📋 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.
Unlike many boost converter modules that require soldered input connections, the MT3608 Micro-USB variant features a built-in Micro-USB input connector, allowing you to power the module by simply plugging it into any standard 5V USB power supply or power bank. It also includes input solder pads for direct wiring to any 2V–24V DC source.
⭐ Key Features
- Input Options: Micro-USB connector (5V) or solder pads (2V–24V DC)
- 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 (USB) | +5V DC |
| Input Voltage (Solder Pads) | 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 | Approx. 30 × 17 × 7 mm (1.18 × 0.67 × 0.28 in) L × W × H |
📌 Pinout & Connections
- Micro-USB Connector – 5V DC power input (from USB power supply or power bank)
- Vin+ – Positive DC input (2V–24V), alternative to USB input
- 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
- The Micro-USB input and solder pad input can be used interchangeably but should not be powered simultaneously from different voltage sources
🔌 Wiring Diagram (Basic Setup)
Power Input (Option A – USB):
- Micro-USB connector → Standard 5V USB power supply or power bank
Power Input (Option B – Direct Wiring):
- Vin+ → Positive terminal of 2V–24V DC power supply
- Vin− → Negative terminal / Ground
Output:
- Vout+ → Positive terminal of load
- Vout− → Negative terminal of load / Ground
MT3608 MicroUSB Board Layout and Wiring Diagram
🔋 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 USB port or battery pack
- Extend battery life with high-efficiency conversion
- Compact size suitable for embedded and portable projects
- Built-in protections prevent damage from overload conditions
📐 Module Schematic
MT3608 Micro-USB Step-Up Boost DC-DC Converter Module Schematic
🔧 Operating Instructions
- Connect the module to a +5V USB power supply or USB power bank through the Micro-USB connector, or attach Vin+ and Vin− to a +2V to +24V DC power supply.
- 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, several counter-clockwise turns of the pot may be needed to achieve a boosted 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
- Use a USB power supply rated for at least 2A when powering high-current loads via USB
- 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
- When using battery input, ensure the battery can supply sufficient current (see power budget note below)
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
- USB-powered LED strip drivers (12V strips from 5V USB)
- Battery voltage boosting for portable electronics
- 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 USB
🛠️ Troubleshooting
No Output Voltage
- Verify input power source is connected and supplying voltage
- Check that USB cable is functional (some cables are charge-only)
- Turn potentiometer several turns counter-clockwise to increase output
- Confirm input voltage is within the 2V–24V range
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 connections at all solder joints
- Use a higher-quality USB power supply with better regulation
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 loose connections at input or output terminals
⚠️ Design Considerations
- Keep input and output traces short and wide on custom PCBs
- Place decoupling capacitors close to the module's input and output pins
- 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
This product is sold directly on the Envistia Mall website:
MT3608 5V-28V Micro-USB Step-Up Boost DC-DC Converter Module →
- 📦 Fast US Shipping
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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.