Even today much logic is still powered from 5 volts and it then seems obvious to power the circuit using a standard regulator from a rectangular 9-V battery. A disadvantage of this approach is that the capacity of a 9-V battery is rather low and the price is rather high. Even the NiMH revolution, which has resulted in considerably higher capacities of (pen-light) batteries, seems to have escaped the 9-V battery generation. It would be cheaper if 5 volts could be derived from 6 volts, for example. That would be 4 ‘normal’ cells or 5 NiMH- cells. Also the ‘old fashioned’ sealed lead- acid battery would be appropriate, or two lithium cells. Circuit diagram : Low-drop Regulator with Indicator Circuit Diagram Using an LP2951, such a power supply is easily realised. The LP2951 is an ever- green from National Semiconductor, which you will have encountered in numerous Elektor Electronics designs already. This IC can deliver a maximum current of 100 mA at an input voltage of greater tha...