Author Topic: Convert 3V to 5V  (Read 535 times)

kbrooking

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Convert 3V to 5V
« on: January 27, 2017, 03:01:33 pm »
Looking at various sensors on websites I see a lot of sensors require 5V. Can anyone provide instructions on how you could use an MC-120 module with sensor that require 5V to operate? Is this even possible?

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kristofferis

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Re: Convert 3V to 5V
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2017, 04:32:37 pm »
Hello.
It depends on what sensor you plan to use, how much mA the device needs, it is possible to "step-up" 3 volt to 5 volt.
Example: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10968

One solution is to use a 5 volt power source to the sensor and "step-down" to 3 volt for the mcModule
Example: https://www.pololu.com/product/2842

Some of the devices that state 5 volt also runs just fine on 3 volt, so it's good to always read the schematic for the device.

Do you have any special device in mind?

kbrooking

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Re: Convert 3V to 5V
« Reply #2 on: January 28, 2017, 02:23:30 pm »
Thanks for the good info Kristofferis. I was going to experiment with one those MQ4 smoke sensors. Try and connect it to a 120 and place in an enclosure but, I think it draws too much current. What are your thoughts?

kristofferis

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Re: Convert 3V to 5V
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2017, 03:14:02 am »
Yes, I think you are correct, that device need a power supply.
And I noticed that the device output could exceed 3 volt so be careful when you connect the device to a input on the mcModule.

ajohnson

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Re: Convert 3V to 5V
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2017, 06:37:15 pm »
I think you'd be better off looking at a different kind a power source, like maybe this one that I ran across, or something similar:
http://embedded-lab.com/blog/multi-purpose-dual-power-supply-5-0v-and-3-3v-regulator-board/
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