Good (stable) voltage regulator?

[achilles03]

I'm in need of a stable voltage regulator that's not too expensive and can source atleast 100mA. Ideally this is to provide a stable reference voltage as well as power supply. The voltage regulator I was originally using (from radioshack) is causing havoc with my ADC readings. Does anyone have any good part numbers to suggest?

Also, is there a *significant* benefit to using separate reference and supply voltage sources?

Thanks,
Dave

[Charles Linquis]

There is a significant advantage to using a separate reference - especially when you are using 10 bit (or more) A/Ds. I use an LM4120 - 4.096V. The fact that the output is an exact power of 2 makes things nice, also. You get exactly 4mV/count with a 10 bit converter.

If you decide to use the '4120, make certain you load the output with at least .2uF as in the data sheet.

[NavMicroSystems]

Dave,

see: this thread (http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=2173&highlight=regulator)

I have good results with the LP2950.

If quiescent current is an issue you may want to try the MCP1701