Help me choose a DC boost converter IC

Using Arduino General Electronics
1

I'm working on a Teensy-based project that I want to power with a couple of AA batteries, so I'm going to need to use a step-up circuit, and looking for an IC to handle it. Here's what I need to do with it:

  • Input of 2 AA batteries, output of 5V DC
  • Average load of ~70 mA, peak about 135
  • Surface mount, but not too small--the MAX1674 with .5mm pin pitch was just too small for me to hand-solder
  • Minimal additional parts count
  • Cheap, if possible
  • Efficiency would be nice, but this isn't intended for constant use--10-15 minutes at a time at the most, so battery life shouldn't be a big issue

I'm looking at the NCP1402, which seems to meet all these requirements, but is there another choice that would be better?

2

That looks a very suitable chip, and I don't know of a better one - but I am not an expert in this field.

Be very careful how you select the inductor and output capacitor - getting them right is critical to switching regulators, especially the inductor.

3

Fortunately, the NCP1402 data sheet calls out a particular inductor, which is easily and inexpensively available. Likewise, they give specs for the output cap which should make it easy to comply.

4

I'd get a pre-built one off ebay: 5v dc boost for sale | eBay

I've used loads of them, they work really well.

5

The tiny chips will run down to 2.7 volts. Why not run directly off the batteries(without boost) and set the brownout fuse to 2.7 volts?

6

fungus:
I'd get a pre-built one off ebay: 5v dc boost for sale | eBay

Trying to keep everything on one (small-ish) PCB, so I don't really have room additional modules. That would make the job easier, though.