AP62300 vs TPS562200 vs MP2307 vs XL1509

Side-by-Side Comparison of Popular Buck Converter ICs

DC-DC buck converters are essential for stepping down higher voltages (12 V, 24 V etc.) to the stable logic rails (like 5 V, 3.3 V, 1.8 V) used by microcontrollers, sensors, and other circuits. While all four converters perform similar functions, they differ significantly in efficiency, switching topology, input range, size, and ideal use-cases.

Below is a head-to-head comparison of the AP62300, TPS562200, MP2307, and XL1509.

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Feature & Specification Comparison

Feature	AP62300	TPS562200	MP2307	XL1509
Topology	Synchronous Buck	Synchronous Buck	Synchronous Buck	Non-synchronous Buck
Max Output Current	3 A	2 A	3 A	~3 A (module)
Input Voltage Range	4.5–18 V	4.5–17 V	4.75–23 V	4.5–40 V
Output Voltage Range	Adjustable (down to ~0.8 V)	Adjustable (~0.8 V up)	Adjustable (~0.92 V up)	Adjustable (~1.25 V up)
Switching Frequency	~1.2 MHz	600 kHz	340 kHz	~150 kHz
Efficiency	Up to ~95%	~90–95%	Up to ~95%+	~85–90%
Integrated MOSFETs	Yes	Yes	Yes	No (requires external diode)
Size	Compact QFN/TSOT	SOT-23-6	Compact SMD	Larger module
Quiescent Current	Low	Low	Very Low	Moderate
Protection	OCP, SCP, OTP	OCP, SCP, UVLO, Thermal	OCP, SCP, Thermal	Basic protections
Ease of Design	Moderate	Easy	Easy	Easy (module)
Typical Application	Compact embedded systems	General embedded power	High efficiency small boards	Budget/legacy power supplies

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What Each Converter Excels At

⚡ AP62300 — Best for High Efficiency + Moderate Voltage Range

The AP62300 provides excellent efficiency (≈95%) at 3 A output and a high fixed switching frequency (~1.2 MHz).

• Best for: Embedded logic power rails, digital circuits, battery-powered systems
• Advantages: High efficiency, integrated MOSFETs, compact package
• Limitations: Slightly more complex design than simple modules

➡ Perfect where efficiency and size matter.

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TPS562200 — Great for Stable Smart Power Rails

The TPS562200 is a reliable 2 A synchronous buck with good efficiency and internal MOSFETs.

• Best for: Microcontrollers, peripherals, industrial I/O power
• Advantages: Easy PCB design with integrated parts
• Limitations: Lower max current (2 A), slightly lower switching frequency

➡ Ideal for mid-range load applications with stable performance.

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MP2307 — Strong Choice for Compact, High-Efficiency Designs

The MP2307 is very popular in compact SMD modules because of its 340 kHz switching frequency + high efficiency.

• Best for: IoT devices, small embedded boards, portable electronics
• Advantages: Good efficiency at mid to high loads, small footprint
• Limitations: Needs careful thermal design at high current

➡ A go-to option for efficient, small-footprint buck converters.

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XL1509 — Classic Module for High Input Voltages

The XL1509 is a non-synchronous buck converter module (often found on LM2596-style boards).

• Best for: Budget systems, wide input systems (24 V/36 V)
• Advantages: Very wide input range (up to ~40 V), cheap modules available
• Limitations: Lower efficiency, needs diode, larger size

➡ Useful for higher input voltage and cost-sensitive designs, but less efficient.

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Efficiency & Thermal Behavior

• Best Efficiency: MP2307 ≈ AP62300 > TPS562200 > XL1509
• Heat Generation: XL1509 > TPS562200 > MP2307 ≈ AP62300
• Quiescent / Light Load: MP2307 and AP62300 typically outperform older designs due to modern low-Iq architectures.

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Typical Use-Case Scenarios

Design Goal	Best Choice
Compact + high efficiency	AP62300
Mid-range embedded rail (<2 A)	TPS562200
Small IoT or space-limited board	MP2307
Wide Vin and low BOM cost	XL1509

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Summary: Choosing the Right Buck Converter

✔ AP62300 – Best all-around for embedded systems needing high efficiency, moderate to high current, compact size.
✔ TPS562200 – Stable and easy design with reliable protection features for general power rails.
✔ MP2307 – Excellent efficiency in tight space, especially for IoT and portable platforms.
✔ XL1509 – Budget-friendly option with wide input voltage support, but lower efficiency.