XL4015 Adjustable DC-DC Step-Down Module with Display 5A 75W

DC-DC Step-Down converters (also known as ‘Buck’ converters) convert a higher voltage to a lower voltage while also stepping up the available current.

This DC-DC Step-Down converter is adjustable and capable of outputting a voltage in the range of 1.25 to 35V at a continuous current of up to 4A and short-term current of up to 4.5A with a maximum power output of up to 75W.  The input voltage must be higher than the output voltage.

The XL4015 converter IC has over current limiting and thermal shutdown features built-in.

There is an on-board green LED that illuminates when power is applied.

The module ships with a small heatsink that has adhesive pre-applied.  The heatsink can be attached to the XL4015 converter IC to help keep it cool.

The board has 4 holes in the corners which can be used for mounting it permanently if desired using  small screws.  The module comes with 4 standoffs that can be installed into these holes to space the module up if desired for benchwork.

Output Display

The built-in red voltmeter display shows the input and output voltage.

There are 2 buttons which control the display. The button on the left (near the Vin- terminal) turns the display on or off. The button on the right switches the display between displaying the input voltage and displaying the output voltage. There are two red LEDs marked ‘IN‘ and ‘OUT‘ that indicate which voltage is currently being displayed.

The display has a stated accuracy of ± 0.1V.  Some versions of the module have a calibration sequence that can be performed to calibrate the display against a reference voltmeter if desired.

To calibrate the display, perform the following steps:

1. select the voltage reading (input or output) that you want to calibrate so that it is shown on the display.
2. Hold the right button down for approximately 2 seconds. When you release it, the display should be blinking which indicates that it is in the calibration mode.  If the display is not blinking, then it is a version of the module that does not support the calibration process.
3. Use the left button to decrement the reading down and the right button to increment it up. Each press of the button adjusts the calibration by less than 0.1V, so you may need to press the button several times to see a change in the reading.
4. Once you are happy with the reading, press the right button again for approximately 2 seconds to save the setting.

Voltage Adjustment

The module has a multi-turn potentiometer for adjustment of the output voltage.

Turning the pot CW increases the output voltage while turning it  CCW decreases the output voltage.

The lowest output voltage is approximately 1.25V.  The upper limit of the adjustment range will depend on the input voltage and is typically about 1.5V less than the input voltage.  With a 12V input for instance, the upper output limit will be approximately 10.5V.

Input Power

These are compact boards with input power applied to one end and output power available on the other end.

With the LED display facing towards you, the input is on the left and the output is on the right.  The connections are made using screw terminals for easy connection to wires for hookup.

The input has a reverse polarity protection diode.

Input Power Terminals (Left Side)

• IN+ = Input voltage (4.5 to 38V)
• IN- = Ground

Output Power

Output power is available on the right side of the module.  It also uses screw terminals for easy connection to wire for hookup.

Output Power Terminals (Right Side)

• OUT+ = Output voltage (1.25 to 35V)
• OUT- = Ground

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• XL4015 Adjustable DC-DC Step Down Module
• 4 standoffs and hardware
• Heatsink