What are the different ways to change 5v DC to 3.3v DC?

[matrixofdynamism]

I can think of voltage divider using resistors, voltage drop using diodes, DC-DC converter, diode with resistor combination, voltage regulator.

What are the pros and cons of each? Are there some methods I am missing out on? Why do we even need DC-DC converters when much simpler methods exist?

 

[goldsmith]

I can think of voltage divider using resistors, voltage drop using diodes, DC-DC converter, diode with resistor combination, voltage regulator.

What are the pros and cons of each? Are there some methods I am missing out on? Why do we even need DC-DC converters when much simpler methods exist?

Hi
It depends on how much current you need ! mention some values as your required current then i can introduce gang of ways .
Best Wishes
Goldsmith

 

[Tahmid]

I can think of voltage divider using resistors, voltage drop using diodes, DC-DC converter, diode with resistor combination, voltage regulator.

What are the pros and cons of each? Are there some methods I am missing out on? Why do we even need DC-DC converters when much simpler methods exist?

Voltage divider:
Simple. Only two components required. However, it can only be used as reference and can't really supply any (much) current.

Voltage drop using diodes:
Again simple. Just diodes. Disadvantage is loss in diodes.

DC-DC Converter:
More complex. More expensive. But greater efficiency (usually). Can supply very high current.

LDO regulator:
Simple. More expensive than voltage divider and diode drop methods but cheaper than DC-DC converter (usually). Can supply high current.

Hope this helps.
Tahmid.

 

[me_guitarist]

What about a resistor, transistor & zener diode?

 

[ard]

I'd go with the LDO option; a single-component, cheap solution.

 

[matrixofdynamism]

hmm, so it comes down to current that we need and the stability. I was wondering about this and thus I posted a question. It is just a general question, I am not making a circuit as of yet.
So why do we even need DC-DC converters when we can just use regulators or a diode (perhaps a zenner) with resistors? After all DC-DC converters are quite complex things, why do people even need them when there are such easier and cheaper methods available?

 

[Tahmid]

It mainly has to do with the low losses and the high efficiency. You won't get much of a benefit from 5V to 3.3V since the voltage gap is so small. The advantages would be far more noticeable if your input voltage was greater than, say, 9V.