📋 Overview
This DC-DC boost (step-up) power supply converter module takes any input voltage from 4.5V to 32V and steps it up to any output voltage from 5V to 42V, delivering up to 5A of current. It's a compact, efficient, and easy-to-use module that's perfect for projects where you need a higher voltage than your power source provides.
A common use case is in automotive applications — for example, boosting a standard 12V car battery to 19V to power a laptop, or stepping up to 18V or 24V for tools, LED lighting, or other devices that need more voltage. The output voltage is fully adjustable using the onboard multi-turn potentiometer, giving you precise control over your target voltage.
The module includes built-in short circuit protection and over-temperature protection, along with a heatsink for thermal management. Whether you're a hobbyist building a custom power supply or an engineer prototyping a voltage conversion stage, this module gets the job done reliably.
💡 Tip: Always set and verify the output voltage with a multimeter before connecting your load. This protects sensitive equipment from unexpected voltage levels.
⭐ Key Features
- Wide Input Range: Accepts 4.5V to 32V DC input
- Wide Output Range: Adjustable output from 5V to 42V DC
- High Current Capacity: Supports up to 5A on both input and output
- High Efficiency: Up to 94% conversion efficiency
- Adjustable Output: Multi-turn potentiometer for precise voltage setting
- Built-in Protections: Short circuit protection and over-temperature protection
- Integrated Heatsink: Aluminum heatsink for heat dissipation
- Wide Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
- Compact Size: Small PCB footprint suitable for embedded projects
- Flexible Wiring: Solder wires directly or use the included wire connectors
📊 Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Module Type | Non-isolated step-up (boost) DC-DC converter |
| Input Voltage | 4.5V – 32V DC |
| Output Voltage | 5V – 42V DC (adjustable) |
| Input Current | 0A – 5A |
| Output Current | 0A – 5A |
| Switching Frequency | 180 KHz |
| Max Transfer Efficiency | 94% |
| Short Circuit Protection | Yes |
| Over Temperature Protection | Yes |
| Input Reverse Polarity Protection | No |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| PCB Dimensions | Approx. 60 × 25 mm (2.36 × 0.98 inches) L × W |
| Overall Dimensions (with Heatsink) | Approx. 60 × 29 × 20 mm (2.36 × 1.14 × 0.79 inches) L × W × H |
| Weight | 40g |
| Envistia Mall SKU | EM-POWER-0020 |
📌 Pinout / Connections
The module has four connection points — two for input and two for output. The pads are clearly labeled on the PCB:
| Pad | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IN+ | Positive input — connect to the positive terminal of your power source |
| 2 | IN− | Negative input (Ground) — connect to the negative terminal of your power source |
| 3 | OUT+ | Positive output — connect to the positive input of your load or device |
| 4 | OUT− | Negative output (Ground) — connect to the negative input of your load or device |
Note: Input and output wires can be soldered directly to the board pads, or you can solder the included wire connectors onto the board for quick plug-and-play connections.
🔌 Wiring
Wiring this module is straightforward. Here's how to connect it:
- Connect your power source to the input side: positive wire to IN+, negative wire to IN−.
- Connect your load to the output side: positive wire to OUT+, negative wire to OUT−.
- Make sure all connections are secure and properly insulated to prevent shorts.
Wiring Tips
- Use wire gauges appropriate for the current you plan to draw. For currents near 5A, use at least 18 AWG wire.
- Keep input and output wires as short as practical to minimize voltage drop and noise.
- If using the included wire connectors, solder them to the board first, then plug in your wires.
⚠️ Warning: This module does not have input reverse polarity protection. Double-check your wiring polarity before applying power. Connecting the input backwards can permanently damage the module.
🔧 Setup / Voltage Adjustment
The output voltage is set using the multi-turn potentiometer (small blue or gold adjustment screw) on the module. Follow these steps to set your desired output voltage:
- Connect a multimeter to the output pads (OUT+ and OUT−) set to DC voltage measurement.
- Apply power to the input pads (IN+ and IN−) from your power source. Do not connect your load yet.
- Turn the potentiometer slowly with a small Phillips or flathead screwdriver. Turning clockwise typically increases the output voltage; counterclockwise decreases it.
- Monitor the multimeter and adjust until you reach your desired output voltage.
- Verify the voltage is stable for a few seconds before connecting your load.
- Connect your load and verify the output voltage remains at the expected level under load.
💡 Tip: The potentiometer is a multi-turn type, meaning it takes several full rotations to sweep through the voltage range. This gives you fine control — don't expect the voltage to change dramatically with a small turn.
🎯 Typical Applications
- Automotive Laptop Charging: Boost 12V car battery power to 19V for laptop power supplies
- LED Lighting: Step up 12V to 24V or higher for LED strip drivers
- Power Tool Supply: Boost battery voltage to 18V or 24V for cordless tool applications
- Solar Projects: Step up lower solar panel voltages to a usable level for charging or powering devices
- DIY Power Supplies: Build adjustable bench power supplies for electronics workbenches
- Battery-Powered Projects: Boost lower battery pack voltages to the level required by your circuit
- Industrial Controls: Provide higher voltage rails from a lower-voltage DC bus
💡 Tips & Best Practices
- Always set voltage before connecting your load. Use a multimeter to dial in the exact output voltage before powering any equipment.
- Mind the current limits. Both input and output current should never exceed 5A. If your load draws close to 5A, ensure adequate cooling.
- Use a cooling fan at high loads. At sustained high-current operation or when ambient temperature exceeds 40°C, add a small cooling fan directed at the heatsink to prevent thermal shutdown.
- Boost ratio matters. The greater the difference between input and output voltage, the harder the module works and the more heat it generates. For large voltage steps, expect lower efficiency and higher temperatures.
- Input voltage must be lower than output voltage. This is a boost (step-up) converter only — it cannot reduce voltage. If you need to step down, use a buck converter module instead.
- Add capacitors for sensitive loads. If powering sensitive electronics, consider adding a low-ESR electrolytic capacitor (100–470µF) on the output for additional filtering.
- Secure the module. Use mounting tape, standoffs, or an enclosure to prevent the module from moving or shorting against other components in your project.
🛠️ Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No output voltage | No input power or reversed polarity | Verify input connections and polarity with a multimeter |
| Output voltage too low | Potentiometer not adjusted or load exceeds capacity | Adjust the potentiometer clockwise; reduce load current |
| Output voltage drops under load | Load current too high or input voltage too low | Reduce load current or increase input voltage; check wire gauge |
| Module is very hot | High current draw or large voltage boost ratio | Add a cooling fan; reduce load; check that current does not exceed 5A |
| Module shuts down intermittently | Over-temperature protection activating | Improve cooling; reduce load; allow the module to cool before restarting |
| Output voltage is unstable or noisy | Poor connections or inadequate input filtering | Check all solder joints; add input/output capacitors; shorten wires |
| Module damaged after power-on | Reversed input polarity | Module does not have reverse polarity protection — always verify polarity before powering on |
⚠️ Important Notes
- This is a boost (step-up) converter only. The output voltage must always be set higher than the input voltage for proper operation.
- There is no input reverse polarity protection. Connecting the power source backwards will damage the module.
- Both input and output current must never exceed 5A. Exceeding this limit may damage the module or connected equipment.
- If ambient temperature exceeds 40°C, derate the power output or use active cooling (fan).
- This is a non-isolated converter — input and output share a common ground. Do not use in applications requiring galvanic isolation.
- Always use appropriate wire gauges for the current levels in your application.
🛒 Where to Buy
This module is available at Envistia Mall.
Buy the Boost Step Up 4.5-32V to 5-42V 5A Adjustable DC-DC Converter Module →
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This guide is provided by Envistia Mall for educational and technical reference purposes. The manufacturer and Envistia LLC (dba Envistia Mall) are not responsible for any damages or losses resulting from the use of this product. Always follow proper electrical safety practices when working with electronic components. Specifications are based on manufacturer data and are subject to change without notice.