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Alex
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How to limit current going into DC/DC

In my project, I am using 12 solar cells in series as a power source. This is the link to the cell. Doing that will give me a power source of (3.6W * 12 = 43.2W) maximum and output voltage is (0.6 * 12 = 7.2V).

I want to use this source to power some sensors, such as this current sensor. I will power the sensors with 3.3V; therefore, I use this 3.3V DC/DC to get 3.3V. However, if I'm not wrong, the input current to the DC/DC should be mA(s)mAs while my source can generate (43.2W / 7.2V = 6A) maximum. I want to limit this current by using a resistor by connecting it to the input power pin of the DC/DC. Here are some questions I have at this point:

1. Does the solution of using a current-limiting resistor sound like a potential solution to my problem?

2. If so, how should I determine the value of the resistor? Should we look at the full load or no load current?

3. Is there any other solutions beside using a current-limiting resistor?

Alex
  • 125
  • 7