XPM52C PD/QC charging module overview
Today I want to review and test a simple PD/QC charging module.
It is built on the XPM52C chip — a synchronous buck converter that promises to deliver up to 65W at the output (we’ll check this a bit later). This module is unbranded, but very similar ones labeled CKCS U1E can also be found, which feature a higher-quality PCB and convenient mounting slots.
The chip supports a wide range of protocols, including USB PD 3.1, Qualcomm QC 2.0/3.0/3.0+, Huawei FCP/SCP, Samsung AFC, VOOC 2.0/4.0, and others, ensuring universal compatibility. Key features include support for an input voltage up to 31V, an output voltage range of 3.3–21V, built-in XPD-LINK™ technology for intelligent power management, and a full suite of protection mechanisms (overvoltage, short circuit, overheating, etc.). Thanks to its specifications, the XPM52C serves as a comprehensive solution for car chargers, portable equipment, and smart sockets, supplied in a compact QFN4x4-16L package.
On the tester, I see the following declared protocols:
Schematic of the module:
Alright, let's move on to testing — for measurements, I use a custom module based on INA226 sensors and several DS18B20 sensors, which allows me to log both electrical parameters and temperature simultaneously. All sensors are connected to an ESP32 microcontroller, while an Atorch DL24 acts as the electronic load. Both devices are connected to a PC and controlled via a Python script.
The testing algorithm is as follows:
At the beginning of the test, I set the required output voltage using a PD trigger.
The Python script sets the initial load on the DL24 (starting from 100 mA) and pauses for a few minutes to allow the module to stabilize.
After that, the script records a series of voltage, current, and temperature measurements over the course of several minutes.
Next, the load (current) is increased by one step, and the previous actions are repeated.
These iterations continue until the module triggers its protection circuitry — meaning the output voltage or current drops to zero. We run this sequence for every output voltage variant. Considering the stabilization pauses, a single full test cycle takes several hours.
Based on the test results, we get the following efficiency graph:
What we can observe:
The module operates most efficiently at currents starting from 1A, and it performs best when outputting 19V.
The module is indeed capable of delivering 65W: at 19V on the output, it steadily provided 3.7–3.8A.
The next test is a thermal check. For this, I used a pair of temperature sensors: one was placed directly on the chip, and the second — on the inductor.
The inductor is also worth monitoring, as significant energy losses often occur there (and on asynchronous converters, you additionally have to check the freewheeling diode). I should point out that the testing took quite a long time, so the temperature data has some variance due to changes in the ambient room temperature during the bench test.
However, the main trend is clear: even under full load, the module does not overheat. A maximum of only 158°F (70°C) was recorded on the inductor, which is quite low.
Conclusion
This XPM52C-based module has proven to be a highly interesting and noteworthy solution for DIY projects. It fully meets its declared specifications, stably handles up to 65W of power, offers decent e fficiency, and demonstrates safe operating temperatures under load.
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