Russell wrote...

>Challenge:
>
>    Convert low voltage DC such as battery or 3v or 5v rail
>    to "somewhat higher" dc voltage at modest power levels
>    for e.g. processor operation, FET gate drive, LED drive,
>    Op-Amp supply, Programmer Vpp supply, and more.

[snip]

>WORTHWHILE?
>
>Possibly not - but it's fun.

Good summation, Russell.

In addition to the LT1930 that Andy Kunz mentioned, Maxim also
has a number of chips that perform this function, such as the MAX
608 and the MAX1522/3/4 series.  None are terribly expensive, and
all are easy to use and perform well.

Some things just aren't worth "rolling your own" anymore, other
than for the sheer joy of dabbling.

DD

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