Case for 20W Adjustable DC-DC Buck Converter

Support Product Questions
1

Hi,

I’ve used the DFRobot 20W Adjustable DC-DC Buck Converter with Digital Display before, incorporated inside a larger case with other equipment. This time, it needs its own little housing.

I know I could use any old ‘project case’, but I wondered if the Plastic Project Box Enclosure for FireBeetle - 3.15 x 1.61 x 0.79 inch might be a neat fit. The dimensions look awfully close though, so I thought it best to check first. If not, are there any other cases in stock which might suit?

As a supplementary question, is the AL Heat Sink (With adhesive tape) - 13137mm suitable for this unit? I’ll only be drawing 1A, but thought ‘why not be sure’ for the sake of another $1.65!

Thanks,
Adam

2

Hi Adam,

I’ve just checked with some stock from the shelf and the FireBeetle box will definitely be too small.
This project enclosure is a very snug fit, but it does fit inside.

I don’t have a simple answer as to whether you’ll need a heatsink. I’ve found a read a few very detailed articles that go through the math and how to calculate the heatsink specs you’ll need but I’m yet to develop a simple rule of thumb generalisation for when to use a heatsink and how big.
Obviously if the device is cool to the touch during operation without a heatsink, then it’s not needed, but that’s a bit retrospective to be a general rule.

https://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/314

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