Electronic – Zener-Resistor Combination at the Input of 7805

heatpower supplyvoltage-regulator

I have to drop 14.5 ~ 12V to 5V. Using 7805 will dissipate much heat. So,using below circuit will ease 7805 to drop less voltage and will generate less heat.

Using 7.2V 1W zener and 100 ohm 1W resistance :

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What are the negative impact of adding zener-resistor combination at input stage of the circuit?

Will it add any efficiency in circuit. I have read that the 7805 are already replacement for zener-resistor combination, but I have seen people using these at input stage of 7805.

Thoughts?

Best Answer

Why bother with a zener....

The zener itself consumes current so you are in fact increasing the power usage not reducing it. Further, the ZENER would need to be a high current device so that the series resistor does not have to be so high that it affects the regulator. That's even MORE power to dissipate and lose.

If you MUST take some of the load off the regulator, and your load is 150mA, just use a suitable rated resistor to drop the 12V down to just above the minimum voltage required by the regulator at that current. Perhaps a 1W 30R. Or use a high current zener in place of the resistor.

It won't make it more efficient, and you will still have to get rid of as much heat, but it won't be worse and heat-sinking may not be required.