Pololu – Adjustable Boost Regulator 2.5-9.5V

Pololu: 791

This powerful, adjustable boost regulator can generate an output voltage as high as 9.5 V from an input voltage as low as 1.5 V, all in a compact, 0.42? x 0.88? x 0.23? package. A trimmer potentiometer lets you set the boost regulator’s output voltage to a value between 2.5 and 9.5 V.

Overview

The Pololu adjustable boost regulator is a very flexible switching regulator (also called a switched-mode power supply, SMPS, or DC-to-DC converter) that can generate voltages higher than its input voltage. We offer two adjustable ranges: approximately 2.5 V to 9.5 V and 4 V to 25 V. The output voltage can be set using the trimmer potentiometer in the upper-right corner of the board. The input voltage range is 1.5 V to 16 V (the input voltage should be kept below the output voltage). The integrated 2 A switch allows for output currents high enough to drive small motors, as in our 3pi robot, and allows large voltage gains, such as obtaining 24 V from two NiMH or NiCd cells.

Some example applications include:

• Powering 5 V or 3.3 V systems from lower-voltage batteries
• Powering 5 V subsystems (e.g. sensors) in lower-voltage (e.g. 3.3 V) systems
• Achieving consistent actuator operation when powered by fluctuating batteries
• Powering high-brightness LEDs or a large number of LEDs in series

Note: For high-volume applications, this product can be customized with fixed output voltages ranging from 2 V to 30 V.

Feature Summary

• Input voltage: 1.5 V to 16 V
• Output adjustable from 2.5 V to 9.5 V or 4 V to 25 V
• 750 kHz switching frequency
• 2 A switch (and input) limit
• Integrated over-temperature and over-current shutoff
• Typical efficiency of 80-90% when doubling voltage and with 100-500 mA output
• Small size: 10.7 x 22.4 x 5.8 mm (0.42″ x 0.88″ x 0.23″)
• Weight without header pins: 1.6 g (0.06 oz)

Don Luc