12V Step Up / Down Voltage Regulator

This powerful step-up/step-down regulator efficiently produces a fixed 12V output from input voltages between 3V and 30V while allowing a typical output current of up to 2A when the input voltage is close to the output voltage and offering typical efficiencies of 80% to 90%. Its ability to convert both higher and lower input voltages makes it useful for applications where the power supply voltage can vary greatly, as with batteries that start above but discharge below the regulated voltage.

The flexibility in input voltage offered by this regulators is especially well-suited for battery-powered applications in which the battery voltage begins above the desired output voltage and drops below the target 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. For example: A 4-cell battery holder, which might have a 6V output with fresh alkalines or a 4.0V output with partially discharged NiMH cells, can be used with the 5V version of this regulator to power a 5V circuit. A disposable 9V battery powering a 5V circuit can be discharged to under 3V instead of cutting out at 6V, as with typical linear or step-down regulators. The 6V version of this regulator can be used to enable a wide range of power supply options for a hobby servo project.

Features:

• Fixed 12V output with 4% accuracy
• Integrated reverse-voltage protection (up to 30V), over-current protection, over-temperature shutoff, and under-voltage lockout
• Typical efficiency of 80% to 90%, depending on input voltage, output voltage, and load
• Four 0.086” mounting holes for #2 or M2 screws
• Smaller holes for 0.1” header pins and larger holes for terminal blocks offer several options for connecting to the board