Thanks again for your suggestions. Can you just tell me this about the above Block Diagram? I want to see if I have this right.
The "Block" as depicted is the component (TS2576). The numbers contained in the boxes are the component pins. The supplied DC current going into pin 1 will eventually get to the load through pin 2, but only if pin 5 is grounded, which apparently "enables" the supplied current to flow through the component to pin 2, and then to the load. And pin 2 should always be the same voltage as what is being supplied to pin 1, because this particular component is not one that changes voltage. Because of this, I am guessing pin 5 must be manually activated (enabled) in some way, and because it is "enabled" by grounding it, that enabling device must be connected to a ground somewhere. So maybe a switch of some type, connected to a ground, may be that enabling device? Pin 3 is the grounded portion of this component. That's easy enough. So I see pin 4 is taking the output of pin 2 and running it back through the component for various checks (over voltage, thermal maximums, etc.). I am guessing that pin 4 is more of a safety measure for this component. Is my assessment of this component fairly accurate?
If the above is correct, I should be able to solder 4 wires to the device while in circuit, using the grounded heat sink as pin 3. If I ground pin 5, pin 2 should then allow the current to flow and I should get the same voltage from pin 2 as I have going in to pin 1. If pin 5 is grounded, I should also get the same voltage from pin 4. If pin 5 is not grounded, I should not get any voltage from pin 2 or pin 4.
What concerns me is this: While out of circuit, this component should not supply current to pin 2 unless pin 5 is grounded...and it does. I attached 5 vdc to pin 1 and grounded pin 3. The voltmeter read the same voltage on pin 2 as supplied on pin 1, and pin 5 was not attached to anything.
Ok...I'm ready to get hammered. You guys are good at that. Haaa.
Sorry, guys, but my background is not in electronics. This is just for fun and a challenge. I have, however, learned a lot just from reading your replies to other questions.