400W 15A DC-DC Step Down Buck Converter CC CV Adjustable Power Module

Specifications

• Module Type: Non-isolated step-down module 

• Input Voltage: 6V to 40V DC

• Output Voltage: 1.2V to 36V DC (Continuously adjustable)

• Output Current: Max 15A (10A recommended for continuous use without external cooling)

• Power Rating: Max 400W

• Conversion Efficiency: Up to 96%

• Operating Frequency: 150KHz

• Protection: Short circuit protection (Current limit), Over-temperature protection (Auto shut-off)

• Dimensions: 60mm x 44mm x 27mm

• Indicator: Dual-color LED (Red = Charging/CC Mode, Green = Charged/CV Mode)

Key Applications & Projects

• High-Power LED Driver: Drive 10W to 100W COB LEDs with precise constant current control.

• Solar Charge Controller: Efficiently step down high-voltage solar panels to charge 12V or 24V battery systems.

• E-Bike Power Step-Down: Convert 36V or 48V e-bike battery packs down to 12V for high-intensity lighting or horn systems.

• Lab Bench Power Supply: Create a high-current adjustable bench supply for testing motors and actuators.

Project Evolution

• Past Projects (Prerequisites): If you have used the smaller LM2596 or XL4015 modules, you understand basic voltage regulation.

• Feature Upgrade: This module unlocks High-Current Constant Current (CC) control. Unlike basic modules that only limit voltage, this allows you to set a specific amperage limit, making it safe for high-capacity battery charging and preventing thermal runaway in LEDs.

• Effort/Requirements: Intermediate. Requires a multimeter for precise calibration and thick-gauge (14-16 AWG) wiring to handle the 15A load safely.

Virtual Technician & Wiring

⚠️ Safety Warning: Never exceed the input voltage of 40V. For continuous loads above 10A or 250W, we recommend adding a 12V cooling fan to the heatsinks to ensure Probots™ Tech-Bridge ???? levels of operational longevity.

• IN+ / IN-: Connect your DC input source (e.g., Battery or Solar Panel).

• OUT+ / OUT-: Connect your Load (e.g., LED or Battery being charged).

• CV Potentiometer: Turn clockwise to increase Output Voltage.

• CC Potentiometer: Turn clockwise to increase the Output Current limit.

Accessories

• Included: 1x 400W 15A Buck Converter Module.

• Required Additional: High-current DC Wire (14 AWG recommended), Multimeter (for calibration).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can this module increase voltage? No, this is a Buck (Step-down) converter. The output voltage must always be lower than the input.
• Does it have reverse polarity protection? No, connecting the input in reverse will damage the module instantly.
• What is the difference between CV and CC? CV (Constant Voltage) keeps the voltage steady. CC (Constant Current) limits the maximum current drawn by the load.
• Can I use this to charge a car battery? Yes, the CC function allows you to set the safe charging current for lead-acid or Li-ion batteries.
• Why is the output voltage the same as the input? Ensure you turn the CV potentiometer counter-clockwise at least 15-20 times; they are multi-turn pots.
• Does it need a fan? For loads exceeding 10A or 250W, active cooling is highly recommended.
• Can I use this for a 24V to 12V conversion? Yes, it is ideal for this application at high currents.
• Is it waterproof? No, it is an open-frame module and should be housed in a ventilated enclosure.
• What is the standby current? Typically between 15mA and 25mA.
• Can I connect multiple units in parallel? No, parallel connection is not recommended for this type of buck converter.
• Can I use it to drive a DC motor? Yes, it can handle inductive loads like motors, but ensure the start-up current doesn't exceed 15A.
• What is the ripple voltage? Approx 50mV at full load.
• Can I change the pots to external ones? Yes, you can desolder the trimmers and wire up external 10k/50k potentiometers for panel mounting.
• Is there a low-voltage cutoff? No, it will continue to operate as long as the input is above 6V.
• Does it work with AC input? No, this is a DC-to-DC converter only.
• Can I use it as a solar MPPT? It is a fixed-ratio converter, not a true MPPT, but can be used as a basic solar charge controller.
• What is the maximum efficiency? 96% (Measured at 24V input, 12V 5A output).
• Can I charge 48V batteries? No, the maximum input voltage is 40V.
• What happens in a short circuit? The CC limit will kick in, protecting the module and the source.
• Is the output isolated? No, the input and output share a common negative (GND) line.