XL4015E1 - 5A 36V 180kHz Buck DC/DC Converter | XLSEMI
MPN: XL4015E1 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.45 | $0.45 |
| 10 | $0.39 | $3.90 |
| 100 | $0.32 | $32.00 |
| 500 | $0.27 | $135.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.23 | $230.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.2 | $600.00 |
XL4015E1 Overview
A buck (step-down) DC/DC converter is a switch-mode power supply (SMPS) topology that uses a high-side switch, an inductor, and a capacitor to convert a higher DC input voltage into a lower regulated DC output voltage. Unlike a linear regulator, which dissipates excess voltage as heat, a buck converter stores energy in the inductor during the switch ON-time and releases it to the load during the OFF-time, achieving dramatically higher efficiency. Within the broader hierarchy, the XL4015E1 belongs to the family of integrated asynchronous buck regulators that include internal frequency compensation, a fixed-frequency PWM controller, and a power switch on a single die.
Key features include a wide 8 V to 36 V input range, internally fixed 180 kHz switching frequency that balances efficiency against external L/C size, low standby current around 5 mA, internal frequency compensation that minimizes external parts, and built-in thermal shutdown and current-limit protection. The TO-263-5L (DPAK-style) package exposes the die tab for low thermal resistance when soldered to a copper pad.
The architecture is a classic voltage-mode PWM controller driving an integrated N-channel MOSFET, with feedback sampling from the output via an external resistor divider. Switching at a fixed 180 kHz keeps the fundamental and harmonics away from the AM broadcast band, simplifying EMI filtering in automotive and consumer audio/video products. Efficiency peaks around 90-96% at moderate load and moderate VIN-VOUT delta; efficiency drops at very low or very high duty cycles, which is typical for asynchronous buck converters.
Typical applications include 12 V / 24 V lead-acid battery step-down to 5 V or 3.3 V rails for automotive accessories, USB chargers, solar MPPT pre-regulators, LED drivers, and DIY/hobby lab power supplies. The 5-pin footprint is dimensionally similar to LM2596 but with subtly different pin functions, so any second-source design must re-verify the pinout before board layout reuse.
When designing with this part, place the input ceramic bypass capacitor and the freewheeling diode as close as possible to the IC, use an inductor with low DC resistance and adequate saturation current (≥ 5 A), and provide at least 1 square inch of copper pad area under the exposed tab to keep the junction within the 125 C limit.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not collected on the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving engineers a single decision-ready reference.
Drop-in alternatives for XL4015E1 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
XL4016E1
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
XL4001E1
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
XL4015E1-TR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
XL4015E1 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Topology | Buck (Step-Down) DC/DC Converter |
| Input Voltage Range | 8 V to 36 V |
| Output Voltage Range | 1.25 V to 32 V (adjustable) |
| Continuous Output Current | 5 A |
| Switching Frequency | 180 kHz (fixed) |
| Quiescent Current | 5 mA (typical) |
| Feedback Voltage | 1.25 V (internal reference) |
| Maximum Efficiency | 96 % |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +125 °C |
| Package | TO-263-5L (DPAK-style, tab pin 5) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Internal Power Switch | Yes (integrated N-MOSFET) |
| Frequency Compensation | Internal |
| Protection Features | Thermal shutdown, current limit |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
XL4015E1 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | EN — Enable input, active high; tie to VIN for always-on operation |
| Pin 2 | VIN — Input supply voltage, 8 V to 36 V |
| Pin 3 | GND — Ground return for the IC |
| Pin 4 | FB — Feedback from output resistor divider to internal 1.25 V reference |
| Pin 5 | SW — Switch node driving external inductor and freewheeling Schottky diode |
Typical Applications
XL4015E1 is suitable for 6 applications: 12V/24V Battery to 5V Buck Converter, Solar MPPT Pre-Regulator / Battery Charger, USB 5V High-Current Charging Port, LED Driver / Constant-Current Source, DIY Lab Bench Power Supply, Industrial 24V to 3.3V/5V/12V Point-of-Load.
12V/24V Battery to 5V Buck Converter
The XL4015E1 steps a 12 V or 24 V lead-acid battery down to 5 V at up to 5 A with up to 96 % efficiency, making it ideal for automotive accessory power. Its 8 V-36 V input range covers 12 V passenger-car nominal as well as 24 V truck/forklift nominal, with 36 V of headroom for load-dump when paired with a TVS clamp. Placed between BAT+ and the 5 V load with a 33 µH inductor and a 5 A Schottky, it eliminates the heat of a linear 7805 and runs cool at 4 A continuous. Pin 1 EN allows ignition-keyed startup sequencing, important for accessories that must not drain the battery when parked.
Recommended
Solar MPPT Pre-Regulator / Battery Charger
The XL4015E1 serves as a buck stage after an MPPT controller or as a simple solar charge regulator for charging 12 V lead-acid or LiFePO4 batteries from a 18 V solar panel. Its adjustable output down to 1.25 V lets engineers set a precise float voltage by resistor divider, while the 36 V input covers 24 V nominal panels. Efficiency of 90-96 % at moderate duty cycles means minimal solar-energy loss, important off-grid. The 5-pin footprint and minimal external parts (one inductor, one Schottky, two capacitors, two feedback resistors) make this a very low-BOM solar charger.
Recommended
USB 5V High-Current Charging Port
The XL4015E1 with output set to 5.0 V via the FB resistor divider creates a 5 A-capable USB-A or USB-C high-current charging port from a 12 V or 19 V source, sufficient for 2.4 A Apple-mode and Quick Charge 5 V regimes. The integrated 5 A switch and 96 % efficiency at 12 V to 5 V at 2-3 A means almost no heatsinking is needed at typical phone/tablet loads. Pin 1 EN allows the port to be toggled by an upstream load switch or a USB-PHY enable signal. Engineers should add a downstream eFuse for USB over-current protection rather than relying on the XL4015E1 foldback, which is thermal-only.
Recommended
LED Driver / Constant-Current Source
The XL4015E1 in a constant-current configuration drives high-brightness LED strings from a 12 V or 24 V supply by replacing the output resistor divider with a current-sense resistor on FB. With VFB = 1.25 V, a 0.25 ohm sense resistor sets 5 A LED drive current, suitable for automotive headlight retrofits, grow-lights, and industrial high-bay fixtures. The 180 kHz switching frequency keeps flicker above the visible threshold for most viewers, while the wide input range accommodates battery voltage variation. Pin 1 EN enables PWM dimming via a low-frequency FET on the EN pin.
Recommended
DIY Lab Bench Power Supply
The XL4015E1 is the canonical 'eBay buck module' chip used in countless hobbyist adjustable bench supplies because of its 1.25 V-32 V adjustable output and 5 A current capability. Combined with a digital volt/ammeter, a panel-mount pot, and a 24 V input, it forms a complete variable lab supply for under $5 in parts. The TO-263-5L package solders easily to a TO-220 footprint carrier for retrofit, and its internal compensation eliminates the need for an external compensation network. For higher output voltages above 32 V the XL4015 is unsuitable and an XL6019 boost or SEPIC topology is required instead.
Recommended
Industrial 24V to 3.3V/5V/12V Point-of-Load
The XL4015E1 converts industrial 24 V nominal bus rails (18-36 VDC range common in factory automation and PLCs) to 3.3 V, 5 V, or 12 V logic rails for sensor nodes, motor-driver logic supplies, and HMIs/VDE. Its 36 V absolute-maximum input tolerates the upper bound of 24 V industrial supplies plus transients, while its -40 °C to +125 °C operating range covers unheated factory cabinets and outdoor enclosures. Fixed 180 kHz switching allows predictable EMI filter design when multiple XL4015E1 supplies are stacked on the same backplane. The integrated thermal shutdown and current limit meet the basic safety expectations for factory-floor deployment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for XL4015E1 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | XL4016E1 | XL4001E1 | XL4015E1-TR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | XLSEMI | XLSEMI | XLSEMI | XLSEMI |
| Package | TO-263-5L | TO-263-5L - same | TO-263-5L - same | TO-263-5L - same |
| Topology | Buck (asynchronous) | Buck (asynchronous) | Buck (asynchronous) | Buck (asynchronous) |
| Input Voltage Range | 8 V to 36 V | 8 V to 36 V | 8 V to 36 V | 8 V to 36 V |
| Output Current | 5 A | 12 A | 2 A | 5 A |
| Switching Frequency | 180 kHz | 180 kHz | 180 kHz | 180 kHz |
| Output Voltage Range | 1.25 V to 32 V | 1.25 V to 32 V | 1.25 V to 32 V | 1.25 V to 32 V |
| Maximum Efficiency | 96 % | 96 % | 92 % | 96 % |
Key Differentiators
- Higher output current than XL4001E1 at same package and pinout (vs XL4001E1)
- Lower cost than XL4016E1 for 5A-or-below applications (vs XL4016E1)
- Internally compensated - no external compensation network (vs LM2596S-ADJ)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 24 V input stepping down to 5 V at 5 A, the XL4015E1 dissipates approximately (24-5) V × 5 A × (1-efficiency)/efficiency. Assuming 90 % efficiency, this is about 10.5 W of waste heat, which exceeds the TO-263-5L package's capability on the minimum 1 square inch copper pad. At 12 V input stepping down to 5 V at 5 A the dissipation drops to (12-5) × 5 × 0.1 / 0.9 ≈ 3.9 W, which is manageable. Either reduce VIN-VOUT delta, reduce load, or expand the exposed-pad copper area to at least 4 square inches with thermal vias for high-dissipation designs.
Place the input bypass ceramic capacitor (≥ 22 µF X7R) within 5 mm of pin 2 VIN, and place the freewheeling Schottky diode (rated ≥ 8 A repetitive, ≥ 40 V) within 5 mm of pin 5 SW. Use a 33-47 µH inductor with ≥ 5 A saturation current and ≤ 50 mΩ DCR; lower DCR saves 1-2 % efficiency. Route the FB trace away from the SW node to avoid noise coupling into the feedback divider. Provide at least 1 square inch of copper under the exposed tab, stitched with thermal vias to an inner ground plane, to keep theta_JA within the datasheet envelope.
Do NOT assume the XL4015E1 is pin-compatible with the LM2596 - the TO-263-5L packages are dimensionally similar but pin 1 differs (XL4015 EN vs LM2596 VIN). Swapping without re-layout will damage the XL4015E1 by shorting EN to VIN through the LM2596's pin-1 trace. Also, do NOT exceed 36 V on VIN even briefly; load-dump pulses in 24 V trucks can reach 60-80 V and require a TVS clamp upstream. Finally, do not load the output with more than 5 A continuously without derating for ambient temperature above 60 °C - the internal current-limit trips and folds VOUT back.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free confirmed by JLCPCB and LCSC distributor listings; AEC-Q100 automotive qualification is not claimed by XLSEMI for the XL4015 family. Halogen-free and conflict-mineral status are not explicitly stated in the available data.
