EL27 · Sem 6 · Power electronics

Boost (step-up) converter

Aim: Raise 5 V to a higher voltage with a boost converter.

🧪 Live simulation🧊 Real-time 3D bench⚠ Simulated values, not physical measurements

🔬 Virtual lab

Starting the lab…

📘 Theory

When the switch is on, the inductor stores energy from the input; when it opens, the inductor voltage adds to the input and pushes current through the diode into the capacitor. Ideally Vout = Vin/(1 − D).

Vout = Vin / (1 − D)

🧰 Apparatus (virtual)

5 V input
switch at 50 kHz
100 µH
Schottky diode
22 µF
47 Ω load

📝 Procedure

Run and read the output once settled
Compare with 5/(1 − D)
Change D with the knob
Explain why the output cannot go below the input

Observations and result (kept on this device)

🎤 Viva questions

Where are boost converters used

LED drivers, phone battery boosters, solar panel trackers.

What limits the real gain at high D

Losses in the switch, diode and inductor resistance.

🛡️ Safety

Virtual lab at safe low voltages. On a real bench: switch off before rewiring, check capacitor polarity, and never touch mains wiring without supervision.