to step- up the voltage from 5vdc to 12vdc car wiring system

hi all...

now i'am doing a final year project by using a microcontroller PIC16F877A.. the output from this microcontroller are only 5v.
so, i have a problem regarding this output, i need to step- up the voltage from 5vdc to 12vdc that are capable to combined with relay that connected to wiring car system.

1) what are the devices/components that are suitable to convert dc to dc step voltage regarding this project?
2)is the software proteus 7.5 can simulate all the conveter dc-to-dc and the relay also can perform well?

im newbie here.. thanks for your concern

No need to step up the voltage. To drive a relay use a ULN2003. Not sure if the parts you use have to be automotive qualified.

thanks a lot with the help, i'll try with the actual car wiring..

Or just use a simple NPN transistor, details are in my PIC tutorials.