6V, 500mA Step-Down Voltage Regulator D45V5F6

The D45V5Fx family of synchronous buck (step-down) voltage regulators generate lower voltages from input voltages as high as 65 V while supporting maximum continuous output currents between 400 mA and 700 mA, depending on the combination of input and output voltage. They are switching regulators (also called switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) or DC-to-DC converters), which makes them much more efficient than linear voltage regulators, especially when the difference between the input and output voltage is large. This family includes five versions with fixed output voltages ranging from 3.3 V to 12 V:

The regulators feature short circuit protection and thermal shutdown protection, which helps prevent damage from overheating. The boards do not have reverse voltage protection.

Pololu manufacture these boards in-house at Pololu's Las Vegas facility, so Pololu can make these regulators with customized components to better meet the needs of your project, such as by customizing the output voltage. If you are interested in customization, please contact us for a quote.

Details for item #5434

This item is the D45V5F6, which outputs a fixed 6 V.

6V, 500mA Step-Down Voltage Regulator D45V5F6.

Step-Down Voltage Regulator D45V5Fx, bottom view.

Features

• Input voltage: 6.3 V to 65 V (minimum input subject to dropout voltage considerations; see the dropout voltage section for details)
• Output voltage: 6 V with 4% accuracy
• Maximum output current: 700 mA (see the maximum continuous output current graph below)
• Fixed 1.1 MHz switching frequency for normal loads (frequency is reduced at light loads to increase efficiency)
• Low quiescent current: < 0.2 mA for most of the operating range (see the quiescent current graph below)
• Short-circuit and over-temperature protection
• Small size: 0.3" × 0.45" × 0.11" (7.6 mm × 11.4 mm × 2.8 mm)
• Weight: 0.4 g

Connections

This regulator has three connections: input voltage (VIN), ground (GND), and output voltage (VOUT).

The input voltage, VIN, powers the regulator. Voltages between 4 V and 65 V can be applied to VIN, but generally the effective lower limit of VIN is VOUT plus the regulator’s dropout voltage, which varies approximately linearly with the load (see below for graphs of the dropout voltage as a function of the load). Additionally, please be wary of destructive LC spikes (see below for more information).

VOUT is the regulated output voltage.

The three connections are labeled on the back side of the PCB and are arranged with a 0.1" spacing along the edge of the board for compatibility with solderless breadboards, connectors, and other prototyping arrangements that use a 0.1" grid. You can solder wires or 0.1" header pins directly to the board. Note: header pins are not included with this product, but straight male header strips and right-angle male header strip are available separately.

D45V5Fx step-down voltage regulators, soldered with straight and right-angle headers (not included), on a breadboard.

Typical efficiency

The efficiency of a voltage regulator, defined as (Power out)/(Power in), is an important measure of its performance, especially when battery life or heat are concerns.

Maximum continuous output current

The maximum achievable output current of these regulators varies with the input voltage but also depends on other factors, including the ambient temperature, air flow, and heat sinking. The graph below shows maximum output currents that these regulators can deliver continuously at room temperature in still air and without additional heat sinking.

Quiescent current

The quiescent current is the current the regulator uses just to power itself, and the graph below shows this for the different regulator versions as a function of the input voltage.

Typical dropout voltage

The dropout voltage of a step-down regulator is the minimum amount by which the input voltage must exceed the regulator’s target output voltage in order to ensure the target output can be achieved. For example, if a 5 V regulator has a 1 V dropout voltage, the input must be at least 6 V to ensure the output is the full 5 V. Generally speaking, the dropout voltage increases as the output current increases. The graph below shows the dropout voltages for the different members of this regulator family:

LC voltage spikes

When connecting voltage to electronic circuits, the initial rush of current can cause voltage spikes that are much higher than the input voltage. If these spikes exceed the regulator’s maximum voltage (65 V), the regulator can be destroyed. In Pololu's tests with typical power leads (36"/1m test clips), Pololu observed spikes approaching 65 V at input voltages around 30 V.

If you are connecting more than 30 V or your power leads or supply has high inductance, Pololu recommend soldering a suitably rated 33 µF or larger electrolytic capacitor close to the regulator between VIN and GND.

More information about LC spikes can be found in Pololu's application note, Understanding Destructive LC Voltage Spikes.

Dimensions

General specifications

Identifying markings

Notes:

1

Subject to dropout voltage considerations.

2

Typical maximum continuous output current at 45 V in. Actual achievable continuous output current is a function of input voltage and is limited by thermal dissipation. See the output current graph under the description tab for more information.

3

With no load. The maximum quiescent current occurs at input voltages close to the output voltage. It is reduced to under 0.2 mA with higher inputs.

File downloads

• Dimension diagrams of the Step-Down Voltage Regulator D45V5Fx (273k pdf)

• 3D model of the Step-Down Voltage Regulator D45V5Fx (3MB step)

• Drill guide for the Step-Down Voltage Regulator D45V5Fx (13k dxf)

  This DXF drawing shows the locations of all of the board’s holes.