DC-DC Low Power Adapter Breakout Board

Multi-Rail Power Solution

 

System Overview

The Power Generation Board is a versatile, multi-output power management solution designed to provide stable voltage rails from flexible input sources. With dual input capability (USB or external) and three independent regulated outputs, this board delivers reliable power for complex embedded systems, IoT devices, and portable electronics.

Key System Features:

●       Dual input flexibility: USB 5V or External 2.5V-5.5V

●       Three independent voltage rails

●       Total output capacity: Up to 3A combined

●       Compact, integrated power solution

 

Component Specifications & Intel

1. TPS61023DRLR - 5V Boost Converter

The Power Amplifier

Output: Fixed 5V @ 2A
 Input Range: 2.5V - 5.5V
 Status Indicator: Green Led

Why This Matters: The TPS61023 from Texas Instruments is your power multiplication champion. This boost converter accepts a wide input range starting from 2.5V - ideal for dual-cell battery packs, Li-ion batteries, or regulated power supplies. It efficiently steps up voltage to a stable 5V output.

Circuit Implementation:

●       Optimized Inductor Selection: The 10µH inductor provides the perfect balance between ripple current and efficiency

●       Dual Output Capacitors: Capacitance ensures minimal output ripple and fast transient response

●       Low-ESR Design: Ceramic capacitors throughout minimize switching losses

●       Kelvin Sensing: Proper feedback connection ensures accurate 5V output under all load conditions

●       Visual Status: Green LED indicates 5V boost rail is active

Standout Features:

●       ⚡ 96% Peak Efficiency - Minimal power waste means longer battery life

●       🔋 2.5V Minimum Input - Perfect for dual-cell alkaline, Li-ion, or regulated supplies

●       🎯 2A Current Capability - Powers hungry peripherals like displays, motors, or communication modules

●       🔒 Integrated Load Disconnect - Prevents battery drain when disabled

●       📦 Tiny SOT-23 Package - Space-saving design for compact boards

●       💡 Green Status LED - Visual confirmation of 5V boost operation

Perfect For: Dual-cell battery packs, Li-ion/LiPo batteries, regulated power supplies, portable instruments

2. AMS1117-3.3 - 3.3V LDO Regulator

The Precision Guardian

Output: Fixed 3.3V @ 500mA
 Input: 5V (from USB or Boost)
 Status Indicator: Green Led

Why This Matters: The AMS1117-3.3 is the workhorse of modern digital electronics. With ultra-low dropout and excellent line regulation, it delivers rock-solid 3.3V power - the voltage standard for microcontrollers, sensors, and communication interfaces.

Circuit Implementation:

●       Optimal Decoupling: 10µF input and 22µF output capacitors provide excellent stability and transient response

●       Visual Power Indicator: Green LED instantly shows 3V3 rail status - critical for debugging

●       Clean Power Design: Proper capacitor placement minimizes noise injection into sensitive digital circuits

●       Buck Configuration: Direct connection from USB_IN or 5V boost ensures reliable operation

 

Standout Features:

●       📉 Low Dropout Voltage - Only 1.2V dropout at full load means efficient operation

●       🎯 ±1% Output Accuracy - Precision voltage for sensitive analog circuits

●       🛡️ Built-in Protection - Thermal shutdown and current limiting prevent damage

●       💪 500mA Output Current - Sufficient for most MCU applications with peripherals

●       🌡️ Excellent Thermal Performance - SOT-223 package with superior heat dissipation

●       💡 Visual Feedback - Green LED confirms rail operation at a glance

Perfect For: ESP32/ESP8266, ARM Cortex MCUs, Bluetooth/WiFi modules, sensor arrays, SD cards

3. LM1117MP-ADJ - Adjustable LDO Regulator

The Versatile Adapter

Output: Adjustable 1.5V - 4V @ 500mA
 Input: 5V (from USB or Boost)
 Voltage Setting: Precision potentiometer
 Status Indicator: Green Led

Why This Matters: Maximum flexibility in a single component. The LM1117MP-ADJ lets you dial in any voltage between 1.5V and 4V with an onboard potentiometer. One regulator, infinite possibilities - no resistor swapping needed!

Circuit Implementation:

●       User-Adjustable Output: 10-turn precision potentiometer allows fine voltage tuning on-the-fly

●       Premium Filtering: 100µF output capacitor provides excellent load transient response and ultra-low output ripple

●       Multi-Stage Input Filtering: 10µF bulk + 0.1µF ceramic bypass eliminates high-frequency noise

●       Visual Confirmation: Green LED indicates variable rail is active and ready

●       Professional Calibration: 10-turn pot provides precise, repeatable voltage settings

Standout Features:

●       🎚️ On-Board Voltage Adjustment - No component changes needed, just turn the pot!

●       🔬 10-Turn Precision Control - Fine-tune voltage to ±0.01V resolution

●       📊 ±1% Reference Accuracy - Reliable precision across the voltage range

●       🔋 500mA Current Output - Powers medium-load circuits

●       🛠️ Multi-Purpose Applications - Battery charging, LED drivers, analog supplies

●       💎 Texas Instruments Quality - Industry-proven reliability

●       💡 Green Status LED - Instant visual feedback on rail status

Perfect For: Custom voltage requirements, analog circuits, LED arrays, specialty sensors, prototype testing, adjustable power supplies

 

USB Input Section - USB Type C Connector

Features:

●       Standard USB Type C receptacle

●       5V input from any USB power source

●       Integrated ESD protection

●       Shield pins for proper grounding and EMI protection

●       Green power indicator LED

Why This Matters: Universal compatibility with billions of existing USB chargers, power banks, and computer ports. The USB input provides a reliable, standardized 5V source for development, testing, and general use.

Circuit Implementation:

●       Visual Power Confirmation: Green LED instantly shows USB power is connected

●       EMI Protection: Shield connections ensure clean power delivery

●       Robust Design: Through-hole mounting for mechanical strength

Perfect For: Lab bench testing, USB-powered applications, portable devices, development platforms

 

Input Selection Section

Shunt Jumper - Source Selector

The Smart Switch

Function: Selects boost converter input source
 Positions:

●       USB_IN: Boost converter powered from USB 5V input

●       EXT_IN: Boost converter powered from external input (2.5V - 5.5V)

Why This Matters: Maximum flexibility without any circuit modifications. Simply move the shunt jumper to switch between USB power and external battery/supply input. Perfect for transitioning from development to deployment.

Use Cases:

●       Development Mode (USB): Power from computer USB port for programming and debugging

●       Deployment Mode (External): Power from battery pack, solar panel, or external regulated supply

●       Quick Testing: Easily swap between power sources to test different input scenarios

Circuit Implementation:

●       Clean Switching: Shunt jumper provides low-resistance connection

●       No Voltage Drop: Direct connection ensures full input voltage reaches boost converter

●       Simple Operation: No tools required - just move the jumper header

 

Power Architecture Advantages

Dual Input Redundancy

Switch seamlessly between USB power and external sources using the J5 shunt jumper. Perfect for development (USB) and deployment (battery/external). No circuit modifications needed - just move the jumper!

Isolated Rails

Three independent outputs prevent noise coupling between digital, analog, and power-hungry circuits.

Scalable Design

Mix and match voltage rails for heterogeneous systems - 5V for motors, 3.3V for digital logic, adjustable rail for specialized components.

Protection Built-In

Every regulator includes thermal shutdown and current limiting - your circuits stay safe even under fault conditions.

Application Examples

IoT Gateway: 5V for cellular modem, 3.3V for WiFi/MCU, 1.8V adjustable for low-power sensors

Portable Embedded Instrument: Battery boost to 5V, 3.3V for display/processor, custom analog supply

Robotics Controller: 5V for servo power, 3.3V for microcontroller, adjustable for motor drivers

Sensor Network Node: Ultra-low voltage battery operation, multiple sensor voltage domains

Designed for reliability. Built for performance. Engineered for versatility.