For my project I want to allow the user to either use a 12 or 24VDC power adapter if needed but I dont want to make 2 seperate DC inputs. Neither do I want to use a buck-boost because I dont want to regulate the 12V voltage but most bucks only work with Vin>Vout by ~1V.
Right now I am using the setup in the picture to get the 24V to 12V, the load side needs min. 5A so thats why I dont want to use any linear regulator aswell.
A user told me I could make a relay or a circuit to bypass the regulator when the voltage is at a specific level. But that's where I am stuck and would like to know a good and easy way check the Vin or the regulated Voltage < 12V and if so bypass it and just use the 12V directly. I read a bit about comparator ICs that could do that but my knowledge is really limited here. If you could provide me with some guidance I would really appreciate that.
Thanks!
I tried to think of something myself but can't really say if that would work.
simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab