3.3V Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S8V9F3

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Pololu item #: 4964
Brand: Pololu
Status: Active and Preferred 
RoHS 3 compliant


Output
voltage
Typical max
current output*
Input voltage range Size
3.3 V 1.5 A 1.4 V – 16 V
(2.7 V startup)
0.4″ × 0.65″

*For input voltages close to the output. Actual achievable maximum continuous current is a function of input and output voltage and is limited by thermal dissipation. See the output current graphs on the product page for more information.

Alternatives available with variations in these parameter(s): output voltage Select variant…

Pictures

Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S8V9Fx.

Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S8V9Fx, top view.

Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S8V9Fx, bottom view.

Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S8V9Fx, bottom view with dimensions.

Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S8V9Fx, with hardware.

Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S8V9Fx, side view.

Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S8V9Fx units on a breadboard.

Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S8V9Fx on a breadboard.

Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S8V9Fx on a breadboard.

Typical efficiency of Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S8V9F3.

Typical maximum continuous output current of Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S8V9Fx.

Typical quiescent current of Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S8V9Fx.

Standard packaging for the 3.3V Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S8V9F3.




Overview

The S8V9Fx family of efficient switching regulators (also called switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) or DC-to-DC converters) convert both higher and lower input voltages to a regulated output voltage. They take input voltages from 1.4 V to 16 V and increase or decrease them as necessary, offering typical efficiencies of 80% to 90% and typical continuous output currents over 1 A for input voltages close to the output voltage. (Note: The minimum start-up voltage is 2.7 V; see the connections section for details.)

The flexibility in input voltage offered by this family of regulators is especially well-suited for battery-powered applications in which the battery voltage begins above the regulated voltage and drops below as the battery discharges. Without the typical restriction on the battery voltage staying above the required voltage throughout its life, new battery packs and form factors can be considered.

The S8V9Fx regulators have under-voltage lockout and over-current protection. A thermal shutdown feature also helps prevent damage from overheating and a soft-start feature limits the inrush current and gradually ramps the output voltage on startup.

This family consists of five regulators with output voltages ranging from 3.3 V to 9 V:

The different versions of the S8V9Fx regulators all look very similar, so the bottom silkscreen includes a blank space where you can add your own distinguishing marks or labels.

We manufacture these boards in-house at our Las Vegas facility, which gives us the flexibility to make these regulators with custom fixed output voltages. If you are interested in customization, please contact us.

Details for item #4964

Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S8V9Fx, top view.

Features

Using the Regulator

Connections

The step-up/step-down regulator has four main connections: the output voltage (VOUT), ground (GND), the input voltage (VIN), and an enable input (EN).

VOUT is the regulated output voltage. The regulator’s soft-start feature gradually ramps up the VOUT voltage on start-up to limit in-rush current draw.

The input voltage, VIN, should be between 2.7 V and 16 V when the regulator is first powered. After the regulator is running, it can continue operating down to 1.4 V. Lower inputs can shut down the voltage regulator; higher inputs can destroy the regulator, so you should ensure that noise on your input is not excessive, and you should be wary of destructive LC spikes (see the LC voltage spike section below for more information).

The regulator, which is enabled by default, can be put into a low-power sleep state by bringing the EN pin low (under 1 V). Leaving the pin disconnected or bringing the pin above 1.3 V will enable the regulator. The quiescent current draw in sleep mode is dominated by the current in the 100 kΩ pull-up resistor from ENABLE to VIN, which altogether will be between 10 µA and 15 µA per volt on VIN.

Included hardware

The through-holes are arranged with a 0.1″ spacing along the edge of the board for compatibility with standard solderless breadboards and perfboards and connectors that use a 0.1″ grid. You can solder wires directly to the board or solder in the included breakaway 4×1 straight male header strip or the 4×1 right-angle male header strip as desired.

Typical efficiency

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.

Maximum continuous output current

The maximum achievable output current of the regulator varies with the input voltage but also depends on other factors, including the ambient temperature, air flow, and heat sinking. The graph below shows maximum output currents that the regulators in the S8V9Fx family can deliver continuously at room temperature in still air and without additional heat sinking.

During normal operation, this product can get hot enough to burn you. Take care when handling this product or other components connected to it.

Quiescent current

The quiescent current is the current the regulator uses just to power itself, and the graph below shows this as a function of the input voltage. The module’s EN input can be driven low to put the board into a low-power state where it typically draws between 10 µA and 15 µA per volt on VIN.

LC Voltage Spikes

When connecting voltage to electronic circuits, the initial rush of current can cause voltage spikes that are much higher than the input voltage. If these spikes exceed a regulator’s maximum voltage, the regulator can be destroyed. If you are connecting more than about 9 V, using power leads more than a few inches long, or using a power supply with high inductance, we recommend soldering a 33 μF or larger electrolytic capacitor close to the regulator between VIN and GND. The capacitor should be rated for at least 20 V.

More information about LC spikes can be found in our application note, Understanding Destructive LC Voltage Spikes.

Dimensions

Size: 0.4″ × 0.65″ × 0.1"1
Weight: 0.8 g1

General specifications

Minimum operating voltage: 1.4 V2
Maximum operating voltage: 16 V
Continuous output current: 1.5 A3
Output voltage: 3.3 V
Reverse voltage protection?: N
Maximum quiescent current: 3 mA4
Output type: fixed 3.3V

Identifying markings

PCB dev codes: reg31a
Other PCB markings: 0J14112

Notes:

1
Without included optional headers.
2
Note: the minimum startup voltage is 2.7V, but the regulator can operate down to 1.4V after startup.
3
Under typical conditions, where the input voltage is close to the output voltage. Actual achievable continuous output current is a function of input voltage and is limited by thermal dissipation. See the output current graph under the description tab for more information.
4
While enabled with no load. See the quiescent current graph under the description tab for more information. Can be reduced to less than 15 µA per volt on VIN using the enable pin.

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