XL6019 5A DC-DC Boost Converter Module - Adjustable Step-Up Power Supply

Specifications

• Regulator IC: XL6019

• Module Type: Non-isolated Step-Up (Boost)

• Input Voltage Range: 3.0V to 35V DC

• Output Voltage Range: 5.0V to 40V DC (Adjustable)

• Maximum Switching Current: 5A (Internal switch limit)

• Continuous Output Current: ~1.5A to 3A (Depends heavily on input/output voltage differential and cooling)

• Switching Frequency: 220 KHz

• Conversion Efficiency: Up to 94%

• Potentiometer Type: 10K Multi-Turn (W103)

• Dimensions: 50mm (L) x 28mm (W) x 13mm (H)

• Reverse Polarity Protection: Yes (via input diode)

Key Applications and Projects

• Portable Audio Amplifiers: Boosting a 3.7V Li-ion battery pack up to 12V or 24V to power a high-wattage Class-D audio amplifier board in a custom Bluetooth speaker.

• 12V Automotive Integration: Stepping up a fluctuating 12V car battery system to a perfectly stable 19V or 24V to run specialized networking equipment or laptops in a mobile workbench.

• Solar Power Harvesting: Taking the variable 5V to 9V output of a small solar panel and boosting it to a consistent voltage required to run a 12V water pump for automated greenhouse irrigation.

Unlock New Capabilities (Project Evolution) The Ultimate 5V USB to 12V Adapter: Do you have a 12V router, LED strip, or fan, but only have a standard 5V USB power bank during a power outage? Evolve your emergency kit! Cut an old USB cable and wire the red and black power lines into the IN+ and IN- terminals of the XL6019. Connect your multimeter to the output and turn the blue potentiometer until the output reads exactly 12V. You have just created a highly efficient, custom USB-to-12V step-up cable capable of running networking gear for hours off a standard cell phone power bank!

PACKAGE INCLUDED

• 1 x XL6019 5A DC-DC Boost Converter Module

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What does this module do? It is a DC-to-DC Boost Converter. It takes a lower direct current (DC) voltage from a power source (like a battery) and increases (boosts) it to a higher, stable DC voltage.

2. The title says "Buck Step Down", can this lower my voltage? No. Despite the generic, often confusing factory title, the physical architecture of this specific board is a Step-Up (Boost) converter. The input voltage must always be lower than the desired output voltage. If you need to lower voltage, you need an LM2596 "Buck" converter.

3. What is the maximum current it can handle? The XL6019 chip has a 5A internal switching limit. However, the actual continuous output current you can draw depends on how hard the chip is working. Typically, you can draw 1.5A to 3A continuously before the chip requires an external heatsink.

4. How do I adjust the output voltage? Attach a multimeter to the OUT+ and OUT- terminals. Use a small flathead screwdriver to turn the brass screw on the blue W103 potentiometer. Turn counter-clockwise to increase voltage, and clockwise to decrease it.

5. Why is the output voltage not changing when I turn the screw? Multi-turn potentiometers have a very fine adjustment resolution. You may need to spin the tiny screw 10, 15, or even 20 full rotations before the internal wiper engages the resistive track and begins changing the voltage. Keep turning!

6. Does it have reverse polarity protection? Yes. The board features an M7 diode specifically added to provide reverse connection protection, preventing catastrophic damage if you mix up the positive and negative input wires.

7. Can I use this to step up 5V to 12V? Absolutely. Stepping up 5V USB or 5V logic power to 12V for fans or relays is one of the most common applications for this module.

8. What is the minimum input voltage required? The chip requires a minimum of 3.0V to power its internal oscillator and logic circuitry reliably.

9. Can I use this to charge a lithium battery? It is highly discouraged. This is a Constant Voltage (CV) power supply. Charging raw lithium batteries requires a specialized Constant Current / Constant Voltage (CC/CV) charging module to prevent fires.

10. What are the blue blocks on the ends? These are screw terminal blocks. You insert your stripped wires into the holes and tighten the top screws to secure them, eliminating the need to solder wires directly to the board.

11. Is the output voltage isolated from the input? No. This is a non-isolated converter. The IN- and OUT- (Ground) terminals share a common electrical connection across the board.

12. What does "220KHz Switching Frequency" mean for my project? It means the chip turns the inductor on and off 220,000 times a second. This high frequency allows for a very stable output voltage with minimal ripple (electrical noise), making it excellent for sensitive audio or radio equipment.

13. Does this module need a heatsink? If you are drawing less than 15 Watts of total power (e.g., boosting 5V to 12V at 1 Amp), it will run cool. If you are pushing the module past 20 Watts, you should attach a small adhesive aluminum heatsink to the black XL6019 chip.

14. What are the dimensions of the board? The PCB measures 50mm long, 28mm wide, and stands approximately 13mm tall (at the highest capacitor).

15. Can I run a 100W laptop charger off this? No. 100 Watts would far exceed the 5A internal switching limit and thermal capacity of this small module. You would need a much larger, 150W or 300W heavy-duty boost converter for a laptop.

16. Why is my module making a high-pitched whining noise? The XL6019 operates at 220KHz, which is far beyond human hearing. If you hear whining, it means the inductor is vibrating due to "sub-harmonic oscillation." This usually happens if your input power supply is too weak and the voltage is collapsing under load.

17. Do I need to add external capacitors? No, the board is fully populated. It features a 220µF 35V capacitor on the input side and a 100µF 50V capacitor on the output side to filter the voltage automatically.

18. What happens if my input voltage fluctuates (like from a solar panel)? As long as the input voltage remains below your set output voltage, the XL6019 will actively compensate and keep the output voltage perfectly stable.

19. How efficient is this converter? Under optimal conditions (a small difference between input and output voltage), it operates at up to 94% efficiency. However, if you are boosting a very low voltage to a very high voltage (e.g., 3V to 30V), efficiency will drop, and more power will be lost as heat.

20. Can I connect two of these in parallel to get 10 Amps? No! Switching power supplies cannot be wired in parallel. Microscopic differences in their output voltages will cause them to fight each other, resulting in severe overheating and module failure.