DC-DC Boost Converter MT3608

This tutorial will show how to use the MT3608 boost converter to power up devices requiring different voltages. We will show which are the best types of batteries to use with the converter and how to get more than just one output from the converter.

We will explain why we have chosen this converter and for what kind of projects can we use it.

Just a small note before we get started: When working with robotics and electronics please don't overlook the importance of power distribution.

Supplies

• MT3608 DC-DC Converter
• 4.8 Ni-MH Battery Pack
• Arduino Uno
• Jumper Wires
• 2S Li-Po or Li-Ion Battery
• 2A Fuse

Step 1: Pinout Overview

Here you can see how the MT3608 module looks like. You can notice that the MT3608 is an IC, and the module is a circuit built around the IC to make it work as an adjustable converter.

PINOUT for MT3608 module is:

IN+ Here we connect the red wire from the battery (or the power source), this is VCC or VIN (2V - 24V)

IN- Here we connect the black wire from the battery (or the power source), this is ground, GND or V--

OUT+ Here we connect the positive voltage of the power distribution circuit or a component powered

OUT- Here we connect the ground of the power distribution circuit or a component powered

Step 2: Adjusting Output

This is a boost converter meaning that it will take lower voltage and convert it into higher voltage. To adjust the voltage we have to do a couple of steps.

• Connect the converter with the battery or other power source.
• Set the multimeter to read the voltage and connect the output of the converter to it. Now you can already see the voltage on the output.
• Adjust the trimmer (here 100k Ohm) with a tiny screwdriver until the voltage is set to the desired output. Feel free to turn the trimmer in both directions to get the feeling how to work with it. Sometimes when you use the converter for the first time you will have to rotate the trimmer screw 5-10 full circles to get it working. Play with it until you get the feeling.
• Connect the device/module you want to power instead of the multimeter.

Step 3: Current Rating

The steady current rating of the IC MT3608 is 2 A, the chip is pretty small so it’s difficult to disperse the accumulated heat. We can always add at least a small heat sink but don’t expect it to have a current rating more than 2 A.

Step 4: High Current Protection

Another thing to mention when working with power modules like converters is that they will burn out if the current goes too high. I believe that you have already understood that from the step above, but how to protect the IC from the high current?

Here we would like to introduce another component: the Fuse. In this specific case our converter needs protection from 2 Amps. So we will take a 2 Amp fuse and wire it according to the image below. This will provide the necessary protection for our IC.

Inside the Fuse there is a thin wire made of a material which melts on low temperatures, the thickness of the wire is carefully adjusted during the manufacturing so that the wire will break (or unsolder) if the current goes above 2 Amps. This will stop the current flow and the high current won't be able to come to the converter. Of course this means that we will have to replace the Fuse (because it's melted now) and correct the circuit which tried to draw too much current. If you want to know more about the fuses please refer to our tutorial on them when we release it.

Step 5: Powering 5V Controller and 3.3V Voltage Regulator From a Single Source

Here is an example that includes everything mentioned above. We will summarize everything with the wiring steps:

• Connect the Ni-MH battery pack with the converter.
• Adjust the voltage to 5V with the multimeter connected on the output.
• Connect the ground and the VCC from the battery with the converter's input terminals.
• Connect the positive output with the 5V on the Arduino and through a breadboard.
• Connect the negative output with the GND on the Arduino.
• To see the details about the wiring of the LM317 Voltage Regulator please refer to that section.

Step 6: Conclusion

We would like to summarize what we have shown here.

• Use MT3608 to convert voltage from low (2 - 25) to high
• Always use a Multimeter to check the voltage level on the output before connecting other devices/modules
• Use MT3608 for 2 Amps or lower
• Use a 2 Amp Fuse to protect MT3608 if you are powering motors and drawing unpredictable currents
• By using converters you are providing stable voltage to your circuits with sufficient current which you can use to reliably control motors, in this way you will not have reduced behavior with the batteries voltage drop over time

You can download the models we have used in this tutorial from our GrabCAD account:

GrabCAD Robottronic Models

You can see our other tutorials on Instructables:

Instructables Robottronic

You can also check Youtube channel that is still in the process of kicking off:

Youtube Robottronic

Comments

[said lamy]

Thanks

[AliaksandrBY]

SS34 of s534?

[Robottronic]

Thx for the comment, I will try to include more specs in the tutorials.

[arduinocoding7]

Dude I'm so happy, this worked for me. I spent 4 hours or so but was missing the fact I had to connect all 4 pins. If there's a way I can tip you/ buy you a meal I absolutely will. This made my day, have a 5v motor on 1v power supply

[offtherails2010]

This is fantastic !!!
Well done dude !

if you dont mind me asking, why did you only need 1v on a 5v motor, just to slow it down ?!?

[offtherails2010]

This is an awesome introduction to the modules we quite frequently find on places like Ebay and Aliexpress - So id like to give you a huge round of thanks especially at helping also introduce failure-points (the replaceable fuse section ! BEFORE ! the voltage step-down converter) so that the fuse blows instead of the module itself.

The amount of busted modules ive got over the years ive started to buy the SMD individual parts so i can swap them out as the most important part of the module is the PCB itself. And much harder to make for folks just getting into electronics and electrical engineering :)

BUT the most impressive is YOUR 3D RENDERING of this module - PLEASE Please please could i kindly beg you;

how did you make that 3D Render - did you do it yourself with a software/s like the Eagle software with Eagle-Up plugin and 2 other softwares to show us our own Schematic/PCB designs in glorious 3D as your rendering is.

Not only that, it would also be a most-excellent thing to also see a basic "schematic" of this module using the same sorta software, like the free to use CADsoft Eagle, or when it used to be, i cant remember now as im old, lol

MANY other softwares out there for making one's own PCB's (which i would NEVER charge anyone to help make their own PCB's, after all, its just the board designs of simple modules so if one ever wants a hand in doing so, lemmi know !!)

So a schematic would just be the icing on the cake with this sorta introduction of module, sorry for the essay, just made my day today !!!!

[atharvamete12]

is there a way to use the DC-DC Boost Converter MT3608 for input voltages less than its minimum rated input voltage i.e 2V ?? If yes what exact modifications are required

[tytower]

You need to give the full specs on these things or you leave us with questions.

Full Specifications:

Input Voltage: DC 2V-24V
Output Voltage: DC >5V-28V

Maximum Output Current: 2A
Maximum Coversion Efficiency: 95%

Maximum Operating Temperature: -45C to ~ +85C
Switching Frequency: 1.2MHz

Output Ripple: <100mV



Note that the maximum input voltage should not be greater than the desired output voltage (as this is a step-up converter not a step down converter).
The input voltage should not exceed the maximum input voltage (24v).
To adjust the output simply turn the potentiometer counter clockwise.