The DD38LOSA 5V DC-DC / LDO Module is a reliable power regulation solution designed for projects requiring a clean and stable 5V supply from higher input voltages ranging between 8V and 40V. Featuring a combination of a ME3116 switching regulator and a 1117A-5 LDO linear regulator, this module provides improved ripple and noise performance compared to standard DC-DC converters alone. Capable of supplying 700mA continuous current and up to 1A intermittently, it ensures robust operation with built-in short circuit and thermal protection. Its compact, breadboard-friendly design with TO-220 pinout compatibility makes it suitable for robotics, embedded systems, and DIY electronics needing efficient 5V regulation from high-voltage sources. Featured By RoboticsBD.
Product Images are shown for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual product.
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Features:
Wide input range: 8–40V DC.
Provides regulated 5V output.
700mA continuous current, 1A peak current support.
Dual-stage regulation (DC-DC + LDO) for low ripple and noise.
Efficiency of 60–70% under load.
Integrated short circuit and thermal protection.
Compatible with TO-220 pinout format for easy replacement.
Compact and breadboard-friendly module.
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Applications:
Generating clean 5V from high-voltage DC sources.
Robotics and automation power supply systems.
DIY electronics and embedded projects.
Replacing standard TO-220 regulators with higher efficiency modules.
Supplying microcontrollers and sensors requiring stable 5V power.
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| General Specifications |
| Product Type | DC-DC + LDO Power Module |
| Model | DD38LOSA |
| Input Voltage Range | 8V – 40V |
| Output Voltage | 5V |
| Continuous Current | 700mA |
| Peak Current | Up to 1A |
| Efficiency | 60–70% (overall) |
| Ripple | 12–20mV (typical with 100µF capacitor) |
| Protection | Short circuit, thermal shutdown |
| Chipset | ME3116 (DC-DC), 1117A-5 (LDO) |
| Pinout Compatibility | TO-220 standard |
| Dimensions | 3 × 2 × 2 cm |
| Shipment Weight | 0.0038 kg |
| Shipment Dimensions | 3 × 2 × 2 cm |
Please allow 5% measuring deviation due to manual measurement.
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Documentation:
THEORY OF OPERATION:
The DC-DC input section can take a range of 8 to 40V on its input.
It uses the ME3116 switching regulator IC that operates at 550kHz and is configured to provide a fixed output voltage set to 6.3V. Efficiency of this section is 85-90%.
The 6.3V is then feed to an LDO 1117A-5 linear regulator. This regulator trims the 6.3V down to the final 5V output while also helping to filter the ripple and noise on the output of the DC-DC section. Efficiency of this section is 71-78% giving an overall efficiency of 60-70% for the module.
The final output has a ripple of 12-20mV under most conditions. It doesn’t remove it completely due to the tight circuit coupling between the DC-DC converter and linear sections on the small board. It is still 2-10x better than what most DC-DC converters can provide when used alone. Measurements were done with a 100uF bulk capacitor on the output.
Because the linear regulator is always dropping a minimal voltage amount, it can operate at its full 700mA current rating independent of the input voltage.
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Module Connections
There is a 3-pin right angle header for making connections.
1 x 3 Header
- I = Vin – Connects to 8 – 40V
- G = Ground
- O = 5V output
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OUR EVALUATION RESULTS:
These are handy modules that can help resolve some common problems related to trying to generate a fairly clean 5V from a relatively high input voltage without having to derate the output current based on the input voltage like when using a linear regulator alone.
We tested these over over the full range of 8 to 40V at 700mA load without any issues. At full load the module does run quite warm as expected.
The modules can handle up to 1A for short periods of time and we have tested to 800mA for extended periods at 25C ambient.
One quirk we have seen in our testing is that if the load is more than 600mA without any bulk capacitance on its output, the output can go into a current limit or other shutdown mode when power is first applied. We have only seen this when testing using electronic dummy loads. Add even a 10uF capacitor on the output resolves this, so it is not expected to be an issue under normal circuit conditions.
One thing to be aware of whenever using any breadboard friendly power module is that while the module may be able to handle 700+mA, the typical breadboard jumper wires will have a fairly significant voltage loss passing that much current. When using with higher current loads you may need to double-up on the wires or use heavier gauge wires on the output voltage connections to minimize the voltage drop.
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Package Includes:
1 x DD38LOSA 5V DC-DC / LDO Module
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