{"product_id":"4940-3-3v-step-up-voltage-regulator-u3v16f3","title":"3.3V Step-Up Voltage Regulator U3V16F3","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis compact (0.32″×0.515″) switching step-up (or boost) voltage regulator efficiently generates \u003cstrong\u003e3.3 V\u003c\/strong\u003e from input voltages as low as 1.3 V and handles continuous input currents up to around 1.6 A. ( \u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e minimum start-up voltage is 2.7 V, but it operates down to 1.3 V after that.) The pins have a 0.1″ spacing, making this board compatible with standard solderless breadboards and perfboards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2\u003e Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption right\"\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11844.1200.jpg?6a527e48fabf5578cb98a56aaa71d9ce\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id voltage regulator u3v16fx bottom view with dimensions. data-picture-id=\"0J11844\" data-picture-longest_side=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11844.300.jpg?6a527e48fabf5578cb98a56aaa71d9ce\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e The U3V16Fx family of boost (step-up) voltage regulators generate higher output voltages from input voltages as low as 1.3 V. ( \u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e The minimum start-up voltage is 2.7 V; see the \u003ca href=\"#connections\"\u003econnections section\u003c\/a\u003e for details.) They are switching regulators (also called switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) or DC-to-DC converters) and have a typical efficiency between 85% to 95%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eThe regulators actively limit the instantaneous input currents to 2 A when boosting, and input currents up to around 1.6 A can typically be maintained for many minutes without triggering thermal shutdown, though the actual performance depends on the input and output voltages as well as external factors such as ambient temperature and airflow. For boost regulators, the output current equals the input current times the efficiency divided by the boost ratio of VOUT to VIN, so the more you are boosting, the lower the maximum output current will be (see the \u003ca href=\"#maxcurrent\"\u003emaximum continuous output current section\u003c\/a\u003e below for performance graphs).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e These regulators feature a variety of built-in protections, including cycle-by-cycle input current limiting, under-voltage lockout, and over-temperature shutdown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp class=\"note_warning clear\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarning:\u003c\/strong\u003e This boost regulator uses the typical topology that connects the input to the output through an inductor and diode, with nothing to completely break that current path. Therefore, the input voltage will go through to the output even when the regulator is disabled, and exposure to short circuits or other excessive loads will damage the regulator. This regulator also does not have protection against reverse voltage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e The U3V16x family includes seven versions with fixed output voltages ranging from 3.3 V to 15 V.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/4940\"\u003eU3V16F3: Fixed 3.3V output\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/4941\"\u003eU3V16F5: Fixed 5V output\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/4942\"\u003eU3V16F6: Fixed 6V output\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/4943\"\u003eU3V16F7: Fixed 7.5V output\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/4944\"\u003eU3V16F9: Fixed 9V output\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/4945\"\u003eU3V16F12: Fixed 12V output\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\t \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/4946\"\u003eU3V16F15: Fixed 15V output\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e The different versions of the board all look very similar, so you might consider adding your own markings or other distinguishing features if you have multiple versions that you need to be able to tell apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"note\"\u003e We manufacture these boards in-house at our Las Vegas facility, which gives us the flexibility to make these regulators with custom fixed output voltages between 2.7 V and 16 V. If you are interested in customization, please \u003ca href=\"\/en\/contact\"\u003econtact us\u003c\/a\u003e .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\n Details for item #4940 \n\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption right\"\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd style=\"max-width: 250px\"\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11836.1200.jpg?2acfc5df8a443d8dd2c850f51821d2d8\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id step-up voltage regulator u3v16f3 top view. data-picture-id=\"0J11836\" data-picture-longest_side=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11836.250w.jpg?2acfc5df8a443d8dd2c850f51821d2d8\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth style=\"max-width: 250px\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e 3.3V Step-Up Voltage Regulator U3V16F3, top view.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e Features and specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Output voltage: 3.3 V with 4% accuracy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Input voltage: 1.3 V to 16 V (Note: minimum start-up voltage is 2.7 V)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\t \u003cli\u003eTypical efficiency of 85% to 95%, depending on input voltage, output voltage, and load (see the \u003ca href=\"#efficiency\"\u003eefficiency graph\u003c\/a\u003e below)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Switching frequency: ~1.2 MHz under heavy loads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Power-save mode that increases light load efficiency by reducing switching frequency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Typical no-load quiescent currents under 1 mA (see the \u003ca href=\"#quiescent\"\u003equiescent current graph\u003c\/a\u003e below)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e 2 A switch current limit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Typical continuous input currents up to around 1.6 A (see the \u003ca href=\"#maxcurrent\"\u003emaximum continuous output current graph\u003c\/a\u003e below)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Tolerates input voltage above output set voltage (output will track input, see the \u003ca href=\"#connections\"\u003econnections section\u003c\/a\u003e for details)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Integrated protections:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Over-temperature shutdown\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Soft-start feature limits inrush current and gradually ramps output voltage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Under-voltage lockout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Compact size: 0.515″ × 0.32″ × 0.1″ (13.1 × 8.1 × 3 mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Weight: 0.4 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 id=\"connections\"\u003e Connections\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption center\"\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\n \u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11848.1200.jpg?c03e305e422892f50ecfcd977e519297\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id voltage regulator u3v16fx pinout. data-picture-id=\"0J11848\" data-picture-longest_side=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11848.410.jpg?c03e305e422892f50ecfcd977e519297\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e The input voltage, \u003cstrong\u003eVIN\u003c\/strong\u003e , must initially be at least 2.7 V and should not exceed 16 V. Once the regulator is on, VIN can fall as low as 1.3 V and the regulator will continue to operate. Please note that if VIN is higher than VOUT, the higher input voltage will show up on the output, which could be dangerous for your connected load if it cannot tolerate that higher voltage. The regulator itself should generally be able to tolerate such pass-through voltages as long as they do not exceed 16 V and the load is not trying to draw currents through the regulator that are beyond what the regulator can withstand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVOUT\u003c\/strong\u003e is the regulated output voltage. The regulator's soft-start feature gradually ramps up the VOUT voltage on start-up to limit in-rush current draw. The U3V16Fx regulators do \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c\/strong\u003e have short-circuit protection, so they could be damaged if exposed to output shorts or excessive loads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e The connections are labeled on the back side of the PCB and are arranged with a 0.1″ spacing along the edge of the board for compatibility with solderless \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/category\/28\/solderless-breadboards\"\u003ebreadboards\u003c\/a\u003e , \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/category\/19\/connectors\"\u003econnectors\u003c\/a\u003e , and other prototyping arrangements that use a 0.1″ grid. You can solder wires directly to the board or solder in either the 1×3 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/965\"\u003estraight male header strip\u003c\/a\u003e or the 1×3 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/967\"\u003eright-angle male header strip\u003c\/a\u003e that are included. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable class=\"side_by_side_pics\"\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption center\"\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd style=\"max-width: 300px\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11847.1200.jpg?ddc95012d6540e2ffdfa93a093029c12\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id voltage regulator u3v16fx with included hardware. data-picture-id=\"0J11847\" data-picture-longest_side=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11847.300.jpg?ddc95012d6540e2ffdfa93a093029c12\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth style=\"max-width: 300px\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e Step-Up Voltage Regulator U3V16Fx with included hardware. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption center\"\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"max-width: 300px\"\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11845.1200.jpg?f40d99d1b9132ac19188d9e5738d6e0c\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id voltage regulators u3v16fx in a breadboard. data-picture-id=\"0J11845\" data-picture-longest_side=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11845.300.jpg?f40d99d1b9132ac19188d9e5738d6e0c\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth style=\"max-width: 300px\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e Step-Up Voltage Regulators U3V16Fx in a breadboard. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption center\"\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"max-width: 300px\"\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11846.1200.jpg?4ce70907f00118796ef88801d5f98e48\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id voltage regulator u3v16fx in a breadboard. data-picture-id=\"0J11846\" data-picture-longest_side=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11846.300.jpg?4ce70907f00118796ef88801d5f98e48\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth style=\"max-width: 300px\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e Step-Up Voltage Regulator U3V16Fx in a breadboard.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 id=\"efficiency\"\u003e Typical efficiency\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e The efficiency of a voltage regulator, defined as (Power out)\/(Power in), is an important measure of its performance, especially when battery life or heat are concerns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption center wide\"\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11849.1200.png?e7e2b4add0cadbc03d7c2403c46da5cc\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"wide zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id efficiency of step-up voltage regulator u3v16f3. data-picture-id=\"0J11849\" data-picture-longest_side=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11849.600.png?e7e2b4add0cadbc03d7c2403c46da5cc\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 id=\"maxcurrent\"\u003e Maximum continuous output current\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp class=\"clear\"\u003eThe maximum achievable output current is approximately proportional to the ratio of the input voltage to the output voltage. Additionally, the maximum output current can depend on other factors, including the ambient temperature and air flow. The graph below shows the typical maximum continuous output currents these regulators can deliver at room temperature with no forced airflow or heat sinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption center wide\"\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11856.1200.png?1e22e863f5558c342b04d02adde7acea\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"wide zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id maximum continuous output current of step-up voltage regulator u3v16fx. data-picture-id=\"0J11856\" data-picture-longest_side=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11856.600.png?1e22e863f5558c342b04d02adde7acea\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"note_warning clear\"\u003e During normal operation, this product can get hot enough to burn you. Take care when handling this product or other components connected to it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 id=\"quiescent\"\u003e Quiescent current\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e The quiescent current is the current the regulator uses just to power itself, and the graph below shows this for the different regulator versions as a function of the input voltage. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption center wide\"\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"wide\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id quiescent current of step-up voltage regulator u3v16fx. data-picture-id=\"0J11857\" data-picture-longest_side=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11857.600.png?aa08801f4258e2f7f16b621a76915302\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e LC Voltage Spikes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eWhen connecting voltage to electronic circuits, the initial rush of current can cause damaging voltage spikes that are much higher than the input voltage. In our tests with this family of regulator connected with typical power leads (~30″ test clips), we found that input voltages up to 9 V did not generally cause spikes high enough to damage the regulator itself, but even lower input voltages did cause spikes that could still be problematic for boost regulators operating with the input voltage close to the set output voltage, since input voltages above the set output voltage will propagate to the output and could damage circuits being powered by the regulator. An electrolytic capacitor (33 μF is a good starting point) can be added close to the regulator between VIN and GND to help suppress these spikes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e More information about LC spikes can be found in our application note, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/docs\/0J16\"\u003eUnderstanding Destructive LC Voltage Spikes\u003c\/a\u003e .\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pololu","offers":[{"title":"2-4 Weeks","offer_id":47696746185049,"sku":"POL-4940","price":7.25,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 day","offer_id":47886011400537,"sku":"POL-4940\/A","price":7.25,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0781\/1009\/7753\/files\/0J11829.1200.jpg?v=1705457232","url":"https:\/\/robot-italy.com\/en\/products\/4940-3-3v-step-up-voltage-regulator-u3v16f3","provider":"Robot Italy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}