Boost Converter

Vout = Vin / (1 − D)

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Result
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Formula

Vout = Vin / (1 - D)

Description

A boost converter steps voltage up by storing energy in an inductor during the switch-on phase and releasing it at a higher voltage during the switch-off phase. The output voltage is always greater than or equal to the input voltage. As the duty cycle approaches 1, the theoretical output voltage approaches infinity, though parasitic losses limit practical boost ratios to about 4-6x. Boost converters are widely used to generate 5V or higher from single-cell lithium batteries (3.0-4.2V), to drive LED backlights, and in power factor correction circuits.

Variables

  • Vout — Output voltage (V)
  • Vin — Input voltage (V)
  • D — Duty cycle (0 to 1)

Practical Notes

At duty cycles above 0.8-0.85, efficiency drops significantly due to high switch currents and inductor losses. For high boost ratios, consider a flyback or charge pump topology instead. The input current of a boost converter is continuous (smoothed by the inductor), making it well-suited for solar panel MPPT applications.

Related Formulas

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