📋 Overview
The Mini360 is an ultra-miniature DC-DC step-down (buck) voltage regulator module built around the MPS MP1482DS synchronous rectifier IC. It accepts an input voltage of 4.75V to 18V and provides an adjustable output from 1.0V to 15V, with a maximum continuous current of 1.8A (2A peak/surge). The output voltage is set using a small onboard potentiometer (trimpot).
At just 0.67 x 0.43 x 0.16 inches (17 × 11 × 4 mm) and weighing only 0.04 ounces (1 gram), the Mini360 is one of the smallest buck converter modules available. It's specifically designed for weight- and space-critical applications like RC airplanes, quadcopters, drones, and other compact DIY electronics projects. The synchronous rectification design and integrally molded power inductor deliver up to 96% conversion efficiency, meaning very little energy is wasted as heat.
Whether you need to step down a 2S or 3S LiPo battery to power a 5V flight controller, or convert a 12V supply to 3.3V for a sensor, the Mini360 gets the job done in a tiny footprint.
💡 Tip: The Mini360 is a great alternative to linear regulators like the 7805 in applications where heat and efficiency matter. A linear regulator stepping 12V down to 5V at 1A wastes 7 watts as heat. The Mini360 doing the same conversion wastes less than 0.5 watts — a huge difference in a small enclosure or airframe.
⭐ Key Features
- Ultra-Small Form Factor — Just 0.67 x 0.43 x 0.16 inches (17 × 11 × 4 mm) and 0.04 ounces (1 gram), ideal for weight- and space-sensitive builds
- Wide Input Range — Accepts 4.75V to 18V DC input
- Adjustable Output — 1.0V to 15V DC, set via onboard potentiometer
- High Efficiency — Up to 96% conversion efficiency thanks to synchronous rectification
- Decent Current Capacity — 1.8A continuous, 2A peak/surge
- Low Output Ripple — 30mV at no load
- Built-In Thermal Protection — 160°C thermal shutdown protects the IC from overheating
- Wide Temperature Range — Operates from -40°C to +85°C
- No Software Required — Pure hardware solution, just wire it up and adjust the trimpot
📊 Specifications
| Regulator IC | MPS MP1482DS |
| Module Type | Non-isolated synchronous buck (step-down) regulator |
| Input Voltage | DC 4.75V – 18V |
| Output Voltage | DC 1.0V – 15V (adjustable via potentiometer) |
| Output Current | 1.8A continuous, 2A peak/surge |
| Conversion Efficiency | Up to 96% (max, at 5Vin → 3.3Vout ~200mA) |
| Switching Frequency | 340 KHz |
| Output Ripple | 30mV (no-load) |
| Load Regulation | ± 0.5% |
| Voltage Regulation | ± 2.5% |
| Thermal Shutdown | 160°C (built-in) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Dimensions | Approx. 17 × 11 × 4 mm (0.67 x 0.43 x 0.16 inches) L × W × H |
| Weight | 1 gram (0.04 ounces) |
📌 Pinout / Pad Layout
The Mini360 has four solder pads — two for input and two for output. The pad labels are printed on the reverse (bottom) side of the board's silkscreen.
| IN+ | Positive DC input (4.75V – 18V) |
| IN− | Negative DC input (Ground) |
| OUT+ | Positive DC output (1.0V – 15V, adjusted by trimpot) |
| OUT− | Negative DC output (Ground) |
The module also has a small potentiometer (trimpot) on the top side of the board. Turning this adjusts the output voltage. A tiny Phillips or flathead screwdriver is needed to turn it.
💡 Tip: The input and output ground pads (IN− and OUT−) are internally connected. You only need one ground wire if your input source and load share a common ground, but using both pads provides a cleaner, more stable connection.
🔌 Wiring / Connections
The Mini360 uses solder pads rather than screw terminals or pin headers. You'll need to solder wires directly to the pads.
Basic Wiring
- Solder your power source's positive (+) wire to the IN+ pad
- Solder your power source's negative (−) wire to the IN− pad
- Solder your load's positive (+) wire to the OUT+ pad
- Solder your load's negative (−) wire to the OUT− pad
⚠️ Warning: Use appropriately sized wire for your current draw. For loads up to 1A, 24–26 AWG wire is fine. For loads approaching 1.8A, use 22 AWG or thicker. Keep wires as short as practical to minimize voltage drop and noise.
🚀 Getting Started
Setting up the Mini360 is straightforward — there's no software, no programming, and no digital interface. It's a pure hardware module. Here's how to get it running:
Step 1: Set the Output Voltage Before Connecting Your Load
- Connect your input power source (4.75V–18V) to the IN+ and IN− pads
- With no load connected to the output, use a multimeter set to DC voltage across the OUT+ and OUT− pads
- Use a small screwdriver to turn the onboard potentiometer until the multimeter reads your desired output voltage
- Turning the potentiometer clockwise typically increases the voltage; counterclockwise decreases it (this may vary slightly between batches)
⚠️ Important: Always set and verify the output voltage with a multimeter before connecting your load. Connecting a load to an incorrectly set output could damage sensitive electronics. The potentiometer is very sensitive — small turns make big changes.
Step 2: Connect Your Load
- Once the output voltage is confirmed, disconnect the input power
- Solder your load wires to the OUT+ and OUT− pads
- Reconnect the input power
- Verify the output voltage again under load — it may shift slightly and need a minor trimpot adjustment
Step 3: Verify Under Load
After connecting your load, check the output voltage again with your multimeter. Under load, the voltage may drop slightly due to the module's load regulation (± 0.5%). If needed, make a small adjustment to the potentiometer to compensate.
⚠️ Important: The output voltage must always be set lower than the input voltage — this is a step-down (buck) converter only. Always set and verify the output voltage with a multimeter before connecting your load. The maximum continuous output current is 1.8A.
🎯 Typical Applications
- RC Aircraft & Drones — Step down 2S/3S/4S LiPo battery voltage to 5V for flight controllers, receivers, or servos
- Quadcopters — Power FPV cameras, video transmitters, or GPS modules from the main battery
- Arduino & Microcontroller Projects — Provide a regulated 5V or 3.3V supply from a higher-voltage battery or adapter
- Raspberry Pi — Power a Pi from a 12V source (set output to 5.1V)
- LED Projects — Step down voltage for LED strips or individual LEDs
- Portable Electronics — Regulate battery voltage for custom handheld devices
- Replacing Linear Regulators — Drop-in efficiency upgrade over 7805 or similar linear regulators in heat-sensitive designs
- Sensor Power — Provide clean, regulated power to sensors in remote or embedded systems
💡 Tips and Best Practices
- Always set voltage before connecting your load. The potentiometer is sensitive and the default output voltage from the factory is unpredictable. Verify with a multimeter first.
- Maintain a voltage differential. For best regulation, keep the input voltage at least 1V–2V above your desired output voltage. The closer the input is to the output, the less headroom the regulator has to work with.
- Don't exceed 1.8A continuous. The 2A rating is for peak/surge only — brief transients like motor startup. Sustained loads should stay at or below 1.8A.
- Add input capacitance for noisy sources. If your power source is noisy (e.g., shared with motors or servos), adding a 100µF electrolytic capacitor across the input pads can help stabilize the supply.
- Secure the module mechanically. In RC and drone applications with vibration, use hot glue, double-sided foam tape, or heat shrink tubing to secure the module and protect solder joints.
- Use heat shrink for insulation. Since the module has exposed solder pads and components, wrapping it in heat shrink tubing prevents accidental shorts against carbon fiber frames or other conductive surfaces.
- Check voltage under load. The output voltage may shift slightly when a load is applied. Always verify and fine-tune with your actual load connected.
- The trimpot is delicate. Use a properly sized screwdriver and gentle pressure. Over-torquing or using a tool that doesn't fit can damage the potentiometer.
⚠️ Important Notes
- Step-down only. The output voltage must always be lower than the input voltage. This module cannot boost (step up) voltage.
- No reverse polarity protection. Connecting the input with reversed polarity will damage the module. Double-check your wiring before applying power.
- Output voltage is not fixed from the factory. The potentiometer may be set to any arbitrary voltage when you receive the module. Never assume the output is safe for your load without measuring it first.
- Not suitable for high-current loads. If your project draws more than 1.8A continuously, consider a larger buck converter module like the LM2596-based modules.
- Efficiency varies with conditions. The 96% efficiency figure is a maximum under ideal conditions (5Vin, 3.3Vout, ~200mA). Real-world efficiency depends on input/output voltage differential and load current. Larger differentials and higher currents reduce efficiency.
- No enable/disable pin. The module is always active when input power is applied. To switch the output on/off, you'll need to switch the input power externally.
- Solder pads only. There are no screw terminals, pin headers, or connectors. Soldering is required.
🏪 Where to Buy the Mini360 Buck Converter Module
The Mini360 is availabel from Envistia Mall:
Buy the Mini360 Ultra-Small DC-DC Step-Down Buck Converter Module →
- 📦 Fast US Shipping
- 🔄 Hassle-Free Returns
- 📧 Responsive Customer Support
📚 Resources & Downloads
- MP1482 Datasheet: MP1482 Datasheet (Monolithic Power Systems)
- Technical Reference: Mini360 Module Overview (Components101)
This guide is provided by Envistia Mall for educational and technical reference purposes. The manufacturer and Envistia LLC (dba Envistia Mall) are not responsible for any damages or losses resulting from the use of this product. Always follow proper electrical safety practices when working with electronic components. Specifications are based on manufacturer data and are subject to change without notice.