UNIT LiPo Charger Boost & I2C Monitor

UNIT LiPo Charger Boost & I2C Monitor#

Introduction#

The UNIT LiPo Charger Boost & I2C Monitor is an advanced charging and monitoring module for single-cell LiPo batteries (3.7V to 4.2V) that integrates a TP4056 charger, an MT3608 voltage booster with an output limited to 27V, and a MAX17048 battery monitor via I2C. This module is ideal for applications where efficient charging and real-time battery monitoring are required.

  • LiPo Battery Charging: With two selectable charging current options via pads (200 mA or 1 A).

  • MT3608 Step-up: Boosts the battery voltage or a USB Type C input up to 27V. With a maximum output power rating of 4W depending on the input voltage.

  • Battery Monitoring: The MAX17048 allows you to know the battery’s charge level and voltage via I2C.

  • Qwiic/Stemma Compatibility: JST connector with the option to power Qwiic modules through the system voltage bus (VSYS -> VBAT-6V max).

MAX17048

Module Features#

  • Input Voltage (VIN): USB Type C at 5V or through power pads (maximum 6V).

  • Battery Charging Voltage: 3.7V nominal (4.2V maximum).

  • Output Power: Up to 4W in the MT3608 step-up, with variable efficiency depending on the input voltage.

  • Connectors: - 2.0 mm JST for the LiPo battery. - 2-pin header (2.54 mm) to extract the battery voltage. - 2-pin header (2.54 mm) to extract the output voltage from the MT3608 step-up. - 5-pin header for the battery I2C monitor (MAX17048): SDA, SCL, GND, QST (reset), and ALT (alert).

  • Charging Current Selection: Pad on the back to choose between 200 mA or 1 A charging.

  • Qwiic/Stemma Output Compatibility: This module is ready to connect the I2C lines (SDA and SCL) and ground (GND) to the Qwiic/Stemma connector, ensuring compatibility in communication with devices that use this standard. It also includes a jumper pad on the bottom that, when closed, allows the system voltage (VSYS) to be sent to the Qwiic/Stemma connector to power the modules connected through this bus. VSYS can vary between the battery voltage (3.7V) up to a maximum of 6V (Vin).

Caution

Since the Qwiic standard operates at 3.3V, it is recommended to use a voltage regulator after the JST output of the module to reduce VSYS to 3.3V and protect the Qwiic devices connected.

DataSheet and Technical Reference#