Pololu 12V Step-Up Voltage Regulator U3V12F12
by Pololu

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Great as a step up regulator to go from a 1s lipo to 12v , he compact (0.32"×0.515") U3V12F12 switching step-up (or boost) voltage regulator takes an input voltage as low as 2.5 V and efficiently boosts it to 12 V. The pins have a 0.1" spacing, making this board compatible with standard solderless breadboards and perfboards.

Overview

These boost (step-up) voltage regulators generate higher output voltages from input voltages as low as 2.5 V. They are switching regulators (also called switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) or DC-to-DC converters) and have a typical efficiency between 80% to 90%. The available output current is a function of the input voltage, output voltage, and efficiency (see Typical Efficiency and Output Current section below), but the input current can typically be as high as 1.4 A.

The regulator’s thermal shutdown prevents damage from overheating, but it does not have short-circuit or reverse-voltage protection.

Features

    input voltage: 2.5 V – VOUT
    fixed 12 V output with 4% accuracy
    1.4 A switch allows for input currents up to 1.4 A
    2 mA typical no-load quiescent current
    integrated over-temperature shutoff
    small size: 0.515" × 0.32" × 0.1" (13 × 8 × 3 mm)

Using the Regulator
Connections

The boost regulator has three connections: input voltage (VIN), ground (GND), and output voltage (VOUT).

The input voltage, VIN, must be at least 2.5 V and should not exceed the output voltage, VOUT. Please be wary of destructive LC spikes that might cause the input voltage to exceed VOUT (see below for more information).

The three connections are labeled on the back side of the PCB, and they are arranged with a 0.1" spacing along the edge of the board for compatibility with solderless breadboards, connectors, and other prototyping arrangements that use a 0.1" grid. You can solder wires directly to the board or solder in either the 3×1 straight male header strip or the 3×1 right-angle male header strip that is included.

Typical Efficiency and Output Current

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. As shown in the graphs below, this switching regulator typically has an efficiency of 80 to 90%.

The maximum achievable output current is approximately proportional to the ratio of the input voltage to the output voltage. If the input current exceeds the switch current limit (typically somewhere between 1.4 and 2 A), the output voltage will begin to drop. Additionally, the maximum output current can depend on other factors, including the ambient temperature, air flow, and heat sinking.

Dimensions
Size:  0.32″ × 0.515″ × 0.1″1
Weight:  0.4 g1
General specifications
Minimum operating voltage:  2.5 V
Maximum operating voltage:  12 V
Maximum input current:  1.5 A2
Output voltage:  12 V
Reverse voltage protection?:  N
Maximum quiescent current:  2 mA
Notes:
1 Without included optional headers.
2 Regulator may overheat at lower input currents when VIN is much lower than VOUT. Available output current is a function of VIN, VOUT, and the regulator efficiency.