Adafruit
PowerBoost 500 Basic - 5V USB Boost @ 500mA from 1.8V+
The PowerBoost 500 Basic is a compact DC/DC boost converter that takes input from 1.8V or higher and outputs a steady 5.2V — perfect for powering portable 5V...
Get notified when back in stock
The PowerBoost 500 Basic is a compact DC/DC boost converter that takes input from 1.8V or higher and outputs a steady 5.2V — perfect for powering portable 5V projects from batteries. The slightly elevated 5.2V output provides headroom for cable resistance and high-current draws, preventing brown-outs while remaining safe for all 5V electronics.
Built around the TI TPS61090 boost converter with synchronous conversion, the module delivers excellent efficiency (90%+) and includes a low-battery indicator LED. Each board comes with a loose USB-A jack for optional soldering.
Key Features
- 1.8V+ Input – Works with LiPo, NiMH, alkaline, and other battery types
- 5.2V Regulated Output – Safe for all 5V devices with headroom for cable losses
- 90%+ Efficiency – Synchronous conversion for minimal power waste
- Low Battery Indicator – Red LED lights when input drops below 3.2V
- Enable Pin – Completely disconnect output by pulling EN to ground
- USB Charging Resistors – On-board 500 mA charge-rate data resistors
Specifications
- Converter IC: TI TPS61090
- Input Voltage: 1.8V+
- Output Voltage: 5.2V DC
- Output Current: 500 mA+ @ 1.8V, 750 mA+ @ 2.4V (2× NiMH), 1000 mA+ @ 3.7V (LiPo)
- Internal Switch: 2A (~2.5A peak)
- Switching Frequency: 700 kHz
- Quiescent Current: 5 mA (enabled), 20 µA (disabled)
Ideal For
- Battery-powered Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects
- Portable robotics
- Wearable electronics
- Field-deployed sensors and data loggers
Package Contents
- 1× PowerBoost 500 Basic PCB (assembled and tested)
- 1× USB-A Jack (loose, for optional soldering)
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- boost converter
- A boost converter is a switching power circuit that raises a lower input voltage to a higher output voltage. It is used when a device needs more voltage than its power source provides, for example running a 5 V sensor from a 3.3 V supply.
- DC
- DC means direct current, where electricity flows in one constant direction, as supplied by batteries, USB ports and many plug-pack power supplies. When a product specifies DC, it runs from a DC supply rather than mains AC, so you need to provide the correct voltage and polarity.
- LED
- A light-emitting diode (LED) is a small electronic component that emits light when current flows through it in the correct direction. Because it only conducts one way, its polarity matters, and a through-hole LED must be soldered the correct way around to light up.
- LiPo
- A LiPo (lithium polymer) battery is a rechargeable lithium battery widely used in portable projects because it is light and compact. LiPo cells need correct charging circuitry and careful handling to stay safe, so equipment that supports LiPo generally includes charging or protection hardware suited to that battery type.
- PCB
- A printed circuit board (PCB) is a board, usually rigid, with etched copper tracks that connect electronic components together without loose wiring. Components are mounted on the board and signals route between them through the copper layout.
Find this product in
Brands
Power & Batteries
Project Guides
Step-by-step builds that use this part
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
