12V Converter

6V to 12V Converter Circuit

This 12V converter circuit can deliver 12V DC with maximum current 800mA with DC 6V input voltage. The converter circuit is quite simple and useful by about 75% efficient. It can be used to operate 12v car accessories.

You can also do a modification to the 12v converter circuit with only changing a few components. With the value of different D3, you can set the voltage out from 0.6 V up to 30V. However, that should be noted that the high voltage out will reduce its efficiency so that the higher the voltage along the lower current. You also may need to use a larger C3 for higher voltages and / or high current.

Basically, to provide full 800 mA at 12V output voltage, this 12v converter circuit will require about 2A from the 6V supply. This parameter can be used as a reference in changing out the desired voltage level.

L1 is a custom inductor wound with about 80 round 0.5mm magnet wire around the toroidal core with a 40mm outside diameter.

6V to 12V Converter Circuit Diagram

12V CONVERTER PARTS LIST
R1	2.2K? 1/4W
R2	4.7KO 1/4W
R3	4.7KO 1/4W
R4	2.2KO 1/4W
R5	1KO 1/4W
R6	1.5KO 1/4W
R7	33KO 1/4W
R8	10KO 1/4W
C1	0.1µF Ceramic Disc Capacitor
C2	0.1µF Ceramic Disc Capacitor
C3	470µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
D1	1N914 Diode
D2	1N4004 Diode
D3	12V 400mW Zener Diode
Q1	BC547 NPN Transistor
Q2	BC547 NPN Transistor
Q3	BD679 NPN Transistor
Q4	BC547 NPN Transistor
L1	See Notes
MISC	1 Heatsink For Q3, Binding Posts (For Input/Output), Wire, Board

12V converter PCB circuit is not provided, but make it look neat and compact, you can use a plain perforated board to be easily soldered. Congratulations to experiment with a simple 12V converter.

See also: Dual Power Supply Circuit and AA Battery Charger.