I bought some of these buck converters from Amazon. It says it can handle up to 3A output current, but will need cooling. Which component do I cool? The small IC, the inductor, both, or something else?
I guess I'll just use 4 or 5 in parallel (kidding)Hi,
Checking the spec' it shows the module size as Size: 20 x 11 x 5 mm
So I would say all the module needs cooling.
Did you read the reviews, some poor results.
E
I bought them needing 1A for another project, and just have some laying around.If the board can supply 3A, this means it is on its limit at this output current and will heat up and shorten its life.
If you need 3A output, dont buy 3A capable board, buy double so it won't go to its limit and you don't need cooling at all. With the effort, extra money(and space) you put into cooling, you might as well buy more sturdy board.
The board is too small for the output of 1A and needs surface to dissipate heat. Evaluation board made out of this chip, it has tons of PCB space to dissipate heat and therefore no extra cooling is necessary.I bought them needing 1A for another project, and just have some laying around.
I haven't had any heat issues, but I've actually been running them around 500mA or maybe a little less. I wonder how much a thermal camera costs...The board is too small for the output of 1A and needs surface to dissipate heat. Evaluation board made out of this chip, it has tons of PCB space to dissipate heat and therefore no extra cooling is necessary.
https://www.monolithicpower.com/en/ev2315-j-00a.html
Instead of using fan you can try using heat conductive material on bottom side (since its empty space) and some aluminium heat sink to gain passive cooling. Beware of not making shorts.
FLIR One or some Chinese brands like..I haven't had any heat issues, but I've actually been running them around 500mA or maybe a little less. I wonder how much a thermal camera costs...
Nice, $60 for one of them.FLIR One or some Chinese brands like..
https://www.banggood.com/search/thermal-camera.html?from=nav&ab_version=1
Use Youtube or other sites to see the reviews first.
Just one example:
https://www.banggood.com/HT02-Handh...-p-1102527.html?cur_warehouse=PL&rmmds=search