78_03-3.0/13692290)

for immediate ordering. Order the GAPTECH LC78 series modules

today,(https://www.digikey.com/en/products/filter/dc-dc-converters/922?s=N4IgTCBcDaIOYEMAOAXApgYwAQBsMHYAOEAXQF8g)

and you could have your power supply up and running by tomorrow morning!

See on Digi-Key at https://www.digikey.com/short/bdpjmd02

Check out the manufacturer: https://www.facebook.com/GaptecElectronic