Pololu 5V Step-Up/Step-Down Voltage Regulator S7V7F5

The Pololu S7V7F5 is a compact buck-boost switching voltage regulator that accepts a wide input range of 2.7 V to 11.8 V and produces a fixed 5 V output with typical efficiency over 90%. It automatically steps up or steps down the input voltage as needed, making it ideal for battery-powered applications.

This flexibility is particularly useful when battery voltage drops during discharge. For example, a 4-cell alkaline holder starting at 6 V and dropping to 4 V, or a 9 V battery discharged well below 6 V, can both reliably power a 5 V circuit — something traditional linear or step-down-only regulators cannot achieve.

Key Features

• Buck-Boost Topology – Automatically steps voltage up or down to maintain 5 V output
• Wide Input Range – Accepts 2.7 V to 11.8 V input
• High Efficiency – Typical efficiency over 90%
• Up to 1 A Output – ~1 A continuous when stepping down, ~500 mA when stepping up
• Built-In Protection – Short-circuit protection and thermal shutdown
• Compact Size – Small board suitable for embedded projects

Specifications

• Input Voltage – 2.7 V to 11.8 V
• Output Voltage – 5 V (fixed)
• Output Current – ~1 A (step-down), ~500 mA (step-up)
• Efficiency – >90% typical

Ideal For

• Battery-powered projects with varying voltage levels
• Powering 5 V microcontrollers and sensors from battery packs
• Extending usable battery life by operating across a wider discharge range
• Embedded systems requiring stable 5 V from variable sources