Can I use the output of an NPN proximity switch as the input to an LM7805 (positive input) voltage regulator? I'm a little confused on PNP vs NPN, but I'm reading as fast as I can. Also I see that they make an LM79xx series of VR's that, I think, accept a negative voltage as the input, would this negative voltage come from an NPN style device? Thanks, Jim G.
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1\$\begingroup\$ Is there a reason why you don't want to use a regulator with an enable input? \$\endgroup\$– Ignacio Vazquez-AbramsDec 9, 2016 at 2:15
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You want a PNP type. That type sources current.
If you need to use an existing NPN type you can add a high side switch, but at that point you'd perhaps be be better off using a regulator with an enable input as @Ignatio suggests.
Here is one way to do the former:
simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab
The proper choice of R1/R2/Q2 depends on the current you intend to draw from U1.
answered Dec 9, 2016 at 2:33