12V to 5V converter in many ways to do

12V to 5V converter step down

If you are looking for 5V DC power supply for the digital circuit. But you have a 12V source, battery. I will show you, 12V to 5V converter step down regulator.

In many ways for using, it depends on parts you have and other suitability.

12V to 5V converter in many ways to do

How to Choose a 5V converter

We should use a suitable circuit. How? The saving is the best. I use these guidelines.

  • Save money—if I have it in my store it is so good. Also, save time to buy, not a long wait.
  • Easy to build—simple and worked circuits are always good.
  • Small size—some project has a Limited space.

Look at the load first!

Suppose that the load uses a current about 30mA.  You should use the 5V converter at 60mA. It is enough for this case.  When the current is small, it is small and easy to build. Also, save energy.

You should not use a large 1A current source circuit. It is like to ride an elephant to catch a grasshopper.  Which it is wasteful and unnecessary.

ride an elephant to catch a grasshopper

For example circuits

  • 3A current output—if you have the load that uses a current of more than 2A. For example, a digital camera, GPS, Raspberry Pi, Arduino and more.
  • Lower than 50mA—Small circuit, for example, CMOS digital
  • How to convert 12VDC to 5VDC 1A
  • 12V to 5V 2A converter circuit

5V Zener diode Regulator—Lower 50mA

Some circuits draw the current from 20mA to 50mA (0.05A) only. You can a Zener diode voltage regulator circuit.

12V to 5V using zener voltage regulator


The Zener diode keeps a fixed voltage, 5V. It needs a resistor to limit the current to it and load.

How to calculate the device

To power it from a 12V source. You look at in the circuit again. There is three current.

  • IZ = Maximum the Zener diode current
  • IR = The Current through R1
  • IL = Maximum the load current

IR is a constant at all time. Even IL will change from 0 mA to planned maximum value (50mA). IZ need to change to keep the voltage across the output is 5V.

First, use 5V Zener diode because we need 5V, VZ. Then, IR is about IL, 50mA.

R1 = (Vin – VZ)/ IR
= (12V – 5V)/ 50mA
= 140 ohms
or about 150 ohms.

PR is Power of R1.
PR = VR x IR
= 7V x 50mA
= 0.35 watts or use 0.5 watts.

But we forget, a power of the Zener diode, PZ
PZ = VZ x IZ
Note: IZ is about IR, 50mA.

PZ = 5V x 50mA
PZ = 0.25 watts
So we use 5V 0.5W Zener diode.

Also, C1 is a filter capacitor to smooth DC voltage.

100mA 5V converter circuit

In the digital circuits that have many parts. They may use the current more than 100mA but lower than 300mA.

Adding transistor into zener regulator

We can use many circuits. In the previous circuit, it has a low current. If you want 100mA. You need use a low resistance (R1) and higher watts of the Zener.

It is a better idea. If you add a transistor in the circuit. It will increase a higher current more. But the output voltage is 4.4V only.  Because of some voltage drop across BE of transistor Q1, 0.6V.

We need to change the Zener diode is 5.6V.  If you don’t have it. You can add a diode and the Zener in series. You can get them like 5.6V Zener diode.

adding diode to new 5.6V Zener voltage

Since a transistor is good to increase the current. So, we can change R1 to be 1K as circuit below. To reduce a bias current Zener diode and the Base of Q1.

200mA, 5V Regulator

100mA 5V transistor series voltage regulator

5V transistor series voltage regulator

If you use 2N2222 instead of BC548. It can use 200mA @ load. Because 2N2222 has a current collector (Ic) of about 0.8A in a datasheet. But in real using it can use max 0.5A only.

500mA, 5V regulator from 12V

500mA 5V transistor Zener voltage regulator

500mA, 5V transistor, and Zener voltage regulator

If you need to use with 300mA to 500mA load. You should change the transistor is BD139.

It has Ic about 2A max in spec. But I can get it about 0.5A only. While it is working. It may be warm. So often perform better with a heat sink.

C1, C2 capacitors are used to reduce the ripple output. And C3 will reduce a spike voltage.

How to convert 12VDC to 5VDC 1A

Many friends want to convert 12VDC to 5VDC at 1A. It is the popular rate in the most circuits.

I have two choices to choose from. It depends on The suitability of your parts and time.

First, 5V 1A transistor Regulator. It is similar to the above circuits.

5V 1A transistor Regulator

I use TIP41 power transistor. Because it can get 4A max in spec. But in real using it can give me about 2A max only. Also, its body is TO-220 so easy to use with any size heatsink.

Before I like this circuit. If I have all the components in my store. I will make it first.

But lately, I like to use this component, 7805 Regulator.

Second, 7805 Regulator popular.

This is so easy, faster than other. Because its body is the same as TIP41, without Zener diode and a bias resistor.

12V to 5V converter 1A using 7805

12V to 5V converter 1A using 7805

Also, it has low ripple output about 10mV, with the electrolytic capacitors(C1, C4) on the input and output. And both filter capacitor, C2, C3 to reduce the spike voltage.

Note: 7805 pinout

Since it is the linear regulator. So while it is working. There is the voltage across input and output of IC1 about 7V.

When full load has a current of 1A. So the output power is about 7 watts. It is hot. We should mount it on enough heatsink.

12V to 5V converter 1.5A output

Sometimes we need an output current about 1.5A. We have 3 ways to do.

  • Connecting 7805 in parallel
  • 12V battery to 5V 1.5A DC converter
  • Higher current transistor for 7805 Regulator
  • 2A transistor Regulator

Connecting 7805 in parallel

Connecting 7805 in parallel

If we connect 7805 in parallel. It makes higher current more. This is suitable for who carry up or do not have any power transistors.

But it is not good for a long time. You can try it!
Both IC-7805 should be exactly the same.

12V battery to 5V 1.5A DC converter

If we need to use 12V to 5V voltage regulator. This is the 5V 1500mA DC regulator circuit.

Which is a simple circuit using IC-7805, to the fixed regulator 5 volts and TIP41-NPN power transistor to increase current up to 2A.

Example experiment

I use the 7805 power supply with the 12V battery. To reduce the constant voltage of 5 volts.

I try to use the load is 4.7 ohms 5W resistors. As principles, it will use the current about 5V/4.7ohms = 1A.

I measure the current of about 0.7A and the voltage drop is 4.9V, but it is still usable. As Figure 1

Testing pure IC-7805 not over 1A current

Testing pure IC-7805 not over 1A current.

It requires a transistor to increase the output current up.

I use the TIP41 transistor. In principle, it can supply the current about 2A. Which it is enough to use.

In the circuit diagram.

5V 1500mA DC converter regulator

Simplest 5V 1.5A regulator circuit diagram

Then, I test the circuit with about the load, 2.4 ohms resistor.  Next, measure current approximately 1.3A, and the voltage drop is 4.9V.  It can be used as we want.

Testing with hight current load

Testing with high current load

Keep reading: Four Small 5-volts DC Regulator Circuits »

I put a Diode-1N4007 voltage to offset the loss of the transistor between pin BE.

We insert LED1 to indicated power on of this circuit and a series resistor-R1 is used to limits current to a safe value.

C1, C3 is filtered capacitors to smooth dc current input and output sequence.
C2, C4 is noise filter spark current.

While Q1 is working it will very hot so we must mount it with a large heatsink.

Note: It has cons. If it short circuit. IC-7805 may be damaged.

Higher current transistor for 7805 Regulator

If you want the current more than 1A using 7805 in better than 2 circuits above.
It needs helping from a power PNP transistor, with circuit below.

higher current using PNP transistor for 7805

12V to 5V 2A converter circuit diagram

The high current will flow through the power transistor Q1, TIP42. While 7805 gets lower current. Because R1 reduces this current down.

So 7805 keeps a fixed regulated voltage, 5V only. It works well without the heatsink.

While Q1 is working. It is so hot. We need to mount it with enough heatsink.

If you have the ready parts. You can use this circuit for a long time.

Then, if you want 3A current.  It is easy just you use MJ2955 instead of TIP42.

Although this circuit can be used well. But it still has disadvantages.
When a short circuit, the power transistor may be damaged.

Look at below.

12V to 5V 5A converter

If you want 5V 5A output. You can change the previous circuit. Use TIP2955 instead of TIP42.

It can drive current up to 5A.

12V to 5V 5A converter using TIP2955

Or If you have another one, TIP42.  You can add it in parallel. The output current will be up to 5A, too.

12V to 5V 5A converter using TIP42 x2

3A current output, 5V converter

This is 12v to 5v converter step down Regulator at 3A load.

12V to 5V dc converter step down regulator

12v to 5v converter step down Regulator

The digital camera can take pictures and videos as well. But it has a disadvantage is not long the battery runs out. When using outdoor. We needed to often recharge the battery. It is quite a waste of time.

If buying additional spare batteries. It is expensive and still often to change as the same.

Its side has a slot for plugging DC 5V adapter, 2A current. If we modify 12V lead-acid battery to reduce a voltage down to 5 volts. It is so good idea.

Because this battery is cheaper and long time using. For example, 12V 10Ah battery you can take the camera for 5 hours.

How it works


We have many ways to do. But I will show you this circuit below. I like a linear circuit than a switching mode circuit.

There are many components in the circuit. As above this circuit can power up to 3A current with an increasing current of Q3-MJ2955.  Also, it has many parts interesting.

When the load is overload or short circuit.  Then, a voltage is across R2 about 0.6V. So, Q2 gets a bias voltage, it works. After that VBE of Q3 is low, Q3 works lower until stop.

While Q1 works to connect current through LED1. It indicates now overload.

Component list of 12v to 5v voltage regulator

IC1: LM7805, 5V dc regulator IC
Q1: BC558, 0.4A 40V transistor
Q2: BD140, 1.5A 30V PNP transistor
Q3: MJ2955 or TIP2955, 4A 50V PNP power transistor
C1: 4,700uF 25V, Electrolytic
LED1: LED any color as you like
Resistors
R1: 330 ohms 0.25W
R2: 0.22 ohms 5W
R3: 470 ohms 0.5W
R4: 47 ohms 1W
R5: 18 ohms 1W
Heatsink, wires and more etc.

Application


I have old GPS, usually, I use it in my car. We need to have DC to DC converter circuit that can reduce voltage 12V to 5V at current more than 2A.
Which circuit diagram can make this.

I like it that need to buy some parts since I have also in my stores.

12V to 5V converter for GPS testing

As Figure 2 I assemble them on universal board

Also, See others in an easier circuit. 3A 5V regulator using LM350

Simple 5V overvoltage protection

In normally you can use the above circuit. Because it is simple and inexpensive.

You just add Fuse-F1 to protect overload more than 2A. Also, if the circuit powers high voltage more than 5.1V. It has too many currents through ZD1 and D1 as overcurrent. So the fuse will burn suddenly.

12V to 5V converter at 2A using 7805 and transistor

12V to 5V converter at 2A using 7805 and transistor with over voltage protection

5V 2A power supply using 78S05

Another way, My friend wants a 5V 2A power supply circuit. In model to be simple, use little equipment, build easy.

Then, I choose this circuit for him.

Why is it?  It uses pillar equipment, a positive voltage regulator 5V / 2A  in TO220, 78S05.  And few parts see in a circuit, is high-quality and low noise.

5V 2A Power Supply using 78S05

The circuit will work without the extra components, but for reverse polarity protection, a 1N5402 diode is provided at the input, extra smoothing being provided by C1-220uF 50V.

The output stage includes C2-47uF 25V for extra filtering.

It is better if you use a switching mode regulator circuit using a 34063 chip: 5V 2A buck converter

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Also 5V DC adapter

  1. Microprocessor dc regulator supply 5V 3A by LM323K
  2. 5V 3A switching power supply by LM2576
  3. LM2673 -5V 3A Switching Voltage Regulator
  4. Top Linear power supply regulator 5V 5A with 7812 and LM723

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63 thoughts on “12V to 5V converter step down”

  2. I had a typo on my previous request. On circuit 12V to 5V 3A DC converter step down Regulator, shows r1 as 0.22 ohms, what is the correct value?

    Reply

  3. I would like of schematic diagram circuit of voltage regulador that can input with voltage between 6V and 13V and has constant 5V output for 1A

    Reply

  6. what wattage are the resisters? at 500ma R5 melted. For bd140 I used nte242, for bc556 I used nte232 for mj2955 I used nte332. I know nte332 needs a big heat sink …what about the rest?

    Reply

  7. As an added bonus if you thermally couple the transistor to the regulator (close together on the same heatsink with thermal grease and mica insulator) the transistor will be protected from overheating. If the transistor overheats it also heats up the regulator, and the regulator has built in thermal regulation. When the regulator shuts down, it also shuts down the transistor.

    Reply

  15. Hi everyone,

    I implemented this Circuit on a breadboad with the aim of using it to charge my android phone via two input sources. With
    (1)Three small DIY Solar Panels that i connected in series and it gave about 13V-10V

    (2)Six 18650 Li-on cells that i harvested from my old laptop battery,i also conected them in series and parallel to give out about 12V-10V

    Now my problem is that…each time i connect the usb head to my phone,it gives out the 5V BUT THE CURRENT drops rapidly from 870mA to 0mA…instead of increasing gradually from 870mA to 1000mA as my normal Phone charger does,please what could be the cause and how can i make it retain current to charge my android phone the same way its normal charger does?

    PS: It’s not only with this circuit that I’ve observed this,I tried with several other Linear Voltage Regulators like the LM317T and still get the usual 5V but the current drops rapidly from 870mA to OmA. Please i need an urgent reply ([email protected]). Thanks in advance

    Reply

  18. Sir i try this circuit I tested on 12 volt 8 amp batter but at the out side current show 10.56 instead of 5 volts. Sir can u tell me how to reduce current at least 5 volt. Amp are on my demand but current is very high. Please help me.

    Reply

  30. i need a laser charger for my quadcopter..it comprises a 30c battery with 12v o/p.
    it looks very difficult to buy.need help ,where to buy? abubakhar9088agmail.COM

    Reply

  31. Thank you for explaining details from 12 vdc to 5 vdc charging mobile phone.
    I’m riding exercise cycle the come with 6 vdc battery as backup power. I like to add USB to charge my tablet or mobile phone during my exercise. How can I get from 6.2 Vdc to 5 VDC at 2 amp fast charging? My tablet and mobile phone is designed for fast charging. Can you give detail in drawing to make one? Thank you

    Reply

  32. I have recumbent exercise bike CR52. It has small 6 volt battery. Testing battery is 6.67V as full charge. I want to reduce to 5V to charge my iPad. I have USB socket ready but not sure how to step down 5V with 2A. I’m not good at electronics math figures. I know how to read schematic of electronic components. I have plenty leftover old automotive 5V charger devices for 12V but very low amp current. I would like to get help of drawing schematic layout to work from 6V to stabilize 5V – 1.5 to 2a if possible.
    Let me know Thank you,
    John

    Reply

    • Hello John Hungerford,

      Thanks for your question. Let me show you an opinion. Which if it goes wrong Please forgive me.

      Of course, using a switching battery charging circuit is of good quality. But I don’t know how its circuit is?

      The easiest way is to use two diodes in series to reduce the voltage down. From 6.6V battery is reduced to 5.4V (6.6V-1.2V) You may use 1N5402 (3A 200V Diode).

      Or you may use a low drop voltage regulator circuit 6V to 5V.

      I want to experiment with creating this circuit for you (if I’m free).

      Thanks
      Apichet

      Reply

  33. It’s perfectly working tip42 transitor using circuit and also need small changes in your circuit in tha load side 2.5 ohms resistor it’s for constant Amps output

    Reply

  34. can you please tell my if i have 10 amps 12 volt dc and transform it to 4.4 volts dc how meany amps would i have can you email my thank you

    Reply

  38. Hello ElectCircuit, this is tmy first time if visiting your site and I’m really impressed by the the contents of your site , your style is good .

    Reply

  39. Lot of options, what about a 12V to 5V converter, suitable for a 4-port powered USB 2.0 HUB?
    I would like to create the circuit, with the relevant protection and precaution, to convert 12V DC input, in a 5V DC output suitable for a 4 port HUB. This particular HUB, always 2 port populated for a 800mA, with a spare two port that can be use for unkon device, for USB 2.0 standard can draw up to 500mA, each, for a total of 1.8A with all populated device.

    Which is the best option, should I consider a circuit for a 3A so it will not heat so much up when everything it’s populated?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Hello Amdani Wijava,
      Thanks for your visit to my site.

      Yes, You can use 7806 instead of 7805 in this circuit.
      Also, other components are the same.

      I hope you are happy with this circuit.

      Have a good new year.

      Apichet

      Reply

  44. Hi
    thanks a lot
    i tried to make tip2955 circuit board
    to charge mobile phone
    using 12v battery
    the current is too small when i connect it to mobile phone
    but it reach to 4A when i load “fan”
    i have read something about pre-load to charging batters
    is it make any sense ?
    and how to have Higher amps to charge mobile phone ?
    please replay
    thanks

    Reply

  46. HI, I ALREDY MAKE TH CIRCUIT Connecting 7805 in parallel
    , but i don´t have 0.5ohms, resistors, only i have 1.0 ohms, what will happen if i make it whit this resitors??

    Reply

    • The current will be reduced if a 1 ohm resistor is used. If you have multiple 1-ohm resistors, you may want to connect them in parallel first. This lowers its resistance to 0.5 ohms.

      I hope my review helps you to learn more about electronic circuits.

      Reply

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