Inductor-less Buck Regulators are here with PN Labs' NanoBuck

Overview

If you’ve ever found yourself digging through your parts bin trying to find just the right voltage regulator for a given module, the NanoBuck is made to simplify that pain. Instead of stocking four different fixed regulators, this tiny adjustable step-down module gives you 3.3 V, 5 V, 9 V, or 12 V options via simple solder jumpers. It accepts a broad input voltage range (4.5-36 V, absolute max 40 V) and can deliver up to 2-2.5 A continuous (depending on thermal conditions).

Why I built it

In my own projects I frequently needed regulators in multiple voltages. Switching from 12 V to 5 V then to 3.3 V meant either carrying multiple linear regulators (inefficient) or many buck modules (space, cost, inventory). I wanted a compact, efficient, jumper-configurable module that can be reused across projects. That led me to use TI's inductor-less buck regulator, the TPSM33625RDNR.

Key Features & Specs

Feature	Spec / Behavior
Input voltage	4.5 V - 36 V (40 V absolute max)
Output selections	3.3 V, 5 V, 9 V, 12 V (via solder jumpers)
Max continuous current	2.0-2.5 A (depends on input voltage, thermal conditions, and heatsinking)
Efficiency	80 % to 95 % (with heatsink)
Protection	Over-current shutoff, thermal shutdown with auto-retry
Control pins	Enable pin, Power-Good pin
Soft start	~4 ms
Package / mounting	SMT module with castellated edges; breadboard headers included (flat or right-angle)
Heatsink	A small heatsink (with thermal tape) is included to help with higher current

Because the inductor is inside (integrated), you eliminate a bulky external coil and the associated layout headaches. The internal shielding also helps reduce radiated EMI. The controller uses Dual Random Spread Spectrum (DRSS) to further smooth out switching noise peaks.

You can learn more about the NanoBuck, download it's datasheet and CAD files, and purchase it directly from my website, pnlabs.ca

Discussions

Become a Hackaday.io Member