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I have 8 LM317 laser drivers based on the rog8811 "It can be done" circuit.
These will be powered in parallel by 12v DC power.
Given the "ideal 7.2 voltage" suggested by rog8811, I'm wondering if it would be more efficient to have an initial upstream regulator to step down the 12v to 7.2v which would then feed my 8 drivers. By "more efficient" I mean generating less waste heat by my regulators overall.
My lasers are being used as short length trip wires, and as such I have dialed them down to low current, about 11ma, if that makes a difference.
Thanks for any advice.
These will be powered in parallel by 12v DC power.
Given the "ideal 7.2 voltage" suggested by rog8811, I'm wondering if it would be more efficient to have an initial upstream regulator to step down the 12v to 7.2v which would then feed my 8 drivers. By "more efficient" I mean generating less waste heat by my regulators overall.
My lasers are being used as short length trip wires, and as such I have dialed them down to low current, about 11ma, if that makes a difference.
Thanks for any advice.