So if you Google for "Simple Switcher" and go to the National site they have an online design tool that lets you plug in your requirements and it pops out a SMPSU design. I put in Ed's parameters and it gave me a design that could actually do
1.5a @ 5V from 7 - 35v. The challenge of course is that the parts cost (qty1) are about $37.50. The good news is if you sign up they will send you a demo board for free ;-). <br><br>I like the simple switchers, I've used them in a number of designs. They are very robust and while you can't do a "7805" foot print with them you can do a "7805-molex-plug" by which I mean you substitute a 3 pin molex plug for your voltage regulator and you can then plug your small board in with this system.
<br><br>Additional good news is that you can make it a 3.3v board by changing 1 part (the level setting resistor). <br><br>--Chuck<br>(no way affiliated with National Semi)<br>