Getting Started
Danger: These boards can get extremely HOT
Please handle these boards with the utmost caution. Users can easily burn themselves; especially, when the board outputs anything over 2A.
Note
The SparkFun Buck Regulator Breakout - 5V (AP63357DV) and BabyBuck Regulator Breakout - 5V (AP63357DV) have similar features to our previous 3.3V buck regulators (AP63203).
Introduction
These boards feature the AP63357 from Diodes Inc., a 3.5A synchronous buck converter with a wide input voltage range of 3.8V to 32V. The fully integrated 74mΩ high-side power MOSFET/40m low-side power MOSFET provide a high-efficiency step-down DC/DC conversion. The boards are configured to provide a regulated 5V output and feature a high-voltage EN (enable) control pin that is rated up to 32V. The boards also include 0.1" spaced PTH pins to connect the input and output power and a copper pad is provided to attach a heat sink to the bottom of the board; to dissipate excess heat.
-
5V Buck Regulator
SKU: COM-21255
The Buck regulator breakout board, has additional options for connecting input and output power. There is a pre-assembled screw terminal for a non-permanent connection and the option to solder on a barrel jack for an external power supply. The board also includes and red, power indication LED for when the power output is enabled.
Purchase from SparkFun
-
5V BabyBuck Regulator
SKU: COM-21256
Unlike its sibling, the BabyBuck is a minimalistic board that sacrifices the connection options for space. Don't worry, though, because the PTH pins are still available to connect the input and output power. All of this snuggled up in a low-profile, .63" x .52" board.
Purchase from SparkFun
Required Materials
To get started, users will need a few items. Now some users may already have a few of these items, feel free to modify your cart accordingly.
- SparkFun Buck Regulator Breakout - 5V (AP63357DV)
- Heat Sink - Used to help dissipate excess heat
- Thermal Tape - To attach a heat sink to the board
- Power Supply
-
Soldering Tools (1)
- Check out the beginner tool kit below; otherwise, click here for a full selection of our available soldering tools.
-
Hookup Wire - May be used to connect the external power or power output
- Headers - May be used to connect the external power or power output
- DC Barrel Jack Adapter - (Optional - Not necessary for the BabyBuck Regulator)
- Small Flathead Screw Driver - (Optional - Not necessary for the BabyBuck Regulator)
SparkFun BabyBuck Regulator Breakout - 5V (AP63357DV)COM-21256 |
SparkFun Buck Regulator Breakout - 5V (AP63357DV)COM-21255 |
Heatsink - 13.20 x 12.10 mm (Copper)PRT-18704 |
Thermal Tape 4x4" SquarePRT-17054 |
SparkFun Beginner Tool KitTOL-14681 |
Hook-Up Wire - Assortment (Solid Core, 22 AWG)PRT-11367 |
Break Away Headers - StraightPRT-00116 |
DC Barrel Power Jack/ConnectorPRT-00119 |
Pocket Screwdriver SetTOL-12891 |
New to soldering?
Check out our Through-Hole Soldering Tutorial for a quick introduction!
Jumper Modification
New to jumper pads?
Check out our Jumper Pads and PCB Traces Tutorial for a quick introduction!
To modify the jumper, users will need soldering equipment and/or a hobby knife.
Solder Lead Free - 100-gram SpoolTOL-09325 |
Weller WLC100 Soldering StationTOL-14228 |
Chip Quik No-Clean Flux Pen - 10mLTOL-14579 |
Hobby KnifeTOL-09200 |
Suggested Reading
Below, are a few tutorials that may help users familiarize themselves with various aspects of this product:
