MT3608 Step-Up Boost Converter
Adjustable 2A Voltage Boost with USB Type-C Output
Where a buck converter steps voltage down, a boost converter does the opposite - taking a lower input voltage, like a single 3.7V lithium battery, and raising it to a higher, more usable level such as 5V or 9V, something a simple linear regulator cannot do at all, since a linear regulator can only ever lower voltage, never raise it. The MT3608 achieves this using the same switching-inductor principle as a buck converter but in reverse configuration: it rapidly switches current through an inductor, and the collapsing magnetic field each time the switch opens generates a voltage spike higher than the input, which is then smoothed and regulated into a stable, adjustable DC output. This particular breakout adds a convenient USB Type-C output connector alongside the usual screw terminals, making it a popular choice specifically for turning a single lithium battery into a usable 5V USB power source for charging or powering USB-based electronics.
Key features
Step-Up (Boost) Regulation
Raises a lower input voltage to a higher, usable output.
USB Type-C Output
Directly powers or charges USB-C devices from a boosted supply.
Adjustable Output Voltage
Onboard potentiometer sets the desired output level.
High Efficiency
Switching regulation wastes far less power than a charge-pump approach.
Wide Input Range
Works from a variety of low-voltage DC sources, including single-cell batteries.
Compact Module
Small enough to embed directly into battery-powered project enclosures.
