DIY Boost Converter || How to Step Up DC Voltage Efficiently

In this project I will show you an efficient and common way how to step up DC voltages. I will also demonstrate how easy it can be to build a boost converter with the help of an ATtiny85. Let's get started!

Step 1: Watch the Video!

The video gives you all the information you need to create your own boost converter. The next steps just contain additional information for your convenience.

Step 2: Order Your Components!

Here is a list of all the parts that you need with example sellers (affiliate links):

Aliexpress:

1x ATtiny85: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dVaIID1

1x IRLZ44N MOSFET: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dWhSrDl

1x 100µH Coil: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dU3eskP

2x 47µF Capacitor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d7dOwRz

1x 100kΩ Potentiometer: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dX83GAF

1x 1N5819 Schottky Diode: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dYR45Bh

2x 10kΩ, 1x 1kΩ, 1x 2.2kΩ, 1x 100Ω Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTPpXjt

2x PCB Terminal: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dYbstfZ

Perfboard: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dXx2Zv5

Ebay:

1x ATtiny85: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x IRLZ44N MOSFET: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 100µH Coil: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x 47µF Capacitor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 100kΩ Potentiometer: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 1N5819 Schottky Diode: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x 10kΩ, 1x 1kΩ, 1x 2.2kΩ, 1x 100Ω Resistor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x PCB Terminal: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Perfboard: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Amazon.de:

1x ATtiny85: http://amzn.to/1E9ubfB

1x IRLZ44N MOSFET: http://amzn.to/1Osfnxn

1x 100µH Coil: http://amzn.to/1OsfxVz

2x 47µF Capacitor: http://amzn.to/1OsfIjE

1x 100kΩ Potentiometer: http://amzn.to/1OsfBEN

1x 1N5819 Schottky Diode: http://amzn.to/1OsfwBc

2x 10kΩ, 1x 1kΩ, 1x 2.2kΩ, 1x 100Ω Resistor: http://amzn.to/1E9uEhN

2x PCB Terminal: http://amzn.to/1GzZAZw

Perfboard: http://amzn.to/1YAqPI8

Step 3: Build the Circuit!

Here you can find the schematic for the project and reference pictures. The soldering process takes around 45 minutes if you know what you are doing.

Step 4: Upload the Code!

In order to upload the code to the ATtiny85 you can use an Arduino Uno. Here is an older video of mine in which I demonstrated how to do that:

Step 5: Success!

You did it! You just created your own Boost Converter!

Feel free to check out my YouTube channel for more awesome projects:

http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information:

https://twitter.com/GreatScottLab

https://www.facebook.com/greatscottlab

Comments

[mabartibin]

That was some very interesting soldering, Marty…, err, Great Scott ;-)

I was wondering about the amount of solder used: It looks as though most of the wiring (not only that with potentially high current) on the copper side has a lot of extra solder applied. I’ve seen other people do that too. What’s the reason for that?

I wonder (since we’re building stuff ourselves instead of buying something) what would be the best way to add current limiting? Shunt resistor, opamp… or is there an easier way?

And would it make sense to replace the control code by something PID-ish?

[davidmonk32]

Hello, great article.
I need to supply 94 volts to power the LED's within a monitor screen, the screen was smashed and I'm hoping to make a light box for my son who has started to stream. My question is, can I wire 4 of these together to achieve the required voltage?

Regards David

[r.sainteclaire]

no, you would be better off using a different inductor to boost the voltage up.

You can use a calculator like the one here to figure out which one you need, I calculated one that needs 2300uH, which is a common inductor type.

https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-boost-calc/the-calculator

[jtw8211]

👍

[divyanshsingh.2n22]

Sir can I use Arduino Uno or nano instead of ATtiny if yes then please give us code for Arduino

[SeaRay992]

I'm a huge fan and was looking for simple hands on with inductors. This looks to be the perfect project for my mission. After two days of frustration trying to build an incredibly simple circuit, I've put all my gear in a bonfire out back - gone fishing. Did people really get this to work?

[seyma55]

class numberOne has no named pwm

[BuffS1]

Why on Earth would anyone want to go to the trouble and expense of building this boost converter (whose parts cannot be obtained for less than $20) when a better quality module can be purchased for around $3 ??? I can get SIX (6) ready-made modules for less than the cost of the parts!!!

[nzube]

It all about learning

[mickeypop]

mine can drive 4 amps almost all under $20 drive around 80-300 miliAmps. - a few drive near 1 Amp - have not found any cheap that can drive that much

1 scrap toroid $0
10 ft bell wire about 10 cents
1 salvage FET -- $0
2 schotky diodes 87 cents/ each - $1.74
3 junk caps -- $0
a few spare resistors about 15 cents
vector board 54 cents worth
NET COST out of pocket -- $2.53 - that's why

[MatthewM156]

But using an 8 bit computer to regulate voltage ? Hard for anyone to maintain in your absence if and when it fails. You would need to supply spares. I don't mind people using op-amps instead of transistors, but I am against using Arduinos instead of 555 timers, say. Yes it is fun, but why drive in thumbtacks with sledgehammers ? Good effort though, people will replicate to see what tweaking can be done. Not enough younger people doing this anymore. My wife has a Masters, and has *never* used a soldering iron. Many people are no longer comfortable buying discrete components any more either. I was so happy to see Nixies in Tomorrowland ! Please do something with Nixies...

[Shaikh Muhammad]

MatthewM156, I have same question, why we have to use a programmed computer instead of any pn junction configuration?

[ChristopherA8]

The microcontroller is more flexible but I agree it would be cool to see a version of this project that doesn't use a microcontroller. I suspect it would push up the cost/complexity a little

[MatthewM156]

To be fair, any generic high frequency boost controller with a feedback pin works the same way, this is just revisiting the fundamentals. Google 1.2MHz boost for devices that drive a coil via mosfet through a Schottky diode. The comparator and reference work the same way. Just buy that. - or an encapsulated package. But this guy is still a legend for revisiting these fundamentals, and my comment is a little harsh. I love T85's but I can get a "Pro Mini" with an Atmega168 for the same price.

[Shaikh Muhammad]

Copy that

[mickeypop]

you miss the point
he shows how to develop it
just taking off the shelf parts to do it was not the point

[ChristopherA8]

It's a microcontroller not a computer. As a solid state component it's not any more or less prone to failure than any other component in this project

[BuffS1]

99-cents (FREE shipping) ... I bought 10 of them:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/381544971857

Much better, more capabilities/range = $2.97 (plus modest shipping) ... I got 7 at this great price:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331727051544

[GreatScottLab]

This site is called "Instructables". Not "Just buy a premade board"

[_PurplePower_]

XD yeah. Thanks for giving us Instrucitions! :D