My Converter Dilemma (Pi-Head)

[PEU]

I scrapped the idea of making a LDO converter time ago, for the solution everyone prefers, a switched driver.
I found two candidates each one with its pro and cons. I need some feedback to help me decide what feature is the most desirable.

Both drivers are current regulated.

Converter 1 is Flexible:
It can accept any battery configuration from 2.4v to 9v and its efficiency is in average 70~75%

Converter 2 is Efficient:
It can accept any battery configuration from 1.8v to 5.5v and its efficiency is in average 90~95%

What would you choose?

Thanks


Pablo

 

[jtice]

I picked #1,
based on the fact that I only use Li-Ion cells.
and that would run off one well, as well as two.

The other one would only run on a single cell, and then going down all the way to 1.8V would be useless for a li-ion.

~John

 

[tibim]

I chose flexible but it's a hard question. Depends on the light.

Only picked this because I like lights that are 2xcr123a format, and the efficient wouldn't support that.

But if I was looking for a single cell light, I'd go with "efficient".

-tibim

 

[kakster]

Im with ticey.

 

[Sable]

I went with option 2. I'd love to run the light on 1x18650, which seems to be just "the business" these days. Also, the idea of burning 25% of my energy as heat before it hits the LED makes me think "Isn't this why I switched away from incans in the first place...?"


But I'll take some of that pizza, if you're offering.

 

[TorchBoy]

Do they cost about the same?

 

[PEU]

Yep, cost is about the same, one important fact is that the pineapple is a 2x123 body, so if I go the efficient way it would rule out the natural combination: 2x123 primaries


Pablo

 

[TorchBoy]

That does rather make your choice for you, Pablo. I voted for option 2 because I'm thinking selfishly, running an LED off four NiMH AA cells.

 

[jch79]

Yep, cost is about the same, one important fact is that the pineapple is a 2x123 body, so if I go the efficient way it would rule out the natural combination: 2x123 primaries

That's not my natural combination!! A 2x123 tube, to me, usually means a 1x17670 or 1x18650 tube. :shrug:

john

 

[Coop]

Picked converter #2...

I mostly use single Li-ions, so that would suit my needs best.

 

[WAVE_PARTICLE]

I'm a single Li-ion type of guy myself as well.

1x17670 or 1x18650

I go for efficiency....the 20% difference is material and will be noticeable....IMHO.

WP

 

[Nebula]

Pablo - I too prefer the single Li-ion option, so I am with jtice et al. KK

EDIT: This post does not accurately reflect my position. Sorry, it was late. What I meant to say is that I prefer option #1.

 

[jch79]

Pablo - I too prefer the single Li-ion option, so I am with jtice et al. KK

If you prefer a single Li-Ion, then you aren't with jtice! (Sorry John!) He wants it to be able to handle 2 Li-Ions, which would be require option 1.

 

[Hallis]

I picked #1,
based on the fact that I only use Li-Ion cells.
and that would run off one well, as well as two.

The other one would only run on a single cell, and then going down all the way to 1.8V would be useless for a li-ion.

~John

I picked the same for the same reason.

But I want a 5-topping pizza too damnit!!!

 

[MatajumotorS]

I'm a single Li-ion type of guy myself as well.

Me too.
For LED flashlights, I prefer single Li-On's.

 

[Action]

What we really want is option #2 with a drive range of 3V-8V and pizza.

 

[PEU]

But I want a 5-topping pizza too damnit!!!

Poll is multiple choice, you missed that :nana:

Keep the feedback coming! Thanks


Pablo

 

[65535]

So PEU wheres my pizza? As for converters, you might try to up the range say, 3-7 volt range, just curious are you using a linear regulator? and you have to choose which one will be the most efficient?

 

[PEU]

So PEU wheres my pizza? As for converters, you might try to up the range say, 3-7 volt range, just curious are you using a linear regulator? and you have to choose which one will be the most efficient?

My choices are:

TPS63000 (Efficient)
LT3477 (Flexible)

If you find something better Im all ears


Pablo

 

[Nebula]

jch79 - I take your point, but still vote with John. Like John, I want to use Li-ion cells exclusively. That makes #1 the more appropriate option for my needs.

Sorry if my orignal post was confusing. I will edit.

Kirk

If you prefer a single Li-Ion, then you aren't with jtice! (Sorry John!) He wants it to be able to handle 2 Li-Ions, which would be require option 1.