Everything You Need To Know About LM2596 Circuit

When you have a variety of devices that run on different voltages, what is the best way of managing their power?

In most applications, a voltage regulator is used to ensure that each device or component in a circuit gets the required amount of voltage.

And this is where the significance of LM2596 comes in.

The LM2596 encompasses a series of power regulators that are used for the load regulation.

They are used for both input and output voltage regulation.

These monolithic integrated circuits are design to provide active functions for the switching regulator (buck).

Equipped with a 3-A load, the circuit will deliver an excellent line of load regulation.

You  will find these voltage regulators in different fixed output voltages such as 3.3V,5V and even up to 12V.

Some versions of the LM2596 series come with the adjustable output voltage. For example, it can take the input voltage from 4V to 40V.

It also has a high current capability and can convert a variable voltage source into a continuous current.

How the LM2596 circuit  works

The operation of the  LM2596 is also based on its 156KHz switching frequency.

The circuit is designed to accept the input voltage, uses the internal switching circuit and frequency to regulate the output voltage.

The voltage switching brings up the issue of thermal effect.

Good news is the circuit has an in-built thermal shutdown feature  that is designed to shut down the system whenever it detects overheating.

How to use  LM2596 circuit

LM2596 has few components hence easy to use. To use it, you first need to know the pins that make up the circuit and what they do. Then from there you will be able to connect the circuit to their respective positions.

-Pin 1(Vin): This is the input  pin that is connected across the filter capacitor. Its main function is to cut down on the input noise.

-Pin 2 V-(OUT): This is the stepped down regulated output voltage pin

-Ground: This pin is directly connected to the ground.

-Feedback: This pin is designed to set the output voltage . It has a divider network and deploys the output voltage feedback mechanism.

On/Off: This is an On and Off pin that should remain grounded for the normal operation to take place.

Working mechanism

The unregulated voltage that is coming through the pin 1 (Vin) of the LM2596 circuit is connected across the filter capacitor to cut out the electric noise.

The On/Off pin is then connected to the ground  so that it can enable the circuit.

Whenever the IC is high, it will get into the shutdown mode in which it will prevent current leakage.

This mode is vital as it is able to minimize the usage of the input power especially when the battery is on.

The feedback pin on the circuit is designed to set the output voltage. It is able to sense the output voltage by using the switching frequency.

The internal switch then adjusts itself to provide the output voltage.

The output voltage through the circuit is then through the Pin 2, which is connected to the L2 filter.

Can LM2596 output negative voltage?

From the working mechanism, you can tell thatLM2596 can output negative voltage. This is applicable in devices that do not have boost functions.

Calculate the output voltage of the  LM2596 circuit

You know the input voltage going into the LM2596 circuit. Is it possible to get the  output voltage?

Yes, you can get this value, but remember than the output voltage can be regulated using the feedback pin.

Let’s say the circuit has resistors R1 and R2. The value of R1 will always determine the output voltage of the IC.

The formula for the output voltage is:

Vout=Vref(1.0+R2/R1)

Where Vref is the reference voltage.

If the value of Vref is 1.5V, then the formula of the output voltage will be Vout=1.5(1.0+R2/R1)

Alternatively, you can use a variable resistor to control the output voltage.

Circuit structure of LM2596

To fully understand the working mechanism of LM2596 circuit, let’s look at its different circuit structures.

Power transformer

A step-down transformer is needed in a LM2596 circuit. The 220V is transformed and later on rectified to the power that is required by the target device.

Rectifier circuit

This section of the circuit is used for rectifying the input voltage. It takes the alternating current that has varying magnitude and direction into  direct current that goes to one direction.

There are numerous benefits of incorporating a rectifier. One of them is it has  a high utilization rate of the transformer.

Filter circuit

The filter component of a LM2596 is mainly made  of the capacitor. It ensures that the voltage across the capacitor remains unchanged by filtering out the  current.

Voltage regulator circuit

This section of the LM2596 circuit  ensures that the rectified DC voltage remains constant and is free from the interference of the supply AC.

It is also  called a voltage stabilizer.

The regulated voltage can then be used by the device.

Features and specifications of LM2596

Here are the key features and specifications of LM2596.

-Input supply voltage  of between 4.5V to 40V

-Minimum output voltage of 3.16V

-Come in different packages 3.3V, 5V and 12V regulators

-Continuous output current of 3A

-Peak output current of 6.9A

-Switching frequency of 150KHz

-Come in two packages, TO-220 and TO-263

Take note that LM2596   come in many different variables. The most common one is the LM2596-ADJ which is the adjustable version of the circuit.

Applications of LM2596

Here are some applications of LM2596 integrated circuits:

-Step-down linear regulators

-Battery-operated applications

-Variable voltage generators

-Minaiture RPS circuits

-SMPS circuits

Conclusion

At this point, you know all about the LM2596. You are fully are of how it works and the role that it plays in in the electric and electronic  industry.

It is a reliable circuit when it comes to voltage regulation requirements.

And in case you want to buy LM2596  circuits in China for sale, let ICRFQ be your partner.

We are a reputable supplier and  sourcing agent for such electronic components.

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