Pololu 12V Step-Up Voltage Regulator U3V12F12 Overview These boost (step-up) voltage regulators generate higher output voltages from input voltages as low as 2.5 V. They are switching regulators (also called switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) or DC-to-DC converters) and have a typical efficiency between 80% to 90%. The available output current is a function of the input voltage, output voltage, and efficiency (see Typical Efficiency and Output Current section below), but the input current can typically be as high as 1.4 A. This regulator is available with a fixed 5 V, 9 V, or 12 V output: The regulators thermal shutdown prevents damage from overheating, but it does not have short- circuit or reverse-voltage protection.Features input voltage: 2.5 V VOUT fixed 5 V, 9 V, or 12 V output with 4% accuracy 1.4 A switch allows for input currents up to 1.4 A 2 mA typical no-load quiescent current integrated over-temperature shutoff small size: 0.515 0.32 0.1 (13 8 3 mm) Using the Regulator Connections The boost regulator has three connections: input voltage (VIN), ground (GND), and output voltage (VOUT). The input voltage, VIN, must be at least 2.5 V and should not exceed the output voltage, VOUT. Please be wary of destructive LC spikes that might cause the input voltage to exceed VOUT (see below for more information). The three connections are labeled on the back side of the PCB, and they are arranged with a 0.1 spacing along the edge of the board for compatibility with solderless breadboards, connectors, and other prototyping arrangements that use a 0.1 grid. You can solder wires directly to the board or solder in either the 31 straight male header strip or the 31 right-angle male header strip that is included. Typical Efficiency and Output Current 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. As shown in the graphs below, this switching regulator typically has an efficiency of 80 to 90%.