MT3608 - 2A DC-DC Step Up (Boost) Power Module

Description of MT3608 Step-Up Power Module

The MT3608 power module is a step-up(Boost) converter module intended for small and low-power applications. The module has the capability to regulate the output voltage up to 28V and deliver an output current of a maximum of 2A. The module consists of MT3608 IC which comes in a 6-Pin SOT23-6 Package switches at 1.2Mhz which allows the use of tiny capacitors and inductors leading to a compact size power boost module.

Features and Specifications of MT3608 Step-Up Power Module

Below are some features and specifications of the MT3608 step-up power module:

1. Input Voltage: 2-24V DC
2. Output Voltage: 5-28V DC
3. Maximum Output Current: 2A
4. Switching Frequency: 1.2Mhz
5. Output Ripple: <100mV
6. Module Size: 37.2mm x 17.2mm x 14.0mm
7. About 93% Efficiency
8. Features like an under-voltage lockout, thermal overload protection

Alternatives for MT3608 Step-Up Power Module

XY-016 2A DC-DC Step Up Converter, SX1308 DC-DC Step-up Converter, POLOLU 2563

Note: More technical information can be found in the MT3608 Datasheet linked at the bottom of this page.

Pin Configuration of MT3608 Step-Up Power Module

Pin configuration of the Step up module is given in the table below. The module has 4 pins, 2 of which are for voltage input and 2 are for regulated output voltage. The module also consists of a potentiometer which can be used to adjust the output voltage levels.

Note: If the module output voltage is not being varied with the potentiometer, it means that the output voltage is equal to the input voltage. This usually happens when you use the module for the first time. You can turn the potentiometer around 20 times or more in a counterclockwise position and then once you get the regulated voltage at the output you can use the module.

For a boost converter, the output voltage should always be greater than the input voltage.

Working Principle and Boosting Circuit of the MT3608 Step-Up Power Module

A boost converter(DC-DC step-up converter) is used to step up a lower voltage to a higher voltage level with quite a simple circuitry. It is a type of switch-mode power supply as it uses a switching device to regulate the voltage. In our case, the switching module is the MT3608 IC which has a high switching frequency of 1.2MHz. The higher switching frequency also opens up the possibilities to use smaller indicators making the module compact and also providing high power output simultaneously.

The circuit above depicts how the connections are made for the operation of the MT3608 step-up module.

Working:

Whenever current is passed through the inductor(L1) it induces some magnetic field and when you change the current level passing through it, the magnetic field collapses and it generates a high voltage spike. Having a high switching frequency IC(MT3608) allows this principle to happen by generating and collapsing the magnetic field induced by the inductor. When the switching module is off, the voltage spike(high voltage level) passes through the Schottky diode(D1) and gets stored in the capacitor(C2) hence increasing the voltage of the capacitor and we obtain a higher voltage level output across the capacitor. The Schottky diode (D1) plays an important role in blocking a reverse current to the circuit.

Applications of MT3608 Step-Up Power Module

Here are some of the applications of the MT3608 Step-Up Power Module:

1. Power amplifiers
2. Battery power systems
3. Consumer electronics
4. DC motor drivers

2D Model of MT3608 Step-Up Power Module

The image below showcases the 2D model of the step-up power module. The dimensions marked are in millimeters and they can be used to create custom footprints of the module and used while PCB designing and CAD models.