To Buck or to Boost?

AtomSoft

Well-Known Member

• Oct 24, 2014

• #1

Ok i have a circuit which requires 4 AA Batteries to operate correctly. I have a main power supply of 5v from a USB port.

What should i do to power my device?
1) Should i use a LDO on usb supply and boost?
2) Should i connect straight?
3) Should i buck?

 

crutschow

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Oct 24, 2014

• #2

If you circuit needs 6V to operate from 4AA batteries and can't operate on 5V then you need a boost converter to generate 6V from the 5V supply. (No need for an LDO).
But try the circuit first to see if operates okay on 5V.

 

AtomSoft

Well-Known Member

• Oct 24, 2014

• #3

Ill try 5v and then try a boost.

 

audioguru

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Oct 24, 2014

• #4

Four AA cells are 6.4V when brand new and are 4V when they need to be replaced. Surely the circuit still works when the battery is 5V which is no where near being dead.

 

ronsimpson

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Oct 24, 2014

• #5

buck/boost
**broken link removed**

 

AtomSoft

Well-Known Member

• Oct 25, 2014

• #6

Thanks, ronsimpson. That looks cool and can be adjusted as well. Ill give the 5v a try today and post results.

But the TPS63030 - ADJ

 

Last edited: Oct 25, 2014