Pololu 12V Step-Up (Boost) Voltage Regulator U3V16F12 m #4945

Need 12V from a low-voltage battery? is a tiny, efficient boost (step-up) switching regulator that outputs a regulated 12V (±4%) from input voltages as low as 1.3V after startup (startup requires ≥2.7V). It’s a great fit for portable builds where your supply sags under load but your device still needs a stable 12V rail.

Wide input range: 1.3–16V (with 2.7V minimum startup).
High efficiency: typically 85%–95% depending on VIN, load, and conditions.
Power-save mode: improves light-load efficiency by reducing switching frequency.
Low no-load draw: typical quiescent current under 1mA.
Current capability notes: 2A switch current limit; typical continuous input currents up to ~1.5A (performance depends on boost ratio and thermals).
Built-in protections: over-temperature shutdown, soft-start (limits inrush), and under-voltage lockout.
Size & weight: 0.52″×0.32″×0.1″ (13.1×8.1×3mm), ~0.4g.

Important safety notes (please read):

VIN can pass through to VOUT if VIN rises above 12V (typical boost topology). Your load must tolerate this, or add protection.
No short-circuit protection: output shorts or excessive loads can damage the regulator.
No reverse-voltage protection: add an external reverse-voltage protector if needed.
LC spikes: Pololu recommends adding an electrolytic capacitor (33µF is a good starting point) close to VIN/GND to help suppress spikes from long leads.
Hot surface: under load this board can get hot enough to burn—handle carefully.

Why/Benefits

Perfect for batteries that sag

Maintains a steady 12V even as VIN drops (after startup).
Efficient for portable builds (less heat vs. linear methods).
Soft-start helps reduce inrush at power-on.

Small but capable

2A switch current limit and typical ~1.5A continuous input current capability (thermal dependent).
Power-save mode for better light-load efficiency.
Breadboard-friendly 0.1″ layout.

Technical specifications

Product	Pololu 12V Step-Up Voltage Regulator U3V16F12
Topology	Boost (step-up) switching regulator
Output voltage	12V (±4% accuracy)
Input voltage (operating)	1.3V to 16V
Minimum startup voltage	2.7V
Typical efficiency	85% to 95%
Switching frequency	~1.2MHz under heavy loads
Light-load mode	Power-save mode (reduces switching frequency)
No-load quiescent current	Typical under 1mA
Switch current limit	2A
Typical continuous input current	Up to ~1.5A (thermal dependent)
Protections	Over-temperature shutdown, soft-start, under-voltage lockout
Reverse-voltage protection	No (external module recommended)
Short-circuit protection	No
Size	0.52″ × 0.32″ × 0.1″ (13.1 × 8.1 × 3 mm)
Weight	0.4 g

Pinout & power notes

VIN: input supply. Must be ≥2.7V at startup; after starting, it can drop as low as 1.3V. Do not exceed 16V.
VOUT: regulated 12V output (soft-start ramps up gradually).
GND: common ground.
Pass-through behavior: if VIN goes above 12V, that higher voltage can appear on VOUT—protect sensitive loads.
Spike suppression: add ~33µF electrolytic close to VIN/GND for long leads.

FAQ

Can it start from a 1.5V battery?

Not reliably. While it can operate down to 1.3V after startup, the minimum startup voltage is 2.7V.
What happens if VIN rises above 12V?

VIN can pass through to VOUT (VOUT will track the higher input). Make sure your load can tolerate it or add protection.
Do I need extra capacitors?

For long leads, Pololu recommends adding an electrolytic capacitor (33µF is a good starting point) close to VIN/GND to help reduce LC spikes.