So here you go. The email exchanged copied and pasted in it's entirety, apart from edition out my name
So. Here's my email exchange with Brandon (if you're reading this then I'll just assume you know who he is

)
Me:
I'm writing to enquire about certain technical aspects of the DNA chip, just for personal knowledge and my own use. I currently own 5 DNA 20 and 30 devices, and I guess I've always wondered if the chips actually have some sort of voltage down regulation? On a freshly charged battery, my mods typically cannot output anything lower than 3.7 to 3.9V before my resistance starts blinking. So yeap. Just wondering if it is because the DNA chip do not output voltages below the battery's current voltage, or there's something else in play. Hope to hear from someone soon!
Brandon:
Hi <my name lol>,
The DNA30 and 20 do not have step down (buck) capabilities. As your battery discharges, you'll be able to reach lower wattages. Our new (upcoming) products will have step down, also the Kick2 has step down.
Great question!
Thanks,
Brandon
Evolv, LLC
Me:
Hi Brandon,
Damn. Can't believe I'm getting a reply straight from you.
In any case, just wanna be clear in my understanding: when using a fresh battery, I wouldn't be able to select a wattage that requires the chip to output a voltage lower than the fresh battery's existing voltage. Eg firing an atty with a fresh battery, with a wattage setting that requires a voltage of say, 3.4 to 3.6 V. That's always been my understanding since my first dna20 mod, but I just wanna be absolutely sure.
Apologies if this sounds trivial; I figured you folks would be busy as hell but I just wanna make sure I nail down what I know about it. Have a 3rd dna30 mod incoming!
Brandon:
Hi <my name lol>,
Yes, the under load voltage is the limiting factor. So at a full charge (4.2v), you'll only be able to get down to about 3.9-ish volts. There is some loss across the circuit and it is looking at voltage under load.
Thanks,
Brandon
Evolv, LLC