Adafruit
Adafruit bq25185 USB / DC / Solar Lithium Ion/Polymer charger
· MPN: ADA6091
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$14.05
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The Adafruit bq25185 Charger is a versatile LiPo/LiIon/LiFePO4 charging board that supports USB, DC, and solar power input. It is an excellent upgrade from M...
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The Adafruit bq25185 Charger is a versatile LiPo/LiIon/LiFePO4 charging board that supports USB, DC, and solar power input. It is an excellent upgrade from MCP73833 or MCP73831-based chargers, offering multi-chemistry support, adjustable charge rates, smart power path management, and near-MPPT solar optimisation.
Connect your battery to the JST PH 2-pin port, charge via USB-C or DC/solar input, and draw power from the regulated load output (up to 4.5V max). The smart power path prioritises external power while sending excess current to the battery, extending battery life and allowing up to 3A current spikes from battery to load.
Key Features
- USB Type-C Input – 5V at up to 1A with 5.1k CC resistors for universal compatibility
- DC/Solar Input – 5–18V via side pads with near-MPPT solar optimisation
- Adjustable Charge Rate – 1A (default), 500 mA, or 250 mA via onboard jumpers
- Multi-Chemistry Support – LiPo/LiIon (4.2V max) or LiFePO4 (3.65V max) via jumper selection
- Smart Power Path – Prioritises external power with up to 3A battery-to-load spikes
- Regulated Load Output – Up to 4.5V max (ranges from 3.0V at low battery to 4.5V with external power)
- Thermistor Support – Cut the TH trace and add a 10K thermistor for temperature-based charge regulation
- Chip Enable Pin – Disable the charger when needed
- Mounting Holes – For secure installation
Status LEDs
- Orange – Charging
- Red – Fault
- Green – Power good
Also Available
- bq25185 with 3.3V Buck Board – Same charger with integrated 3.3V regulated output
- bq25185 with 5V Boost Board – Same charger with integrated 5V regulated output
Tip: For solar-powered projects, use a 5–7V solar panel. Higher voltage panels will only generate excess heat. Connect via the DC input side pads.
Ideal For
- Portable battery-powered projects with custom voltage regulation
- Solar-powered IoT devices
- LiFePO4 battery projects requiring adjustable chemistry settings
- Replacing MCP73833/MCP73831 charger setups
Note: This is the base charger board without an integrated voltage regulator. The load output ranges from 3.0V (low battery) to 4.5V max. If you need a fixed 3.3V or 5V output, consider the buck or boost versions. Battery not included.
Package Contents
- 1× Adafruit bq25185 USB/DC/Solar Lithium Ion/Polymer Charger Board
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- DC
- DC means direct current, where electricity flows in one constant direction, as supplied by batteries, USB ports and many plug-pack power supplies. When a product specifies DC, it runs from a DC supply rather than mains AC, so you need to provide the correct voltage and polarity.
- 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 LiPo (lithium polymer) battery is a rechargeable lithium battery widely used in portable projects because it is light and compact. LiPo cells need correct charging circuitry and careful handling to stay safe, so equipment that supports LiPo generally includes charging or protection hardware suited to 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
- USB Type-C is a small, reversible USB connector used for power, data and sometimes video on many modern devices. The connector itself does not guarantee a particular speed or voltage, so check the supported USB version, data rate and whether it carries more than 5V via USB Power Delivery.
- USB-C
- USB-C is a small, reversible USB connector that can carry power, data and, on some devices, video over a single cable. The same connector can range from charging only to high-speed data, so the functions a given port actually supports vary.
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