LM2576 3.0-Ampere Step-Down (Buck) Switching Voltage Regulator

A switching regulator rather than a linear one, and that distinction is the whole point: instead of burning the excess voltage as heat, it switches rapidly and stores energy in an inductor, reaching around 80 percent efficiency. Dropping 24V to 5V at 2A, a linear regulator would dissipate around 38 watts and need a substantial heatsink; this handles it with a small one. Requires an inductor, catch diode and capacitors around it. Around 80 percent efficient versus roughly 20 for a linear regulator; 3A output with only a modest heatsink; Built-in thermal shutdown and current limit; Fixed and adjustable versions available