Hello Everyone,
I’m currently developing an LED project that involves a bank of LEDs that requires 6V to operate and draws 1,280 mA. I’m thinking of using the Buck-Boost Converter (COM-15208) to boost my 3V (11A) DC power supply to a 6V output voltage.
However, when I referred to the hook-up guide of this Buck-Boost Converter, it outlines the following message for connecting the load to the output:
“… If the custom resistor is populated to output a voltage greater than 5V, you should be able to leave the load connected if the load is <650mA.”
This is the point where I need assistance - since I’m connecting a bank of LED’s to the output of the Buck-Boost Converter which consumes 1,280mA, can I leave it connected to the output of the Buck-Boost Converter? If not, I would appreciate an explanation as to why I cannot do this?
I would greatly appreciate guidance on this matter.
Thank You,
Mark
Hello Mark, and thanks for posting.
Is [COM-15208 the buck boost converter you’re planning on using? What that is saying is that for output voltages more than 5 volts, the maximum current the board is capable of providing is around 650mA. (depending on input voltage)
If you look at the [graph in the hookup guide, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be able to step 3 volts up to 6 at the current level you’re needing. The graph doesn’t show a 6 volt output, but even with a 5 volt output the maximum amount of current the board can supply is less than you’re needing and the current drops off the higher you set the output for.
Sadly we don’t have a buck boost regulator that will work for your project but our friends at Pololu have something that should work for you and you can find it at the link below. 
https://www.pololu.com/product/2890](
https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/learn_tutorials/8/9/5/Maximum_Output_Current_Graphs.png)](
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/15208)
Hi TS-Chris,
Thank you for your quick response!
I appreciate your insight, and for the link.
Regards,
Mark
