How to find genuine lm2596 boards? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: tecneeq
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 17, 2022, 11:17:30 am
content: I want to hook up a RPi (5V) to the 24v power supply on my 3D Printer. Also i have a 12v silent fan that uses 12v, i would use it to replave the tiny and loud 24v one that cools the mainboard.It seems getting a stepdown converter based on the lm2596 chip is the way to go, except that they are all ... fake.Do you just don't give a hoot, and use the fakes, or do you have a reliable source that i could tap into (from Germany) to buy the real ones?Say i would buy this part, from Reichelt, which is, i think, a reputable source, would i have to expect this to be fake?https://www.reichelt.de/entwicklerboards-spannungsregler-dc-dc-wandler-lm2596-debo-dcdc-down-2-p282579.html

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2022, 02:55:20 pm
content: I think Adafruit has their own SMT assembly line, but I don't know where they source their parts.I'd say give it a stress test with a DC load and then live with it.One thing you can do is to add a fuse and a crowbar as overvoltage protection.I was looking at monochrome graphical LCD's recently. You can choose between an EUR4 display from Ali, or an EUR30 display sourced locally, which is probably also manufactured in china, but probably from a factory with higher quality standards. It does not seem much of a choice. Maybe those higher prices are affordable for industial applications, but for diy or if you want to sell kits for hobbyists and similar consumers there is no choice. It's either chinese stuff or you price yourself out of the market.

author: radiolistener
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2022, 03:12:02 pm
content: If you can do tests, you can check it's noise frequency. As I know, fake items working at twice lower frequency.Original one works with 150 kHz noise.I bought LM2596 module on aliexpress and it has noise frequency 60-80 kHz, I think this is a fake chip.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2022, 03:14:05 pm
content: Quote from: tecneeq on December 17, 2022, 11:17:30 amAs they sell the chip for more than the board:https://www.reichelt.de/abwaerts-schaltregler-adj-4-5--40-v-5-0-v-3-a-to-263-5-lm-2596-s-5-0-p187637.htmlyou can bet the one on the board is fake.The problem is the fakes run at ~52KHz vs 150KHz for the genuine ones, so need three times higher value inductor and capacitors to deliver comparable performance, but the parts fitted to the fake modules invariably have values appropriate for the genuine chip. This means they cant deliver more than 1/3 the nominal current, and not for long. Using them over 500mA continuous is a risky gamble, so definately not suitable for the Pi.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2022, 03:31:48 pm
content: I can confirm that at least some of the "fakes" run at a much lower frequency.I once bought a batch of "low ripple" versions, with two inductors, so they have an extra output filter.These also run at a much lower frequency, with an inductor with not enough inductance.And with that output filter the ripple was near what was expected of a real chip.Maybe one of those XL4015 or clone boads are better if you need more current.I think I do like the mini MP1584 buck converters. These run at much higher frequency.But in general I use them for non critical applications and for much lower currents then stated.But do test them with a DC load. If they go poof, they were no good, if they keep working without getting to hot, you have a decent chance they also keep working for a longer period.

author: kafebroo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 31, 2025, 11:57:14 pm
content: Hello to all, new member here.Searching for info on LM2596 brought me here. Though the topic is old I thought I'd post additional info here rather than creating a new thread.From blogger Nerd Ralph's post:QuoteI don't have a scope so I can't verify the info.Hopefully this helps.Source:https://nerdralph.blogspot.com/2015/08/dc-converter-modules-using-fake-lm2596.html

author: magic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2025, 09:51:03 am
content: I know this is an old thread, but to anyone still trying to answer this question I would say:They are all fake, so go to a reputable supplier and check what sort of step-down DC-DC converters they have. There is thousands of those things, you will surely find something that fits your application.