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Small green circuit board with USB port and breakout pins

Adafruit

Adafruit VERTER 5V USB Buck-Boost 500mA 3V-5V 1000mA 5V-12V

SKU CH-TK3B-QRH11

Converts 3 V–12 V battery packs to a stable 5 V USB output with 500 mA at low input and 1000 mA above 5 V, using a 2.2 MHz synchronous buck-boost topology

  • Product typeEngineering Development Tools
  • Converts 3–12 V battery packs to stable 5 V USB output
  • Delivers 500 mA from 3–5 V input and 1000 mA from 5–12 V input
  • 2 A internal switch with synchronous conversion at 2.2 MHz for high efficiency
  • Full breakout provides battery in, control pins and power out connections
  • Maintains 4.8 V output at low input voltages, staying within USB specifications

Universal Power Converter

The VERTER 5V USB Buck-Boost converts battery packs ranging from 3V to 12V into a stable 5V output for portable projects. It delivers up to 500mA when boosting from 3V to 5V and up to 1000mA when bucking from 5V to 12V. A 2A internal switch and synchronous conversion at 2.2MHz provide excellent efficiency across the input range.

Easy Integration

Full breakout pins for battery input, control signals and power output simplify breadboard or perfboard wiring. The module automatically transitions between boost and buck modes as the supply voltage crosses 5V. Output voltage may sag to about 4.8V at the lowest input voltages under full load, which remains within standard USB power specifications.

Capacity And Headroom

The converter comfortably handles moderate current draws from single-cell Li-ion packs or multi-cell alkaline configurations up to 12V. It runs out of headroom when boosting from deeply discharged cells near 3V while demanding the full 500mA, causing the output to dip below 5V. For projects that only need reliable boost performance from low voltages, a dedicated boost converter is better suited.

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Price $11.99
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Specifications

Product
Product typeEngineering Development Tools

Questions about this item

How can I verify the VERTER is regulating correctly after wiring it up?

Measure the USB output with a multimeter; it should read 5 V when the input is between 5 V and 12 V, and about 4.8 V when the input drops near 3 V while drawing up to 500 mA.

What ships with the board and what must I source myself?

The VERTER PCB with USB output and breakout pads for battery input, enable and power-good pins is included; you must supply the battery pack, input wiring and any load you intend to power.

Which current rating matches my battery voltage range?

If your pack stays between 5 V and 12 V you can draw up to 1000 mA; if it operates down to 3 V the board is rated for 500 mA with the output sagging to roughly 4.8 V.

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