Boost Converters

Boost converters (also called step-up converters) are efficient DC-DC power regulators that increase input voltage to a higher, stable output voltage—essential when your power source doesn't provide enough voltage for your project's needs.

How they work: Boost converters use high-frequency switching with inductors and capacitors to efficiently step up voltage. By storing energy in an inductor's magnetic field and releasing it at higher voltage, they achieve 80-90% efficiency—far better than wasteful voltage multiplier circuits or transformer-based solutions for DC applications.

Common applications:

  • Powering 5V USB devices from single-cell 3.7V lithium batteries
  • Running 12V LED strips or motors from low-voltage solar panels
  • Creating higher voltage rails for op-amps or sensors from battery packs
  • Charging supercapacitors or driving piezo elements
  • Boosting coin cell batteries (3V) to power microcontroller circuits (5V)

Key consideration: While output voltage increases, available current decreases proportionally (plus losses). A boost converter stepping 3.7V up to 5V can only deliver about 70% of the input current at the higher voltage. This makes proper input power budgeting critical - ensure your source can provide enough current for your load's power requirements.