looking at using a PRO MINI and to use 4 analogue inputs, 4 relay outputs (optionally TIP120's )
and some switches.
looking at a greenhouse application.
I am thinking I have a lot of extra board space and am putting in a barrel connector for external power that would be sent out from the relays.
I am looking to put something else on the board. already have op=amps for Analog scaling, Thinking that I could add a voltage regulator and have more power for the peripherals. to that end, the simple switcher LM2575 seems to be one option.
Im not quite sure about your question...you want ideas for what else to add to your board? well honestly the sky is the limit, you could put a temperature sensor and have have it log the temp over a course of the day, or you could add a humidity sensor (seeing that it is in greenhouse like setting) im sure you could have a CO2 sensor that could pick up how much was in the air at any given time....it all up to you really.......if that is your question...
I have a larger board, 3x5, with 4 relays, 4 op-amps for scaling.
I have a plug that I can use to control things with the relays.
power to control the relays comes from the UNO.
half dozen switches.
the large board is because of the enclosure. lots of room for stuff like a more robust power supply.
just wondering if I would benefit with something like a Simple Switcher.
ok well my question is why would you need one?, kinda like what lar3y said, the only reason you would need a simple switch is for better regulation of the voltage but if you have op-amp's then i think your good, unless you need a substantially more or less voltage in something i dont think there is much of a benefit to having one.
lar3ry:
So what are you planning on powering the switcher with? The only advantage I can see of a switching power supply would be perhaps better regulation.
The main advantage of using switching regulators over linear regulators is the much higher efficiency gain, and that pays good dividends in battery powered projects.
Designing and building your own switcher, even using modern ICs can be tricky as support component values and layout can be critical. And with the cheap switching modules available from Asian E-bay sellers it hardly pays to roll your own, just get a module that meets your specs and mount it as a 'daughter board' onto your PCB.
ok well once again..why? if im not mistaken it sounds like your project is not run on a battery, and as long as you have enough current to power your project, i dont see why it would be necessary, i have used voltage converters before, but only because ive have parts that cant take more then 5v of power, so i needed to step down the voltage as to not blow out the board, i mean it cant hurt to have it, but i fail to see the definite benefit.