DC-DC Buck Converter Step Down Module LM2596 Power Supply is a step-down(buck) switching regulator, capable of driving a 3-A load with excellent line and load regulation. These devices are available in fixed output voltages of 3.3 V, 5 V. They provide much greater power efficiency as do not step up output current and they don't heat up as linear regulators.

These regulators are useful for applications where the input supply is 12V and output load is 5V,  3.3V which are often required to drive USB powered devices, Micro-Controllers, other mainboards, and basic modules etc., When the output current keeps greater than 2.5A (or output power greater than 10W), please add a heat sink to it.Since LM2596 converter is a switch-mode power supply, its efficiency is significantly higher in comparison with popular three-terminal linear regulators, especially with higher input voltages. The LM2596 operates at a switching frequency of 150 kHz thus allowing smaller sized filter components than what would be needed with lower frequency switching regulators.

The board contains 3-pin header Vin, Gnd, Vout where input voltage(12V), output voltage(5V, 3.3V) are provided. Also it comes with a fully assembled, and tested PCB with 2 pieces of 3-pin header so you can solder on to to a breadboard or perfboard for ease.

Application

The buck regulator can be used as a direct replacement for voltage regulator IC's like L7805 and other boards.