Adafruit
Adafruit bq25185 USB / DC / Solar Charger with 3.3V Buck Board
· MPN: ADA6092
The Adafruit bq25185 is an all-in-one charging and power supply board that supports USB, DC, and solar charging with an integrated 3.3V buck converter. It is...
The Adafruit bq25185 is an all-in-one charging and power supply board that supports USB, DC, and solar charging with an integrated 3.3V buck converter. It is an excellent upgrade from MCP73833 or MCP73831-based chargers, combining power path management and regulated output in a single board.
Connect a 500 mAh or larger LiPo battery to the JST PH 2-pin port, charge via USB-C or DC/solar input, and power your 3.3V project directly from the regulated output. Smart power path management prioritises external power, sending excess current to the battery instead of constantly cycling it.
Key Features
- USB Type-C Input – 5V at up to 1A with 5.1k CC resistors for universal compatibility; data lines broken out on the bottom
- DC/Solar Input – 5–18V via side pads with near-MPPT solar optimisation
- Adjustable Charge Rate – Defaults to 1A, adjustable to 500 mA via onboard jumper
- Smart Power Path – Prioritises external power, extends battery life by avoiding charge cycling
- 3.3V Regulated Output – TPS62569 buck converter delivering stable 3.3V at up to 1A
- 4.5V Max Load Output – Ranges from 3.0V (low battery) to 4.5V (external power active) at up to 1A
Status LEDs
- Orange – Charging
- Red – Fault
- Green – 3.3V output active
Additional Features
- Enable Pad – Disable the 3.3V buck converter when not needed
- Battery Monitoring Pads – Check battery voltage via breakout pads on the bottom
- Mounting Holes – For easy installation in enclosures
Ideal For
- Portable 3.3V battery-powered projects
- Solar-powered IoT devices
- Projects requiring USB + solar charging flexibility
- Replacing MCP73833/MCP73831 charger setups with integrated power regulation
Package Contents
- 1× Adafruit bq25185 USB/DC/Solar Charger with 3.3V Buck Board
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- breakout
- A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.
- IoT
- Short for Internet of Things, meaning physical devices that connect to networks or the internet to send data or be controlled remotely. It matters if you want projects such as connected sensors, remote controls or classroom data-logging activities.
- JST PH
- A small keyed plug-and-socket connector with 2 mm pin spacing, often used for low-power electronics connections. You need the correct JST PH cable, and its current rating limits how much power should be passed through it.
- LiPo
- A lithium polymer rechargeable battery commonly used in portable electronics projects. It matters because LiPo batteries need correct charging circuitry and care, and this board includes hardware intended for that battery type.
- MCP73831
- A lithium battery charger chip used to safely charge a single-cell LiPo battery. It matters because it lets the board recharge a battery from USB or another input without needing a separate charger module.
- Power path
- A power path is the route electricity takes from one or more supplies to the circuit being powered. Understanding the power path helps you choose parts that can safely handle source selection, backup power, and supply switching.
- USB Type-C
- A reversible USB connector used for power and data on many modern devices. On this kit it indicates an alternate 5V power input, which may be useful for setup or charging without the solar panel.
- USB-C
- A modern reversible USB connector used for power and data connections. On this product it matters because it can connect directly to a computer as well as to a microcontroller project.
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Related Tutorials
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