I need a simple module – a USB-C connector (it could also work without it), a charging chip for a LiPo battery on the board, and a step-down (or LDO) output with a voltage of 3.3V and a current of at least 200 mA. Before diving into my own development, I browsed AliExpress – which, of course, offered me not only what I was looking for but also other modules… that I really do need too.
Note: I have not tested any of these modules; the parameters listed here are from the product pages. Keep in mind that “paper” can state anything, and I would reduce the maximum current and voltage limits for safety to 2/3 of the stated values.
Module with Charging Circuit and Step-Down Converter to 3/3.3V
The first module is the one I was really looking for. I am not sure if an output current of 250 mA will be sufficient because the circuit is intended to be used in a toy car for control, which is powered by two AA batteries, and I don’t know how much such a remote-controlled car can draw.
The advantage of this module is the combination of a charging chip for LiPo and a step-down converter to either 3V or 3.3V – depending on the selected variant. For ESP32 or ESP8266, the output current is insufficient, but the module could find its application in other projects.
The module’s own consumption is reportedly only 2 uA.
Product link: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804989179521.html
Price 6.03 USD / 5 pieces (price may vary)
Boost Converter from 4.2V (LiPo) to 5V/2A with Integrated Charger
A module that might appeal to me according to AliExpress is a boost converter from a single LiPo battery to 5V. The total consumption of the module is only 50 uA, and the output is activated by pressing a button. A double press deactivates the output. The consumption must be higher than 50 mA; otherwise, the output will deactivate after 30 seconds.
Product link: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008401840216.html
Price 5.46 USD / 5 pieces (price may vary)
Adjustable Boost Converter to 5/8/9/12V
This boost converter has an input voltage ranging from 2.5V up to VOUT, where VOUT can be 5, 8, 9, or 12V. The voltage selection depends on resistors A and B, which control the output voltage. The maximum output power is 5W for a 5V output and lower for higher voltages: 8V / 0.5A, 9V / 0.45A, and finally 12V / 0.3A (at an input of 3.7V). When connected to a 5V input voltage, the output current can be higher – up to 12V / 0.5A.
Product link: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007063338580.html
Price 1.77 USD / 5 pieces (price may vary)
Step-Down Converter from Higher Input Voltage to 3.3/3.7/5/6/7.5/9/12V and Current up to 2.5A
What makes this interesting – at least for me – is the high input voltage – up to 27V. This is useful, for example, for reducing voltage to (for example) 5V to power control boards such as Arduino Uno or Raspberry Pi, or with an output voltage of 3.3V for powering boards with ESP32, ESP8266.
The maximum output current is reportedly 2.5A, peaking at 3.5A.
Product link: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805440319493.html
Price 1.73 USD / 1 piece (price may vary)
Step-Down Converter with Two Outputs 3.3/5V or 5/12V
Another very interesting module is this one. It generates two output voltages from a single input voltage – in the basic setting 3.3/5V or 5/12V, but it can be adjusted to a different value using a resistor.
The input voltage range is very wide – from 7 to 30V. The maximum output current can be up to 1A (for 3.3V and 5V) and 0.5A for the 12V output. The module’s own consumption is approximately 1mA.
Product link: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003134955882.html
Price 2.36 USD / 1 piece (price may vary)
