Hello,
I am designing a circuit with Arduino UNO and i want to add a dc-dc buck converter but before i purchase one, i need to know what is the maximum possible current that can safely flow through my whole circuit without melting the wires or damaging the electronics? I am using the UNO to power a motor driver with the buck converter 12V to 6V to power 2 DC motors. I read some time ago that the absolute current limit should be 500mA??
I read some time ago that the absolute current limit should be 500mA??
That's the maxium current you should draw from the UNO's 5V voltage regulator.
Your question about the maximum current cannot be answered as it depend on your circuit and especially which part of the circuit your looking at. You can draw maximally 40mA from each digital IO pin of the UNO but not more than 100mA from all IOs together.
An Arduino Uno should not be used to power anything other than a low current sensor or two, or a couple of LEDs.
There is no limit to the current that flows in the rest of the circuitry, provided you use suitably heavy wires and soldered or screw connections. Breadboards are not intended for high currents or motors and you may burn the tracks if you try.