The Multi-function Mini Boost Board is an ultra-compact, highly efficient step-up DC-DC converter designed for tight electronic enclosures and battery-powered applications. Unlike traditional buck-boost modules that rely on bulky potentiometers, this board uses a clever hardwired solder-bridge jumper system to select between four fixed output voltages: 5V, 8V, 9V, or 12V. This makes it immune to mechanical vibration and ideal for small-scale drones, portable instruments, and microcontroller projects.

Specifications

• Module Type: Fixed-selectable non-isolated step-up (Boost) converter
• Selectable Output Voltages: 5V, 8V, 9V, and 12V DC (Default output configuration is 12V)
• Input Voltage Range: 2.5V to VOUT (The input voltage must remain lower than your chosen output voltage)
• Output Current Capabilities: Up to 1.5A maximum (Highly dependent on the input-to-output voltage delta)
• Quiescent Current (LED On): ~6mA at 12V output
• Quiescent Current (LED Off): <1mA>
• Form Factor: Miniature footprint for space-constrained builds

Voltage Selection Guide (Solder Pads A and B)

The front side of the PCB features two configurable solder pads labelled A and B. By bridging or opening these pads with a soldering iron, you instantly configure the fixed output rail:

• 5V Output: Pad A Disconnected (Open) / Pad B Disconnected (Open)
• 8V Output: Pad A Connected (Bridged) / Pad B Disconnected (Open)
• 9V Output: Pad A Disconnected (Open) / Pad B Connected (Bridged)
• 12V Output (Default): Pad A Connected (Bridged) / Pad B Connected (Bridged)

Interface and Wiring Points

• VIN+: Positive DC Voltage Input (2.5V up to the selected output voltage)
• GND: Common Ground input and output point
• VOUT+: Regulated DC Voltage Output (5V, 8V, 9V, or 12V based on solder configurations)
• Indicator Jumper: A tiny track beside the onboard LED indicator that can be sliced with a hobby knife to turn off the LED status light, cutting standby current draw down below 1mA.

Key Features

• Ultra-Reliable Jumper System: Eliminates the trimming potentiometer found on normal booster modules, preventing output voltage drifting caused by heavy structural vibrations or thermal shifts.
• Excellent Current-to-Size Ratio: Despite measuring less than a few centimeters square, the board safely manages currents up to 1.5A for driving power-hungry peripheral modules.
• Low-Power Standby Optimizations: Allows physical deactivation of the onboard power LED indicator, dropping standby consumption below 1mA to preserve battery health in long-term field logging nodes.
• Clean Logic Output: Provides steady, low-ripple power lines suitable for driving wireless transmitters, development controllers, and audio circuits.

Common Applications

• Lithium Battery Stepping: Boosting a single-cell 3.7V Lithium Polymer or 18650 battery directly up to a stable 5V or 9V rail to power microcontrollers and communication gear.
• Router Power Backups: Providing auxiliary 9V or 12V power backups for low-power network components during mains failures.
• RC Drone Electronics: Regulating power tracks for FPV video transmitters, camera modules, or auxiliary sensors demanding stable 9V/12V feeds.
• Portable Instruments: Creating steady power supplies within miniature custom handheld test equipment and multi-sensor configurations.

Usage Tips

• Boost Mode Restriction: This module cannot step down voltage. Your input voltage must always be strictly lower than the target output configuration. For example, if you set the board to a 5V output, running it with a 6V input will cause unregulated pass-through currents that can ruin downstream circuitry.
• Thermal Limitations: Running the board continuously at high current thresholds will cause rapid heat build-up due to its minimal surface area. For continuous operations exceeding 800mA, ensure adequate ventilation or attach a small silicone thermal pad underneath the module casing.
• Soldering Technique: Use a fine chisel or conical soldering tip when bridging pads A and B. Avoid applying excessive heat for longer than three seconds to prevent the tiny SMD copper solder pads from lifting off the fiberglass substrate.