All most all the projects I do are based on a 5V Voltage Supply, and to regulate the voltage supply requires a voltage regulator. The most commonly used voltage regulator is a 7805 IC which operates at 1A. In this instructable I'm going to show you how to construct a 5V voltage regulator, this can be used to power an atmega328 if you are replicating an Arduino or building a portable power supply.

So lets get started....

Step 1: Tools and Components

All that you need for this tutorial is -

L7805
Breadboard
20uF Electrolytic Capacitor
Jumper Wires

Step 2: Circuit

The circuit is really basic and simple to replicate, follow the circuit as above. Add a heat sink if you are going to add a load nearing to 1A.

Step 3: Going Further

As a Arduino uses the same 7805 as the voltage regulator you can use this regulator to power up an atmega328, or if you happen to burn the Arduino regulator you can buy one off eBay and replace the on board one. This project is also the stater for a virtual USB project.