Centaur Power Supply

[wcwc]

I didn’t see a thread for this.

I just have a simple question. When attaching the regulator to the heat sink do we just need to use the included insulator bare or is thermal grease required?

 

[Russ White]

No grease is required.

 

[wcwc]

Thanks. When testing should I use a resistor as a load. If so any particular size and rating?

 

[Russ White]

No load resistor required - just measure the output.

Cheers!
Russ

 

[itsikhefez]

I will take advantage of the already created thread for the Centaur for my simple question as well.

Are there any issues with 5V output on a 12V input with the supplied heat sinks?

 

[BrianDonegan]

I will take advantage of the already created thread for the Centaur for my simple question as well.

Are there any issues with 5V output on a 12V input with the supplied heat sinks?

It will depends on the current demands of your load. It's a pretty hefty heatsink, so you will probably be okay .

 

[itsikhefez]

It will depends on the current demands of your load. It's a pretty hefty heatsink, so you will probably be okay .

Thanks Brian! I'll be using it for an RPi with piCorePlayer, I think load will be around 1A.

The included 15kuF 50V cap is slightly too tall for my enclosure.
For 5V output, swapping in a 35V cap (like UCC KMH) should be fine?

 

[BrianDonegan]

Thanks Brian! I'll be using it for an RPi with piCorePlayer, I think load will be around 1A.

The included 15kuF 50V cap is slightly too tall for my enclosure.
For 5V output, swapping in a 35V cap (like UCC KMH) should be fine?

Yes, or use slightly shorter standoffs.

 

[nautibuoy]

Would it be expecting too much of these to supply a load needing 1.3A @ 26V?


I'm assuming a carefully chosen transformer to keep Vin vs Vout as small as possible and the use of a taller heatsink.

 

[BrianDonegan]

Would it be expecting too much of these to supply a load needing 1.3A @ 26V?


I'm assuming a carefully chosen transformer to keep Vin vs Vout as small as possible and the use of a taller heatsink.

The regulator can deliver up to 3A, and the key factor with voltage is the input/output delta, so I think you should be fine. Note the the included C5 (2200uF) is a 25V part, so that should be updated to a higher voltage rating.

I think the included heatsink should be fine as well.

 

[nautibuoy]

Thank you Brian

 

[itsikhefez]

I'm reading the LM350 datasheet and learning about how this is typically used in a circuit. They provide tips regarding input, output and bypass caps and I thought it would be interesting to see how those are implemented in the Centaur. (I believe they are as very similar values can be found in the BOM).
The link for the schematic is broken on the TPA website, would it be possible to attach it here or fix the link ?

EDIT: Also, is there an ETA for more boards in stock..? I'd like to order a few more.

 

[itsikhefez]

Is it possible to use the Centaur with DC input ?
I'm thinking of using a 12V DC SMPS wall adapter and then regulate to 5V with the Centaur.
In this case, which smoothing cap would you use?