The idea behind this project is to run a microcontroller and its accessories (LCD's, high speed ADC or DACs, any sort of ANYTHING really) from a single AAA battery. The devices can be tiny and compact, and the MSP430 will last a bazillion years on a single AAA cell anyway. Yes, it does work after only a good 5 hour lab session! So this is a boost converter that can take anything between 0.7v and 3v and will output a 4.8v signal (for use in 5v logic, LCDs, and backlights) and a 2.5v output for powering the actual microcontroller. It can also output 3v with a resistor change and if I need to I'll add a pot to give a wide range of values. The board is a lot bigger than it needs to be, but this was more of a proof of concept because I had never built a power converter before. If I was to put this on a PCB I would be able to make it VERY small (smaller than a second AAA cell, wich would validate the effort!)

Tools, connectors, and the wiring plan for the DIYStation. I did not think it would be this complicated, but it turned out that way.