Searchlight_Power

• Searchlight Power
  • Features
  • Block Diagram
  • Discussion / Rationale

Searchlight Power

This project is a small power converter/regulator intended for powering LED lighting from a DCC Track Bus or other moderately high voltage AC or DC power source on a Model Railroad layout. It is based on a Texas Instruments TMS40210 switching power supply controller.

There are, admittedly, much simpler and cheaper ways to solve this particular problem, but this project has some odd purposes. First, it is a design challenge in itself. Second, it provides better power efficiency than other common options. Third, it provides a "reuse block" for a power source for other projects.

Features

• Wide input range (AC or DC, 9-24V, including DCC Track Bus)
• Selectable output voltage (2.5, 3.3, or 5.0V DC)
• 800mA output current (~ 40 LEDs per board)
• Four independent outputs with remote on/of switches
• High efficiency (target 90-95%)
• Small size

Block Diagram

This is an initial concept block diagram. Subject to frequent and radical change.

Discussion / Rationale

TBD