DC-DC Boost Module (0.9V~5V) to 5V 600mA USB Step-up Board

So this is a DC-DC boost converter that takes a low voltage (0.9V to 5V) and steps it up to a stable 5V.

We use this when we have a small battery, but we need 5V output, like for USB devices. It is super useful for battery-powered projects and small electronics.

Main Features

• Input Voltage: 0.9V to 5V DC
• Output Voltage: Fixed 5V DC
• Output Current: Max 600mA (depends on input voltage)
• Efficiency: Up to 96% (if input voltage is good)
• USB Output: Standard USB-A port
• Size: Small (~34mm x 16.2mm)
• Protection: Some models have overcurrent and heat protection

How It Works?

Now, as we know, this module is a boost converter module, meaning it increases voltage using an inductor-based circuit. Inside the board, it usually has an IC like MT3608 or SX1308 which switches power on and off really fast at high frequency.

Inductor Stores Energy:

When the above IC switch is in the ON mode, then the inductor takes in the battery energy and creates a magnetic field inside it.

When the IC switch is in the OFF mode, then the stored energy gets released and the voltage increases (through flyback effect).

Voltage Boosting:

If you use an input which is below 5V then it gets boosted to 5V at the output USB port.

If you use an input which is already at 5V then it stays the same at 5V across the output USB port.

The great feature about this boost converter is that It can start working from as low as 0.9V inputs, so it is great for boosting single-cell batteries at the input.

PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation):

In this step up module the IC controls the switching speed using PWM to keep things efficient.

This way the module does not waste energy like normal linear regulators do.

How Much Current We Get?

Note: If the applied input voltage is low then we get less output current. That looks normal, because the power has to stay balanced (P = V × I), across the input and the output of the module.

Where We Can Use It?

Boosting Battery Voltage

We can take 1.5V AA/AAA batteries and use them to power 5V circuits.

Suppose, If we use a 3.7V Li-ion battery at the input then, we boost it into a 5V USB power.

USB Power Supply

The USB output from this module can be used to power small USB gadgets, LEDs, fans, Arduino, ESP8266, sensors, etc.

This module works great when we do not have a 5V adapter.

Solar-Panel Input

If we use a small solar panel as the input source then it steps up the voltage to charge batteries appropriately.

Wearable & Portable Electronics

It is well suited for IoT devices, smart wearables, and small battery-powered projects.

But Here’s Some Issues

The Efficiency of this DC DC converter Drops if input voltage is below 1.5V.

Because of the Limited Current (max 600mA) output, it can not run high-power USB devices.

This module does not have a Step-Down Function, so if input is above 5V, then it just will not lower it to 5V, rather give same as the input.

How We Connect This DC-DC Boost Module (0.9V~5V to 5V 600mA)

Now we will see how we can connect this step-up module. It is very simple so we will do it step by step.

What Things We Need

We need some basic things to make this work.

• DC-DC Boost Module that can take low voltage and convert it to 5V.
• Power Source, which can be any of these:
• One AA or AAA Battery (1.5V).
• Two AA Batteries (3V).
• One Li-ion 18650 Battery (3.7V).
• Small Solar Panel (3V to 5V).
• USB Device like Arduino, fan, LED, ESP8266, or anything that works on 5V at the output of the module.
• Some Wires to connect everything.

How We Can Connect It

First We Connect Power Input (Vin)

Now we will look at the module. We can see two small pads where we need to connect power. These are marked as "VIN+" and "GND".

So we will take our battery or power source and connect it like this:

Battery positive terminal (+) will go to VIN+.

Battery negative terminal (-) will go to GND.

For example:

If we are using one AA battery (1.5V) then we will connect its positive side to VIN+ and the negative side to GND.

If we are using a 3.7V Li-ion battery then we will connect its positive side to VIN+ and its negative side to GND.

Then, We Connect the Output (5V)

Now, we need to take the output from the module. The module already has a USB-A port so we can just plug in a USB device.

But sometimes we need to use wires instead. In that case we will connect like this:

• 5V Output will go to Vout+ pin (or USB VCC pin).
• GND will go to the Ground of our device.

For example:

If we want to power an Arduino then we will connect:

• 5V Output to the Arduino 5V pin.
• GND to the Arduino GND pin.

Now, We Can Power the Device

After making all the connections then we can now turn on the battery or power source.

If we are using a USB device then we can just plug it into the USB port of the module.

But if we have connected wires then we must make sure 5V and GND are properly connected to our circuit.

Important Things to Remember

This module can work from as low as 0.9V so we can use just one AA battery.

This module can produce up to 600mA current so we cannot use it for bigger output devices.

If we use higher voltage at input then we can get more current at output, so a 3.7V Li-ion battery looks better than one AA battery.

This module cannot reduce input voltage, so we should never give more than 5V at input.

How We Can Connect Different Power Sources

Ok, now we are ready. This DC-DC boost module is very useful because it can take input voltage as low as 0.9V from small battery and boost it to a constant 5V. We can use it to operate Arduino, ESP8266, LED lights, or other USB-powered devices from a a 1.5V battery or from a 3.7V battery.

Final Words

So this little DC-DC Boost Module is super useful when we need 5V from a small battery, but remember, it has some limits. If we use it wisely then it works great for DIY electronics, USB devices, and battery-powered circuits.