Ultra-Low Voltage Step-Up Converter Design – A Beginner’s Guide

In electronics, there are times when you need to boost a low voltage to a higher one, like powering a microcontroller or an LED from a small battery. That’s where ultra-low voltage step-up converters come in! These devices are designed to increase a lower input voltage to a higher output voltage, making them essential for many battery-powered projects.
The Problem :
Imagine you’re building a project using a 1.5V battery, but your circuit needs 5V to run effectively. A typical solution is using a step-up converter, which steps up the low voltage to 5V, ensuring that your device functions as intended. Without it, your project won’t work properly due to insufficient voltage.
Practical Example :
Let’s say you want to run a small LED strip that requires 5V, but you only have a 3V battery. A step-up converter will take that 3V and convert it to the 5V required by the LED strip. This ensures your project operates smoothly without overloading the power source.
Sample Calculation :
To power a 3.3V sensor at 10mA from a 1.2V battery:
Input Power = 1.2V × 0.03A = 0.036W
Output Power = 3.3V × 0.01A = 0.033W
Assuming 90% efficiency:
Required Input Current = 0.033W / 1.2V / 0.9 = 0.0306A (30.6mA)
Recommended Products :
To get started, check out our step-up converter modules and other components like MOSFETs and inductors, Made in India for reliability and quality. Explore our store at SmartXProKits. Shop now at SmartXProKits.in and support India’s innovation with locally made components!