Recommended Gear
XL4015 CC/CV Power Supply Module
A buck converter module with adjustable constant-current and constant-voltage modes — perfect for battery charging, LED drivers, and bench power supply projects.
Why It’s Great
The XL4015 module punches way above its weight class. Here’s why it’s a staple in my parts bin:
- Constant Current & Constant Voltage — Both CC and CV modes in one module. Set current limit for LED drivers or charge controllers, voltage for powering projects.
- High Current Output — Up to 5A continuous output. Enough for most hobby projects and prototype power supplies.
- Wide Input Range — Accepts 4-38V input, outputs 1.25-36V. Great for powering projects from 12V or 24V sources.
- Efficient Switching Regulator — 96% efficiency at optimal load. Runs cool, wastes minimal power.
- Onboard Trimpots — Adjust voltage and current limit with onboard potentiometers. No external components needed.
- Overcurrent Protection — Current limiting kicks in automatically. Protects your circuits during testing.
- LED Indicators — Shows CC/CV mode status. Know what’s happening at a glance.
- Incredibly Affordable — Around $1-2 USD per module. Buy a handful for different projects.
Technical Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| IC | XL4015 buck converter |
| Input Voltage | 4-38V DC |
| Output Voltage | 1.25-36V DC (adjustable) |
| Output Current | 5A max (with heatsink) |
| Switching Frequency | 180 kHz |
| Efficiency | Up to 96% |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Dimensions | ~54mm × 34mm × 14mm |
| Typical Cost | USD 1-2 |
Perfect For
Power Supplies:
- DIY bench power supply modules
- Adjustable voltage regulators
- Battery charging circuits
- Voltage/current-limited test supplies
LED Drivers:
- High-power LED projects (1W-3W LEDs)
- LED strip drivers
- Constant-current LED arrays
- Grow light controllers
Battery Charging:
- Li-Ion/LiPo chargers (with proper BMS)
- Lead-acid battery maintainers
- NiMH/NiCd charge controllers
- Solar charge controllers
Project Power:
- Powering 12V projects from 24V sources
- Regulating voltage for Arduino/ESP projects
- Current-limited supplies for testing
- Mobile robot power supplies
How to Use
Basic Setup:
- Connect input voltage (4-38V)
- Adjust output voltage with CV potentiometer
- Set current limit with CC potentiometer (use short circuit or ammeter)
- Connect load
- Module automatically switches between CC and CV modes
For Battery Charging:
- Set CV to battery max voltage (e.g., 4.2V for Li-Ion)
- Set CC to desired charge current (typically 0.5-1C)
- Add BMS for safe charging (XL4015 alone is NOT a complete charger)
For LED Driving:
- Set CC to LED forward current
- Set CV slightly above LED forward voltage
- Add heatsinking for high-current operation
Important Notes
- Heatsinking required for currents above 3A
- Not a complete battery charger — needs additional protection circuitry
- Buck converter only — output voltage must be lower than input
- Use shielded inductors — unshielded can cause EMI
Where to Buy
Available from:
- AliExpress (best prices, bulk options)
- eBay (various sellers)
- Amazon (faster shipping)
- Banggood
Pro tip: Buy a 5-10 pack. They’re so cheap and versatile, you’ll use them in multiple projects.
Part of the FullyAutomatix recommended tools collection — gear that actually gets used in the workshop.