Can a 5V Booster and Regulator Simplify Using Different Battery Types?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a 5V booster and regulator into a circuit that accommodates different battery types, specifically 4 alkaline or 4 NiMH batteries. Participants explore the feasibility of achieving a consistent 5V output with minimal components and cost considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the possibility of using a 5V booster and regulator to ensure a consistent output voltage regardless of battery type.
  • Another participant suggests that achieving a constant 5V output may not be feasible without changing the requirements, implying a trade-off between simplicity and functionality.
  • Cost is highlighted as a significant concern by a participant, who expresses willingness to adjust pricing if necessary.
  • A suggestion is made that a switch-mode regulator can provide output voltages greater than the input voltage, hinting at potential solutions.
  • Further discussion raises the question of whether absolute regulation is necessary, suggesting that alternative design changes might alleviate the need for strict voltage regulation.
  • A boost-buck regulator is recommended as a suitable option for batteries with output voltages near the desired output, with a specific example of the NCP3065 from On Semiconductor provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of achieving a consistent 5V output with minimal components. There is no consensus on the best approach, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of cost versus functionality, and there are unresolved questions about the necessity of strict voltage regulation in the design.

FlashCus
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Hi experts! I want to incorporate a 5v booster and regulator into my circuit so that if people use 4 alkaline batteries or 4 nimh batteries it will always be 5v. Is there an easy way to do this? For example an IC and minimum external components rather than this: maxim-ic.com/appnotes.cfm/appnote_number/544

Cheers!
 
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If you want the output to always be 5v, then I would say no -- That's as good as it gets.
If you want simpler, then you need to change your requirements.
 
Thanks for the reply! Its not how hard it is that I'm worrying about its cost. I need to keep costs minimum. If this is the only way then ok i'll have to raise my price. Thanks anyway
 
A switch-mode regulator can provide output voltages greater than the input voltage.
 
FlashCus said:
Thanks for the reply! Its not how hard it is that I'm worrying about its cost. I need to keep costs minimum. If this is the only way then ok i'll have to raise my price. Thanks anyway
That is what figuring out what the real requirements of your design is all about.
Do you really need that kind of absolute regulation in the first place?
Can you make other changes elsewhere that could eliminate this requirement?
 
A boost-buck regulator is what is generally used with batteries that have an output voltage near the desired output voltage (especially when the input can droop down through the output voltage). The 3065 from On Semiconductor is an example:

http://www.onsemi.com/PowerSolutions/product.do?id=NCP3065

You can get little evaluation modules with this chip and supporting circuitry on them. Very handy for 1-up prototypes, etc.
 

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