I have an Arduino Uno rev3 which is controlling a 12v linear actuator through an ibt2 H- bridge motor driver. Currently, I am using a 5v10a PSU to power the Arduino and another 12v PSU for the 12v linear actuator.
What I want to do is power the whole circuit using only the 12v PSU, How could I do this. I've tried DC/DC converters but have had no luck. Any ideas?
If you need a 10 Amp power supply at 5 V, you must be powering an awful lot of devices other than the Arduino at 5 V, so before we make any serious recommendations, you need to tell us what those other devices are and exactly how much current they draw.
In general its wise to accurately identify all the hardware you mention - typically by links to datasheet or product page for each item.
And the circuit you've used to connect them up is vital to understanding what you have done too, so provide that too.
Its not a question of luck - if we can be a party to what you did with the DC/DC converter(s) we may be able to figure the issue out literally in seconds.
What is the maximum current the actuator will draw? What is the maximum current the 12V PS can provide? What is the maximum current the 5V circuits will draw?
OK, welcome to the community. Now as mentioned, much of what you are looking for is in the details. Details are needed.
Typically I would just use a buck converter (DC to DC) supply) which apparently you have tried sans any success. Years ago I would have just used a common off the shelf LM7805 regulator before buck converters were inexpensive solutions. That following the data sheet.
So you have 12 VDC with enough current to handle your Arduino and your actuator. This is where data sheet links are nice to have. Motor driven actuators can generate noise on the supply line. Micro- controllers really dislike noise on the supply line. This is where good filtering is real important going from 12 VDC to 5 VDC. Also your 12 VDC source needs to be able to supply enough current for any loads you have. If all you want to do is power an Arduino with 5.0 volts something like this should work fine. Again, it's all in the details.