This powerful boost regulator efficiently generates an output voltage of 6V from an input voltage as low as 2.9V while allowing an input current as high as 5A.

Overview

These boost (step-up) voltage regulators generate higher output voltages from input voltages as low as 2.9V. They are switching regulators (also called switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) or DC-to-DC converters) and have a typical efficiency between 80% to 95%. The available output current is a function of the input voltage, output voltage, and efficiency (see the Typical Efficiency and Output Current section below), but the input current can typically be as high as 5A. This regulator is available with a fixed 5V, 6V, 9V, 12V, or 24V output:

The U3V50x regulator family also includes two adjustable-output versions: the U3V50ALV offers an output range of 4V to 12V and the U3V50AHV offers an output range of 9V to 30V. The different versions of the board all look very similar, so the bottom silkscreen includes a blank space where you can add your own distinguishing marks or labels.

The no-load quiescent current depends on the difference between the input and the output voltage. When the two are close, the quiescent current can be less then a milliamp (e.g. 0.6mA with 5V in and 6V out); when the two are far apart, it might be in the tens of milliamps (e.g. 24mA with 3V in and 24V out). The ENABLE pin can be used to put the board in a low-power state that reduces the quiescent current to approximately 20µA per volt on VIN.

This regulator has built-in reverse-voltage protection, over-current protection, thermal shutdown (which typically activates at 165°C), and an under-voltage lockout that causes the regulator to turn off when the input voltage is below 2.5V (typical).

Features

• Input voltage: 2.9V to 6V
• Fixed 6V output with 4% accuracy
• 5A switch allows for input currents up to 5A
• Integrated reverse-voltage protection, over-current protection, over-temperature shutoff, and under-voltage lockout
• Typical efficiency of 80% to 95%, depending on input voltage, output voltage, and load
• Compact size: 1.9″ × 0.6″ × 0.41″ (48 × 15 × 10.5 mm)
• Two mounting holes for M2 screws of which we stock various types
• Smaller holes for 0.1″ header pins and larger holes for terminal blocks offer several options for connecting to the board

Using the regulator

Connections

This boost regulator has four connections: input voltage (VIN), ground (GND), and output voltage (VOUT), and ENABLE.

The input voltage, VIN, must be at least 2.9V and should not exceed the output voltage, VOUT. (If VIN is higher than VOUT, the higher input voltage will show up on the output, which is potentially dangerous for your connected load and could also damage the regulator.)

The regulator is enabled by default: a 100kΩ pull-up resistor on the board connects the ENABLE pin to reverse-protected VIN. The ENABLE pin can be driven low (under 0.7V) to put the board into a low-power state. The quiescent current draw in this sleep mode is dominated by the current in the pull-up resistor from ENABLE to VIN and by the reverse-voltage protection circuit, which will draw between 10µA and 20µA per volt on VIN when ENABLE is held low. If you do not need this feature, you should leave the ENABLE pin disconnected. Note that like most boost regulators, the input power will pass through to the output when the board is disabled, so the ENABLE pin cannot be used to turn off power to the load.

The connections are labeled on the back side of the PCB, and the board offers several options for making electrical connections. The eight smaller through-holes on the ends of the board are arranged with a 0.1″ spacing for compatibility with solderless breadboards, connectors, and other prototyping arrangements that use a 0.1″ grid; you can solder pieces of the included 9×1 straight male header strip into these smaller holes. Alternatively, you can solder the included 2-pin 5mm-pitch terminal blocks to the two pairs of larger holes on the ends of the board. For the most compact installation, you can solder wires directly to the board.

Note that this regulator has a thick PCB (0.093″), so terminal block and header pins will not protrude as far through the holes as they would with typical 0.062″-thick PCBs.

The board has two mounting holes intended for M2 screws. The mounting holes are at opposite corners of the board, separated by 1.7″ horizontally and 0.4″ vertically.

Typical efficiency and output current

The efficiency of a voltage regulator, defined as (Power out)/(Power in), is an important measure of its performance, especially when battery life or heat are concerns. As shown in the graph above, these switching regulators have an efficiency of 80% to 95% for most combinations of input voltage, output voltage, and load.

The maximum achievable output current is approximately proportional to the ratio of the input voltage to the output voltage. If the input current exceeds the 5A switch current limit, the output voltage will begin to drop. Additionally, the maximum output current can depend on other factors, including the ambient temperature, air flow, and heat sinking.

During normal operation, this product can get hot enough to burn you. Take care when handling this product or other components connected to it.