Performance test and review of 5V to 12V 6W boost converter



Official specifications:

• Start Voltage: DC1V
• Operating voltage: DC1-6V
• Maximum power: 6W
• Maximum efficiency: 90%
• Volume: 16 * 33MM
• No-load Efficacy: 3-15MA
• Maximum output voltage: 20V
• Maximum input current: 1.5A
• Minimum operating voltage: 1.5V
• Low start-up current: 90MA

I found this module on ebay at fzcstore












All test was done with these wires, they were plugged into the power supply and the load.


12 volt output


Load sweep with different input voltages

My power supply has a 2.5A current limit for these tests and the test will terminate shortly after that is reached.
When the converter overheats it will shut down for a couple of second to cool down.



The converter may work at 1.5 volt, but you only get 50mA from it.


















Input voltage sweep with constant current load

Again the output drops when the 2.5A current limit (From my power supply) is reached.



































Load test

This test is done with 4 volt input.





M1: 54,6°C, M2: 55,7°C, M3: 49,7°C, M4: 44,8°C, HS1: 56,5°C
There is nothing that looks really hot.



M1: 41,8°C, M2: 40,2°C, HS1: 53,3°C



Output test



First test is with 100mA load and 4 volt input.



Second test is with 500mA load and 4 volt input.



Turn 100mA load on



Turn 100mA load off



Turn 500mA load on



Turn 100mA load off



Power on with 20ohm load and 4 volt input.



Power off with 20ohm load and 4 volt input.



Conclusion

Most of the low voltage limitations are due to the 2.5A current limit on my power supply, but with the switcher rated for 1.5A input current I dared no go higher.
Generally it is very important to look at minimum input voltage, to verify that it can deliver the required output current.



Notes

The yellow lines are placed +/-5% from nominal voltage.

All the curves are made with a programmable power supply and an electronic load.