Adafruit
USB / DC / Solar Lithium Ion/Polymer charger [v2]
This versatile LiIon/LiPo battery charger accepts power from three sources: a 6 V solar panel (via 2.1 mm DC jack), USB Mini-B, or a 5 V DC adapter. It featu...
This versatile LiIon/LiPo battery charger accepts power from three sources: a 6 V solar panel (via 2.1 mm DC jack), USB Mini-B, or a 5 V DC adapter. It features automatic charging current tracking that draws the maximum possible current from a solar panel in any light condition, providing near-MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) performance without the cost of a buck converter.
The charger includes smart load sharing, which automatically uses input power when available to prevent the battery from constantly cycling between charging and discharging. A dedicated LOAD output port lets you power your project while simultaneously charging the battery.
Key Features
- Triple Input – Charge via 6 V solar panel, USB Mini-B, or 5 V DC adapter
- Automatic Current Tracking – Draws maximum current from solar panels in any light condition
- Smart Load Sharing – Powers your project from input when available, preserving battery life
- Adjustable Charge Rate – Set for 500 mA by default, adjustable from 50 mA to 1 A via resistor
- Three Status LEDs – Power good, charging, and done indicators
- Low Battery Indicator – LED output triggers at 3.1 V
- Temperature Monitoring – Solder in a 10 kΩ NTC thermistor (not included) for battery temperature protection
- JST Connectors – 2-pin JST for both BATT and LOAD ports
Specifications
- Battery Chemistry – 3.7 V / 4.2 V Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer
- Input Sources – 5–6 V DC, USB Mini-B, or 6 V solar panel
- Default Charge Rate – 500 mA (adjustable 50 mA – 1 A)
- Low Battery Threshold – 3.1 V
- DC Jack – 2.1 mm barrel jack
Package Contents
- 1× Assembled charger board
- 1× 2-pin JST cable
- 1× Stabilisation capacitor (must be installed in your finished project)
Ideal For
- Solar-powered outdoor projects
- Portable battery charging stations
- IoT devices with solar harvesting
- Off-grid electronics prototyping
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.
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Brands
Power & Batteries
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
