2A switch, 18.5V ceiling — what the boost ratings mean for your rail
The TPS61086DRCR is a current-mode boost converter from Texas Instruments built around a 2A integrated switch rated for output voltages up to 18.5V. That 2A figure is the switch current limit, not the output current — at a 3.3V input boosting to 12V, the available output current is roughly 2A × (Vin/Vout) × efficiency, so expect around 500 mA continuous before the switch cycle-drops. The 1.2 MHz switching frequency keeps the inductor in the 4.7 µH to 10 µH range, which fits the 10-VSON (3x3 mm) footprint without forcing a tall coil.
Input range and output adjust — where it fits the BOM
The input range runs from 2.3V minimum to 6V maximum, so it starts from a single lithium cell near its discharge floor or from a regulated 3.3V or 5V rail. The output is adjustable from a 2.8V floor up to 18.5V via an external resistor divider — no fixed-output variant to stock. No synchronous rectifier (external Schottky required), which is typical for this power level and keeps the BOM cost down.
Package and thermal — the 3x3 mm exposed pad
The TPS61086DRCR comes in a 10-VSON (3x3 mm) package with an exposed pad.