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Stable 5V Power for Embedded Builds

The 5V, 3.2A Step-Down Voltage Regulator D36V28F5 is a compact switching regulator for projects that need a lower and more stable DC rail from a higher input source.

It is a strong fit for robots, control boxes, battery-powered builds, and embedded systems that need efficient power conversion with less heat than a linear regulator.

Important: Choose a regulator based on your full input-voltage range, startup current, thermal limits, and required headroom. Real output current depends on input voltage, airflow, and temperature.

Why you'll love it

  • Efficient buck conversion: wastes far less heat than linear regulators when VIN is much higher than 5V
  • Powerful for its size: typical max continuous current around 3.2A (thermal conditions and VIN affect real-world output)
  • Wide input range: ideal for battery packs and industrial rails (within 5.3–50V)
  • Reverse-voltage protection: helps protect against accidental polarity reversal on input (within protection limits)
  • Low idle draw: designed for efficient always-on 5V rails in embedded systems
  • Better efficiency vs. 7805-style linear regulators

What you can build

Great for powering 5V or 12V rails in robots, controllers, sensor hubs, SBC projects, vehicle electronics, and custom battery systems.

Compare regulator options

Model Topology Output Max current
S13V10F5 Buck-Boost 5 V 1 A
D24V10F5 Buck 5 V 1 A
S13V20F5 Buck-Boost 5 V 2 A
D24V22F5 Buck 5 V 2.5 A
D36V28F5 Buck 5 V 3.2 A
D30V30F5 Buck 5 V 3.4 A
D24V50F5 Buck 5 V 5 A

Technical specifications

Product 5V, 3.2A Step-Down Voltage Regulator D36V28F5
Brand Pololu
Model D36V28F5
Category DC-DC Step-Down Regulator
Topology Step-Down (Buck)
Output Voltage 5 V
Max Current 3.2 A
Operating Voltage 5.3-50 V
Support Official Pololu product search and support resources linked below

Official resources

Find this product on Pololu | Pololu support and resources

What’s in the box

1 × 5V, 3.2A Step-Down Voltage Regulator D36V28F5

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I power a microcontroller with this?
Yes, if the regulator’s output voltage and current match your controller and all attached loads.
Will it run cool at full load?
It depends on input voltage, airflow, and load current. Check thermal limits in the official Pololu resources.
Is this better than a linear regulator?
For many builds, yes. Switching regulators are usually more efficient and waste less heat.

Build with this board

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Notes from the bench

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