Heat...
Sorry, I wasn't clear. I meant that the heat losses due to the regulator chip is usually much higher correct? I made the statement based on the diagram in the link refered to above as I have used a regulator chip fed with a 9V directly to convert to 5V and it became hot fairly quickly.
Actually, when we use a zener diode, we can get a more accurate output voltage, so the regulator is just to ensure a constant output with minimal quirks correct? Am I right to say that I am actually stepping down an external input voltage twice, once from the divider and once from the regulator, which usually requires 2V difference between the input and output? If I were to do this, can I say that the output is close to an ideal constant DC Voltage?
As for the zener diode, my aim is actually to use it as a reference voltage, so I gather that a resistive divider is actually more suitable as I don't need such an accurate value. Am I rght to say that for either arrangements, power will be dissipated, but if my chouce of resistor is reasonable, it will incur less losses than a zener diode arrangement? Let me read up on switching regulators for a better idea on how it works. Any reccomended readings?
Actually, I am trying to charge a battery using some form of AC, so after rectifying the AC to a DC, I need to put in the DC-DC converter to ensure a constant voltage and current. Since the power generated from my AC is fairly low, I am trying to minimise power losses as much as I can for efficient conversion.
Thanks!!
Cheers!!
Appleon