SparkFun
SparkFun USB LiPoly Charger - Single Cell
The SparkFun USB LiPoly Charger is a single-cell Li-Ion/Li-Polymer battery charging board based on the MCP73831T. It charges 3.7V LiPo cells at a selectable ...
The SparkFun USB LiPoly Charger is a single-cell Li-Ion/Li-Polymer battery charging board based on the MCP73831T. It charges 3.7V LiPo cells at a selectable rate of 500 mA or 100 mA via a solder jumper, with power input from either USB or a barrel jack connector.
The board includes a SYS OUT JST connector that lets you power your project directly from the charger without disconnecting the battery — ideal for always-connected setups where charging and operation happen simultaneously.
Key Features
- MCP73831T Charge IC – Reliable single-cell LiPo/Li-Ion charging
- Selectable Charge Rate – 500 mA or 100 mA via solder jumper
- Dual Power Input – USB and barrel jack connector
- SYS OUT Connector – JST output for powering your project while charging
- BATT IN Connector – Pre-installed JST connector for battery
- Status LED – Indicates charging state, with footprint for external LED
Ideal For
- Charging single-cell 3.7V LiPo/Li-Ion batteries
- Battery-powered Arduino and IoT projects
- Wearable electronics
- Portable devices requiring charge-while-running
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- 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.
- LED
- A light-emitting diode is a small electronic component that lights up when current flows through it in the correct direction. In this kit, LEDs create the flashing effect, so polarity and correct soldering matter for the project to work.
- 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.
- solder jumper
- A solder jumper is a small pair or group of pads on a circuit board that can be bridged or cut with solder to change a hardware setting. It matters because changing modes may require careful soldering rather than just changing software.
Find this product in
Brands
USB LiPoly Charger Single Cell Schematic
Schematic · 36.1 KB · Click any page to view full size
MCP73831T Datasheet
Datasheet · 928.8 KB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 783.8 KB · Click any page to view full size
Resources & Downloads
Guides, code examples, and more
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
