When do you decide to use linear vs switching regulators?

[Alan]

Choosing between linear and switching regulators can feel like a tough call sometimes. What do you take into account when making that choice? Is it efficiency, the size of the regulators, or perhaps other factors? I’m curious to know how you tackle this decision.

 

[cap&resistor]

Usually think about heat and how well it works. If the voltage is dropping a lot or there's a ton of current, I go with switching. But if I need things quiet and just want to keep it simple, I'll still use a linear regulator.

 

[capacitorkid]

Had bad experiences with noise before, so now that's the first thing I check. For audio stuff or anything sensitive, I go linear. Battery-powered or needs lots of current, then I usually pick switching.

 

[Tovaren]

Basically, I check out the whole setup first.
If I'm tight on space and need good power use, switching's the way to go.
But if it's a fast project with low current, linear keeps things easy and quiet.

 

[barfle]

I rarely need a switching regulator, but I’m old enough to remember when they didn’t exist. Of course, these days it’s so easy to just grab a wall-wart that the problem solves itself.

 

[BrianB]

I've found linear definitely better sounding than switched for class A and A/B headphone amplifiers. It's most obvious to me when using bi-polar supplies. Disclaimer, I was using gain matched subjective A-B switched listening tests, not double blind.

 

[Alan]

Makes perfect sense, linear for quiet, simple, or sensitive circuits, and switching when you need efficiency or higher current. The context really does change everything.