📋 Overview
The MT3608 is a compact, high-efficiency step-up (boost) DC-DC converter module designed to increase low input voltages to higher output voltages. It accepts any input from 2V to 24V and boosts it to an adjustable output of up to 28V, making it ideal for battery-powered and low-power applications.
The module features clearly labeled solder pads for input and output connections, an onboard potentiometer for adjusting the output voltage, and built-in protection circuitry — all in a compact form factor suitable for embedded and portable projects.
⭐ Key Features
- Input Voltage: 2V – 24V DC via solder pads
- Output Voltage: Adjustable up to 28V via onboard potentiometer
- Output Current: Up to 2A peak
- Maximum Output Power: 10 Watts
- High Efficiency: Up to 97%, typically 93% at Vout=12V, Vin=5V, Iout=200mA
- Switching Frequency: 1.2 MHz (constant frequency, current-mode control)
- Built-in protections: Under-voltage lockout, current limiting, thermal overload
- Automatic PFM mode at light loads for improved efficiency
- Internal soft-start circuitry to minimize inrush current
- Compact module size for embedded use
📊 Technical Specifications
| Input Voltage | 2V – 24V DC |
| Maximum Output Voltage | 28V DC |
| Maximum Output Current | 2A (peak) |
| Maximum Output Power | 10W (Volts × Amps) |
| Switching Frequency | 1.2 MHz |
| Efficiency | Up to 97% (typical 93%) |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C |
| Module Dimensions | 36 × 17 × 12 mm (1.42 × 0.67 × 0.47 in) L × W × H |
📌 Pinout & Connections
Module solder pad connections:
- Vin+ – Positive DC input (2V–24V)
- Vin− – Negative DC input / Ground
- Vout+ – Positive boosted DC output (adjustable up to 28V)
- Vout− – Negative DC output / Ground
- Potentiometer – Adjusts the output voltage level
Important Notes
- Output voltage must always be greater than input voltage (this is a boost-only converter)
- Input voltage must not exceed 24V
- Output voltage must not exceed 28V
- Peak output current should be limited to 2A and output power to 10W
🔌 Wiring Diagram (Basic Setup)
Power Input:
- Vin+ → Positive terminal of 2V–24V DC power supply or battery
- Vin− → Negative terminal / Ground
Output:
- Vout+ → Positive terminal of load
- Vout− → Negative terminal of load / Ground
🔋 How It Works
The MT3608 is a boost (step-up) DC-DC converter, which means it takes a lower input voltage and converts it to a higher output voltage. Unlike a linear regulator, it uses high-frequency switching to achieve this conversion with very high efficiency.
Boost Converter Operating Principle
Energy Storage Phase (Switch ON)
When the internal MOSFET switch turns ON, current flows from the input through the inductor to ground. The inductor stores energy in its magnetic field. During this phase, the output capacitor supplies current to the load.
Energy Transfer Phase (Switch OFF)
When the MOSFET switch turns OFF, the inductor's magnetic field collapses and the stored energy is released. The inductor voltage adds to the input voltage, producing a higher combined voltage that charges the output capacitor and powers the load through the Schottky diode.
Voltage Regulation
The MT3608 uses a current-mode control loop that continuously monitors the output voltage via a resistor divider (set by the potentiometer) and adjusts the duty cycle of the switching MOSFET to maintain the desired output voltage. The 1.2 MHz switching frequency allows the use of tiny, low-cost capacitors and inductors, minimizing overall module size.
Efficiency Modes
- PWM Mode (Normal Load): The converter operates at a fixed 1.2 MHz switching frequency for tight voltage regulation under normal load conditions.
- PFM Mode (Light Load): At light loads, the converter automatically shifts to pulse frequency modulation (PFM) mode, reducing switching losses and improving efficiency when the load draws minimal current.
Practical Benefits
- Power 12V or 24V devices from a single battery or low-voltage source
- Extend battery life with high-efficiency conversion
- Compact size suitable for embedded and portable projects
- Built-in protections prevent damage from overload conditions
🔧 Operating Instructions
- Connect Vin+ and Vin− to a +2V to +24V DC power supply or battery. A battery or +5V USB power supply are optimal voltage sources.
- Connect Vout+ and Vout− to your load.
- Adjust the potentiometer to set the desired output voltage. Turn counter-clockwise to increase voltage. Upon initial operation, you may need to turn the pot counter-clockwise many turns to get it into its operating range in order to increase the output voltage.
- Verify the output voltage with a multimeter before connecting sensitive loads.
💡 Usage Tips
- Always measure output voltage with a multimeter before connecting your load
- Ensure your input power source is rated to supply sufficient current for the desired output
- Add a 100µF electrolytic capacitor across the output for improved voltage stability under varying loads
- Keep input and output wiring short to minimize noise and voltage drop
- Allow adequate airflow around the module when operating near maximum power
- Use solid, well-tinned solder connections on all pads to minimize resistance
Power Budget Note
The laws of physics apply to this module. Input power must be greater than output power, plus approximately 10% for conversion losses. For example:
If your output requirement is 12V at 0.5A (6W), and your input voltage is 3V, then the input current must be at least 2.2A: 6W ÷ 3V = 2A + 10% = 2.2A input current.
Always verify that your input power source can deliver the required current.
🎯 Common Applications
- Battery voltage boosting for portable electronics
- LED strip drivers (12V strips from lower-voltage batteries)
- IoT sensor node power supplies
- Arduino / Raspberry Pi project power rails
- Solar panel voltage boosting
- Portable instrument and test equipment power
- Charging higher-voltage battery packs from low-voltage sources
🛠️ Troubleshooting
No Output Voltage
- Verify input power source is connected and supplying voltage within the 2V–24V range
- Check solder connections on all input and output pads
- Turn potentiometer several turns counter-clockwise to increase output
- Test with a known-good power supply to rule out source issues
Output Voltage Too Low or Won't Reach Target
- Ensure output voltage is set higher than input voltage (boost-only converter)
- Reduce load current — you may be exceeding the module's power capacity
- Check that input power source can supply sufficient current
- Verify potentiometer is being turned in the correct direction (counter-clockwise to increase)
Module Overheating
- Reduce output current or power draw
- Ensure output power does not exceed 10W
- Verify input voltage is not too low relative to output (larger boost ratios reduce efficiency)
- Provide adequate ventilation around the module
Unstable or Noisy Output
- Add a 100µF electrolytic capacitor across the output terminals
- Shorten input and output wiring
- Ensure solid solder connections at all pads
- Use a well-regulated input power supply
Output Voltage Drifts Under Load
- Input power source may be sagging — use a supply with higher current capacity
- Load may be exceeding the module's rated power — reduce demand
- Check for cold solder joints or loose connections at input or output pads
⚠️ Design Considerations
- Keep input and output traces short and wide on custom PCBs
- Place decoupling capacitors close to the module's input and output pads
- Separate high-current power paths from sensitive signal traces
- Consider adding a fuse on the input for additional protection
- For battery applications, account for the full discharge voltage range when sizing the boost ratio
🚫 Safety Notes
- Do not exceed 24V input voltage
- Do not exceed 28V output voltage
- Do not exceed 2A output current or 10W output power
- Ensure proper ventilation when operating at higher power levels
- Disconnect power before making any wiring changes
- Use appropriate wire gauges for the expected current levels
🏪 Where to Buy the MT3608 Boost Converter
This MT3608 DC-DC Boost Converter can be purchased at the Envistia Mall website:
- MT3608 2V-28V Step-Up Boost DC-DC Converter Module →
- 📦 Fast US Shipping
- 🔄 Hassle-Free Returns
- 📧 Responsive Customer Support
Sold and supported by Envistia Mall. Ships from the USA. 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.