Hi all
I am just putting together the semantic for my project and im wondering if i can use the on board voltage regulator to supply power to my other component.
So im wondering what the maximum out put current is for the various 5V pins found on the arduino mega. And if there's are a combined maximum or a maximum for the individual pins.
Use an external power supply and don't wonder if components will burn up the Arduino.
How is the on board regulator powered?
The maximum power dissipation for the onboard 5V regulator is about 1W because it does not have much of a heat sink. With an input voltage of 7V the max current is 1W / (7v - 5V) = 500mA. With 12V in it is 1W / (12V -7V) = 143mA. Subtract what the Mega needs, it leaves little for your peripherals so that is why what @xfpd wrote is so true.
Rule #1 A Power Supply the Arduino is NOT! That is like saying can I run water into the bucket with the valve on the side of my house. First thing is how far is the bucket from the valve. We need more details. Start with an annotated schematic showing how you plan on connecting these devices. Then get your spreadsheet program out and calculate the worse case load of each hardware device. Then determine the maximum voltage you will be supplying to Vin. Following groundFungus data calculate what the power is. At that point you will possibly have your answer but If there is a motor you are powering with the Arduino purchase a bunch of them because you will fry them.
Excellent.
Thanks everyone. I will be sure to complete my schematic and calculations and then ill be able to determine what power regulator i shall get.
Thanks for the advice
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