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...
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 power circuit that raises a lower input voltage to a higher output voltage. It matters here because the board can power a sensor that needs a higher supply voltage while still using a single connector for power and data.
- LED
- A light-emitting diode is a small electronic component that lights up when current flows through it in the correct direction. In this kit, LEDs create the flashing effect, so polarity and correct soldering matter for the project to work.
- LiPo
- A lithium polymer rechargeable battery commonly used in portable electronics projects. It matters because LiPo batteries need correct charging circuitry and care, and this board includes hardware intended for that battery type.
- PCB
- A printed circuit board is a rigid board with copper tracks that connect electronic parts without loose wires. For this kit, the PCBs also form the airplane shape, so they are both the circuit base and part of the finished model.
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
