Date sent: Thu, 18 Nov 1999 22:49:29 +0100 Send reply to: pic microcontroller discussion list From: sayer Subject: [OT] step-up voltage converter for battery powered PIC application? To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU > Hello Piclisters, > > I need to run a 3V PIC-based device (PIC16F84, LCD, EEprom, ...) from one or t wo AAA cells (Alkaline or NiCad-akku). > Can anyone recommend a good but cheap voltage converter? > I realize this if a FAQ but the MAX666 is expensive and e.g. DigiKey doesn't s tock the AD ADM666A > (thats all hints I could get from the PICLIST archive). > > Any hints are appreciated! > Thanks > Stefan Sayer The MAX666 is a low drop out regulator, it doesn't step up at all, its not even a switching regulator. Step Up is only possible with some form of switching/ charge storage technique. I would look first at the MAX608 but there are numerous types available from a number of manufacturers. There is also the LTC1517 series from Linear (www.linear- tech.com) that steps up at 20mA without an inductor, just 3 caps. Free samples should be available if you make you're self sound important. _____________________________ Lance Allen Technical Officer Uni of Auckland Psych Dept New Zealand www.psych.auckland.ac.nz _____________________________