I have acquired a pulse generator, but it only requires a 5v input, how do I calculate how to get from a 12v supply down to 5v?


Cheers,

The Baron

I'd use a voltage generator as it control the voltage independant of current drawn.

If the current drawn is constant (unlikely but hey) then you can work it out using

R= V/I

12-5=7V, R= 7V/amps

How about a 7805? I have used them with some success.

WIKI ARTICLE

DC-DC converter?

As above - I'd probably use a 7805 voltage regulator.

Everything depends on how much current your pulse generator takes. A 7805 has max current of 1 Amp. There are others with higher current ratings. 1A and 7 volts drop is 7 Watts so you would need to put it on a heatsink..

A simple resistor would only work if the current drawn were constant and the supply were a constant 12V. If the 12V is from the car supply, it's going to vary. Also, a 7805 is going to be cheaper than a 7W resistor.

To be able to help, we need to know what the pulse generator is/does and what current it takes.

Hope that helps - not a lot probably