If you’re into electronics or DIY projects, chances are you’ve come across the XL6009 Booster Module. It might look like a small, simple component, but it’s incredibly powerful when it comes to managing voltage in your projects.
In this article, we’ll break down what the XL6009 module is, how it works, how to use it safely, where you can buy it, and what types of projects it’s most useful in. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced maker, this guide will give you a clear and friendly overview.
🔍 What Is XL6009 Booster Module?
The XL6009 is a DC-DC step-up (boost) converter. That means it takes a lower voltage input and converts it to a higher voltage output. It's perfect for situations where you have a 3.7V or 5V power supply (like a lithium battery), but you need 9V or 12V to run your devices.
At its core, it’s a switching regulator that boosts the voltage while maintaining efficiency, making it more reliable than traditional linear regulators for high-power applications.
✅ Key Features:
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Input Voltage: 3V to 32V
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Output Voltage: 5V to 35V (adjustable)
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Max Output Current: Up to 4A (2A recommended for long use)
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Efficiency: Up to 94%
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Switching Frequency: Around 400 kHz
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Adjustable Output: Using a small onboard screw-type potentiometer
🛠️ How to Use the XL6009 Module
Using the XL6009 is straightforward, even for beginners. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get started:
Step 1: Make the Connections
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VIN+ – Connect to the positive terminal of your power source
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VIN− – Connect to ground (negative)
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VOUT+ – Connect to the positive of the load (output device)
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VOUT− – Connect to ground of the load
Step 2: Set the Output Voltage
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Use a screwdriver to turn the small potentiometer on the module.
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Turning it clockwise increases the output voltage, and anticlockwise decreases it.
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Use a multimeter to measure the output voltage accurately before connecting any devices.
⚠️ Caution: Never connect your devices directly without first checking the output voltage with a multimeter.
📦 Where to Buy XL6009 Module and Price Range
The XL6009 module is widely available online and in electronics component shops. In India, the price usually ranges from ₹100 to ₹200, depending on quality and seller.
🔗 Popular Online Platforms:
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Amazon.in – Widely available with customer reviews
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Robu.in – Trusted platform for DIY electronics
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ElectronicsComp.com – Affordable and suitable for hobbyists
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AliExpress / UTSOURCE – For international or bulk purchases
Always check seller ratings, return policy, and technical specs before buying.
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⚙️ Where Can You Use the XL6009?
This module is ideal for any project where your power source provides lower voltage than what your components require. Below are some common and creative use cases:
🔋 1. Power Banks for Routers
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Want to keep your WiFi router running during power cuts using a battery? The XL6009 can convert 3.7V or 5V battery voltage into 9V or 12V required for the router.
💡 2. LED Lighting Projects
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High-power LEDs (like 10W or 20W LEDs) require constant voltage. This module can boost a small battery to power bright lights in your DIY lamps or portable lights.
📷 3. Camera Power Supply
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DSLR or CCTV cameras often need 9V to 12V. You can use XL6009 to convert power from a small battery to match the camera’s power needs.
⚙️ 4. Arduino & Robotics
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In Arduino or robotic systems, you often need higher voltages for motors. The XL6009 helps step up voltage from a 5V microcontroller setup to power motors.
☀️ 5. Solar Power Systems
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If your solar panel outputs low voltage during cloudy weather, the XL6009 can boost it to a usable level for charging or running devices.
🔊 6. Audio Amplifiers
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Amplifiers often need 12V or more to run properly. You can boost a 5V source to power them for compact or portable speaker systems.
⚠️ Tips for Safe Use
To ensure you get the best out of your XL6009 module, keep these points in mind:
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Avoid Overheating: The module can get hot at high currents. Add a heat sink or small cooling fan if you plan to run it continuously at high loads.
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Use a Multimeter Always: Before connecting any device, double-check the output voltage.
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Stay Within Current Limits: While it supports up to 4A, for safer use, try not to go beyond 2A, especially without cooling.
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Check Polarity: Wrong wiring can damage both the module and your device.
💡 Project Ideas Using XL6009
Here are a few DIY project ideas where the XL6009 can be a key component:
Project Name | Description |
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Battery-Powered WiFi Router | Use XL6009 with 3.7V Li-ion battery to power a 12V router |
12V LED Light from USB Power Bank | Boost 5V from power bank to run 12V LED strips |
Portable Audio Amplifier | Power TDA2030 or similar amplifier using XL6009 and battery |
Solar USB Charger | Boost low solar panel output to charge USB devices |
Arduino Motor Driver Setup | Power 12V motors using 5V Arduino board and XL6009 |
🔁 When NOT to Use XL6009
While XL6009 is great for boosting voltage, it’s not suitable for every situation.
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If your project needs to step-down voltage (e.g., from 12V to 5V), then use a buck converter like LM2596, not XL6009.
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It also doesn’t offer precise control for sensitive analog electronics, so use it only for general applications or with proper testing.
🔌 XL6009 Based Project :
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Battery-Powered WiFi Router Backup
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12V LED Strip Light from 5V Power Bank
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Portable Mobile Charger from Solar Panel
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Boost 3.7V Li-ion Battery to Power Arduino Uno
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Powering 12V Cooling Fan from USB Power
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Running a 12V CCTV Camera on 5V Power Supply
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Emergency Light System with 3.7V Battery
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Boosting Voltage for a TDA2030 Audio Amplifier
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Portable Soldering Iron Powered by Battery
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DIY Bluetooth Speaker with 12V Amplifier Board
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Powering Servo Motors in Robotics from 5V Input
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12V Car Charger using 5V USB Input
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Laptop Cooling Pad Powered by Phone Charger
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Powering LCD/LED Screens from Low Voltage Source
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12V Relay Control using 3.7V Battery for IoT Projects
MT3608 vs XL6009 Booster Modules: Which One Should You Choose?
When working on electronics projects, especially those involving power supply design, you often come across step-up (boost) converter modules like the MT3608 and XL6009. Both are popular DC-DC boost converters but have different specs, use cases, and advantages. This article compares them side-by-side to help you pick the right one for your project.
🔍 What Are MT3608 and XL6009?
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MT3608: A compact and efficient step-up converter module designed primarily for low-to-medium current applications. It is widely used in small DIY projects.
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XL6009: A more powerful step-up converter capable of handling higher input and output voltages and currents, making it suitable for more demanding applications.
⚙️ Technical Comparison
Feature | MT3608 | XL6009 |
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Input Voltage Range | 2V to 24V | 3V to 32V |
Output Voltage Range | Up to 28V (adjustable) | 5V to 35V (adjustable) |
Max Output Current | Around 2A (typically 1.5A safe) | Up to 4A (recommended 2A for safety) |
Efficiency | Up to 93% | Up to 94% |
Switching Frequency | ~1.5 MHz | ~400 kHz |
Size | Smaller and compact | Slightly larger |
Onboard Potentiometer | Yes | Yes |
💡 When to Use MT3608?
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Projects with lower current needs (up to 1.5-2A)
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Battery-powered projects with input voltage as low as 2V (like AA cells or small Li-ion packs)
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Portable devices like LED flashlights, small sensors, and low-power modules
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When a compact size and high switching frequency (for less noise in some applications) is preferred
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Budget-friendly, simple boosting needs
💪 When to Use XL6009?
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Projects that need higher current output (up to 4A max)
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Applications requiring higher input voltage tolerance (up to 32V)
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Suitable for powering motors, high-power LEDs, routers, or other devices needing stable higher voltages
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When you want better heat handling (usually with heat sinks) for longer, heavy-duty use
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Projects like battery backups, robotics, solar-powered systems, or DIY power supplies
⚠️ Pros & Cons
Module | Pros | Cons |
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MT3608 | Small size, high switching frequency, affordable | Lower max current, limited for high-power devices |
XL6009 | Higher current, wider voltage range, robust | Larger size, slightly more expensive, lower switching frequency |
💸 Price Comparison
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Both modules are very affordable and available online for ₹100 to ₹250 in India.
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MT3608 modules might be a bit cheaper due to smaller size and lower current specs.
🔧 Which One Should You Choose?
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For small-scale, low current projects with compact space, go for the MT3608.
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For more demanding applications that require higher current and voltage, XL6009 is the better choice.
🔄 Summary
Feature | MT3608 | XL6009 |
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Input Voltage | 2–24V | 3–32V |
Output Voltage | Up to 28V | Up to 35V |
Max Current | ~2A | ~4A |
Efficiency | Up to 93% | Up to 94% |
Size | Compact | Slightly bigger |
Best For | Low current, portable | High current, powerful |
🔔 Final Thoughts
Both MT3608 and XL6009 are reliable step-up converters but designed for slightly different needs. If your project needs more juice and a broader voltage range, XL6009 is ideal. But if size and efficiency at low current matter more, MT3608 wins.
📌 Conclusion: Is XL6009 Worth It?
Absolutely! The XL6009 Booster Module is a powerful, compact, and affordable tool that every electronics hobbyist should have. It's easy to use, widely compatible, and can turn a simple battery into a smart, high-voltage power source for your projects.
If you’re working on:
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Portable or battery-powered devices
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Robotics or Arduino projects
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Solar power applications
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Or just experimenting with voltage conversion
…then XL6009 is a must-have in your toolkit.