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Stable 5V Power for Embedded Builds

The 5V, 500mA Step-Down Voltage Regulator D45V5F5 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

  • Wide input range: 5.2V to 65V (minimum VIN depends on dropout and load)
  • High efficiency switching regulator: far less heat vs. linear regulators for big step-downs
  • Low idle draw: quiescent current is typically <0.2mA for most of the operating range
  • Protection built-in: short-circuit and over-temperature protection
  • Compact: 0.3″ × 0.45″ × 0.11″ (7.6 × 11.4 × 2.8mm), ~0.4g
  • 3-pin, 0.1" spacing: VIN / GND / VOUT along the edge for breadboards and 0.1" systems

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
D45V5F5 Buck 5 V
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

Technical specifications

Product 5V, 500mA Step-Down Voltage Regulator D45V5F5
Brand Pololu
Model D45V5F5
Category DC-DC Step-Down Regulator
Topology Step-Down (Buck)
Output Voltage 5 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, 500mA Step-Down Voltage Regulator D45V5F5

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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Ask the community

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