You are going to be totally blown away by all the cool features that this fantastic voltage regulator integrated circuit or IC has to offer.
As the name suggests this series of ICs not only keeps the output nice and steady but also does it by sending out switched pulses at super high frequencies.
A Better Version of the Classic 78XX ICs
You can think of these ICs as a way better option compared to the traditional linear 78XX series regulators.
Those older ones tend to heat up when the current goes up but that is not an issue at all with the LM2575 series from Texas Instruments.
Thanks to its switched output the LM2575 series can transfer power really efficiently to whatever it is powering even if the current is as high as 1 Amp.
The fact that it uses switched output means it saves energy and keeps the IC cool so you do not need any heatsinks. Plus this makes it super versatile for all sorts of applications like LED drivers battery chargers and more.
I will go into more detail about these applications in my upcoming articles.
Features That Make LM2575 Perfect for Buck Step Down Regulator Applications
The LM2575 series from Texas Instruments comes packed with features that make it just right for buck step down regulator applications.
These devices can usually give you fixed regulated outputs of 3.3V 5V 12V and 15V. There is also one adjustable version that can provide a range of outputs.
Setting up these ICs is pretty straightforward since you only need a few components to make them work effectively as a voltage regulator circuit.
Now one important thing to note is that this IC definitely needs an inductor. As many of you might know inductors are crucial for buck and boost type applications so this chip is no different.
You can easily buy an inductor from stores or if you are feeling crafty you can make one yourself using the right size wire and the correct number of turns.
Important Technical Specifications
Here are some of the main features of the LM2575 IC summarized for you:
Output: You can get fixed outputs of 3.3V 5V 12V 15V and there is also an adjustable version that can give you outputs anywhere between 1.2V and a maximum of 35V.
Current: You can expect a solid 1 amp of current from these chips which is pretty reliable.
Input Voltage: These ICs can handle a wide DC input range up to about 40 or even 60 volts.
Operating Frequency: The output from these ICs operates at a steady frequency of 52 kHz which is set internally.
Protections: These chips come with built-in protections against overheating and overcurrent so they are safe to use.
Courtesy of Texas Instruments: ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/lm2575-n.pdf
