BinKey

devmo-lm2596-buck-converter

3 min read

Important Note

This entire repo was AI created - including all of the data within. The intent was to A) help me with my personal electronics inventory; and B) see how I could use AI to make that process a bit easier. DO NOT TRUST!

DEVMO LM2596 Buck Converter Module

Details

  • Location: Cabinet-2, Bin 14 (Section A: 3 units, Section B: 6 units)
  • Category: Power Management
  • Brand: DEVMO
  • Part Number: DEVMO-LM2596-10PACK
  • Package: PCB Module
  • Quantity: 9 total (3 in Section A, 6 in Section B)
  • Status: Available
  • Price Range: $15-25
  • Datasheet: LM2596 Datasheet
  • Product URL: https://a.co/d/dcny2co

Description

The DEVMO LM2596 is a high-efficiency step-down (buck) DC-DC converter module based on the Texas Instruments LM2596S switching regulator IC. This module provides an adjustable output voltage from 1.5V to 35V with excellent regulation and high efficiency up to 92%.

The module features a built-in potentiometer for easy output voltage adjustment and can handle continuous currents up to 2A (3A with additional cooling). It’s ideal for powering microcontrollers, sensors, and other electronic projects from higher voltage sources like 12V or 24V power supplies.

Specifications

Electrical Characteristics

  • Input Voltage: 3-40V DC
  • Output Voltage: 1.5-35V DC (adjustable via potentiometer)
  • Output Current: 2A continuous, 3A maximum with heatsink
  • Conversion Efficiency: Up to 92%
  • Switching Frequency: ~150 kHz
  • Load Regulation: ±0.5%
  • Voltage Regulation: ±0.5%
  • Output Ripple: ~30mV maximum

Physical Characteristics

  • Dimensions: ~40mm x 20mm x 14mm
  • Weight: Lightweight PCB module
  • Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
  • Package: Through-hole PCB module with screw terminals

Key Features

  • High efficiency switching regulation (up to 92%)
  • Wide input voltage range (3-40V)
  • Adjustable output voltage via onboard potentiometer
  • Excellent load and line regulation
  • Built-in thermal shutdown protection
  • Short circuit protection
  • Easy to use screw terminal connections

Applications

Common use cases and applications for this component:

  • Powering Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects from higher voltage sources
  • Battery-powered projects requiring voltage regulation
  • LED driver circuits
  • Motor control power supplies
  • General purpose voltage conversion
  • Solar panel charge controllers
  • Automotive electronics (12V to 5V/3.3V conversion)

Circuit Examples

Basic Usage Circuit

Input Power Source (+) -----> VIN+ (Module Input)
Input Power Source (-) -----> VIN- (Module Input)

Module VOUT+ -----> Load (+)
Module VOUT- -----> Load (-)

Input (+) ----[1000µF]---- VIN+ -----> LM2596 Module -----> VOUT+ ----[470µF]---- Load (+)
Input (-) ----------------  VIN- -----------------------> VOUT- --------------- Load (-)

Technical Notes

Important technical considerations and usage notes:

  • Minimum voltage difference of ~1.5V required between input and output
  • For currents above 2A, additional heatsinking is required
  • Input capacitor (1000µF) recommended for stable operation
  • Output capacitor (470µF) recommended to reduce output ripple
  • Adjust output voltage with small screwdriver on potentiometer
  • Module generates less heat than linear regulators due to switching design
  • Not suitable for noise-sensitive applications without additional filtering

Tags

buck-converter, step-down, voltage-regulator, lm2596, switching-regulator, adjustable cabinet-2 bin-14 status-available

Notes

This is part of a 10-pack purchase, with 9 units currently in inventory (3 in Section A, 6 in Section B of Bin 14). These modules are extremely versatile and commonly used in electronics projects. The LM2596 is a proven, reliable switching regulator IC that’s been widely used for decades.

The modules are particularly useful for converting higher voltage power supplies (like 12V wall adapters) down to the 5V or 3.3V levels commonly needed by microcontrollers and development boards. The high efficiency means less heat generation compared to linear regulators, making them suitable for higher power applications.

Quality can vary between manufacturers, but these DEVMO modules appear to be well-constructed with proper component selection for reliable operation.

Graph View

Backlinks