XL6009 15W (25W with Heatsink) Adjustable Step-Up DC-DC Converter Module – 4A Input, 5-50V Output (2.5A Max) with Enable Pin | High-Efficiency, Low-Ripple | Superior to LM2577

Usage Guide

Pinout and Connection Description

The module features screw terminal blocks and pin headers for easy connections:

Note: Input and output grounds are common (connected together on the board).

Enable Pin Usage

The Enable (EN) pin provides remote control capability for the module:

Connecting the Enable Pin:

• To a microcontroller: Connect EN directly to a GPIO pin (3.3V or 5V logic compatible)

  • Set GPIO HIGH → Module ON

  • Set GPIO LOW → Module OFF

• To a mechanical switch: Connect EN to VIN+ through a switch (pull-up)

  • Switch closed → EN HIGH → Module ON

  • Switch open → EN LOW (via pull-down resistor) → Module OFF

• Leaving EN disconnected: Module remains ON (default behavior)

Enable Pin Current: The EN pin draws very little current (typically <10µA), making it suitable for direct connection to microcontroller GPIO pins without a buffer .

Wiring Instructions

Step 1 – Connect Input Power

• Connect the positive (+) wire of your DC power source to the IN+ terminal

• Connect the negative (-) wire of your power source to the IN- terminal

Step 2 – Connect Load

• Connect the positive (+) wire of your load to the OUT+ terminal

• Connect the negative (-) wire of your load to the OUT- terminal

Step 3 – (Optional) Connect Enable Pin for Remote Control

• For always-on operation, leave EN pin disconnected (floating)

• For remote control, connect EN to your control signal (microcontroller GPIO or switch)

Step 4 – Power On and Adjust

• Apply power to the input

• Use a multimeter to measure output voltage between OUT+ and OUT-

• Adjust the blue potentiometer to your desired voltage

Adjusting the Output Voltage

⚠️ CRITICAL: The “Endless Turn” Issue

This is the most common point of confusion. The potentiometer often ships at its maximum resistance position. If you turn the screw and see no voltage change, you need to turn it counter-clockwise for 10-15 full rotations before the voltage begins to increase. Keep turning while watching your multimeter until the voltage starts to rise. The potentiometer is multi-turn, so you won’t damage it.

Proper Adjustment Procedure:

1. Power the module using your input source (5V-32V DC)

2. Set EN pin HIGH or leave floating (default ON)

3. Connect a multimeter to the OUT+ and OUT- terminals

4. Use a small screwdriver to turn the blue potentiometer:

   • Turn counter-clockwise (left) to INCREASE output voltage

   • Turn clockwise (right) to DECREASE output voltage

5. Monitor the multimeter while adjusting

6. Adjust before connecting load – It is recommended to set output voltage with no load connected

Typical Voltage Settings by Application:

Power Ratings and Thermal Management

The module’s power rating depends on cooling:

Power Calculation Examples (15W limit without heatsink):

Real-World Power Test Results :

Important Current Relationship: Boost converters draw more input current than output current due to power conservation:

Power In × Efficiency = Power Out or VIN × IIN × Efficiency = VOUT × IOUT

Example: To get 1A at 12V output (12W) from a 5V input, the input current must be approximately 2.5A-3A (accounting for efficiency losses). Ensure your input power source can supply sufficient current.

Heat Management Tips:

• Add a heatsink to the XL6009 chip for continuous loads above 1.5A or power above 15W

• Ensure adequate airflow around the module

• Consider using a higher input voltage to reduce the voltage conversion ratio and associated heat

• The XL6009 lacks built-in thermal shutdown, so proper thermal design is essential

Important Operating Restrictions

Voltage Limitation (Critical):
This module is a step-up (boost) converter only. It CANNOT step down voltage. The output voltage must always be set higher than the input voltage for proper regulation. If the input voltage exceeds the set output voltage, the module will not regulate down, and the output will approximately follow the input voltage (minus a small diode drop), potentially delivering high voltage to your low-voltage load and destroying it.

Reverse Polarity Warning:
This module does NOT have reverse polarity protection . Double-check your IN+ and IN- connections before applying power. Connecting backwards will instantly destroy the module.

Short Circuit Protection:
Most XL6009 modules do not include dedicated short circuit protection . The chip has over-current limiting, but this is not a full protection feature. Adding a small fuse on the input line is good safety practice.

Using the Enable Pin with a Microcontroller (Arduino Example)

// XL6009 Enable Pin Control Example
// Connect EN pin to any digital GPIO pin

const int ENABLE_PIN = 7;  // GPIO connected to XL6009 EN pin

void setup() {
  pinMode(ENABLE_PIN, OUTPUT);
  
  // Start with module OFF
  digitalWrite(ENABLE_PIN, LOW);
  delay(1000);
  
  // Turn module ON
  digitalWrite(ENABLE_PIN, HIGH);
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Serial.println("XL6009 Boost Converter Enabled");
}

void loop() {
  // Example: Cycle module every 10 seconds
  digitalWrite(ENABLE_PIN, HIGH);  // Module ON
  delay(10000);
  
  digitalWrite(ENABLE_PIN, LOW);   // Module OFF
  delay(10000);
}

Enable Pin Voltage Compatibility:

• 3.3V logic (ESP32, Raspberry Pi, 3.3V Arduino): EN = 3.3V (HIGH) works correctly

• 5V logic (Arduino Uno/Mega): EN = 5V (HIGH) works correctly

• The EN pin threshold is 1.4V for HIGH, so both 3.3V and 5V logic are compatible

Example Applications

Installation Tips

• Polarity Check: Always double-check input polarity before applying power

• Initial Setup: Adjust output voltage with no load connected first

• Enable Pin: Leave floating for always-on operation; connect to control signal for remote management

• Keep Wires Short: Long wires add resistance and inductance, reducing efficiency

• Use a Fuse: Add a fuse (e.g., 3A-5A) on the input line as safety protection

• Heat Sinking: For loads >15W or continuous high-power operation, attach a heatsink to the XL6009 chip

• Start with Low Load: When first testing, use a low-current load to verify voltage setting before connecting sensitive equipment

• Heatsink Installation: The XL6009 chip has a metal tab for heatsink attachment; use thermal adhesive or a clip-on heatsink