PFM Flea? What's that?

[martin clark]

Several answers! It is

• ... a very high-performance but low power-output voltage regulator.
• ... optimised for - but not limited to - powering an aftermarket clock module, the TentLabs XO, for CD and DVD players.
• ... like a SuperReg, but rather simpler and also rather limited in power output - 30mA maximum - hence the name.
• ... by bodgers, for bodgers, with scope for parts substitutions for lower cost, and/or use as a low-noise voltage reference for DACs, the onboard analogue stages(s) of bitstream DACs and so on.

The basic circuit and its implementation is discussed over the originating thread, and can be built 'dead bug' style quite easily and repeatably. However - with many thanks to everyone who has shown interest - Andrew Weekes and hacker turned this into a fully-fledged group project by generating a PCB and assembling complete kits of parts respectively. As a result of aiming for minimum cost, plenty of bare PCBs remain available at £3.50 each inc. P&P (discounted to £2.75 each for 5 or more). This includes a 50p royalty per board to PFM for bandwidth support.

Documentation and a build manual has been condensed into a single PDF file (4.5MB) which covers:
- A description of the circuit and its application for the experimenter as a summary of the originating thread.
- A short FAQ on implementing the boards and kits
- A step-by-step building guide with photos
- An example installation in a CD player.

There is also a thread covering assembly, installation and debugging (sorry) here: Got Fleas..?

 

[martin clark]

The PCBs for the Flea are now sold out. However, if you would be interested in ordering one or more PCBs drop me a PM and I'll look into getting a second batch made.

Unfortunately, given the second batch is likely to be rather smaller than the first (250boards) it's inevitable that the price will rise slightly. As a guideline, budget for £4 each inclusive of P&P.