SunFounder PiPower Module¶
PiPower is a power supply module for Raspberry Pi with recharging function. It can output 5V/3A power supply to meet various Raspberry Pi usage situation. It has 4 power indicators; each indicator represents 25% of the power, and is equipped with a power switch to turn on/off the power of the Raspberry Pi without plugging or unplugging the power cord.
When the battery power is low, you can insert a 5V/2A Micro USB cable to charge the batteries, and the charging indicator will light up and turn off when fully charged. You need to use two 18650 flat top rechargeable batteries. The larger the battery capacity, the longer you use. You can choose according to your needs.
Warning
When you put the battery in for the first time or when the battery is unplugged and put in again, the battery will not work properly, at this time, you need to plug the Type C cable into the charging port to turn off the protection circuit, and the battery can be used normally.
Component List¶
Note
This kit does not come with batteries, so you will need to purchase 2 x 18650 batteries and fully charge them before assembling the PiPower to the Raspberry Pi. For more information, please refer to About the Battery.
Assemble the PiPower¶
After getting familiar with the components in the package, we start to assemble PiPower.
In the next steps, there are a lot of details you need to notice, especially the assembly position of the battery and the clear acrylic back cover.
Place the Batterries
You can place the battery according to it: anode to anode; cathode to cathode.
Assemble the PiPower Module
Assemble the Raspberry Pi
Assemble the Back Cover
Put the gap side of acrylic back cover under the switch of PiPower module so that you can easily power the PiPower on/off.
Plug the USB Cable
When the battery is about to be run out, you can charge the battery through the Type-C USB port of the PiPower module.
Warning
When you put the battery in for the first time or when the battery is unplugged and put in again, the battery will not work properly, at this time, you need to plug the Type C cable into the charging port to turn off the protection circuit, and the battery can be used normally.
Features¶
Pass through Charging
Output: USB Type-A, 5V/3A
Input: USB Type-C, 5V/2A
Power Switch
1 Charge Indicator
4 Battery Indicators
Dimension: 90mm x 60mm x 24.9mm
Battery: 2 x 3.7V 18650 lithium battery (Self-provided)
Over Discharge Protection Voltage: 3.2V
Overcharge Protection Voltage: 4.2V
Interfaces
Over-discharge Protection
When the single battery voltage is below 3.2V, the battery protection activates and the battery is no longer discharged.
When the battery is unplugged, due to the mechanism of the on-board over-discharge protection circuit, the voltage will be considered too low, thus activating the protection circuit; when you replug the battery into the PiPower, the battery will not work properly, at this time, you need to plug the Type C cable into the charging port to turn off the protection circuit, and the battery can be used normally.
Overcharge Protection
Charging ends when the total battery voltage reaches 8.4V.
Charge Balance
When a single battery exceeds 4.2V, the voltage divider resistor channel conducts and the battery charging current is reduced or even discharged. It is recommended to use the same type of battery with similar voltage for both batteries.
Battery Indicators
The relationship between the battery indicators and voltage is as follows:
4 LEDs all on: voltage > 7.8V
3 LEDs on: voltage > 7.44V
2 LEDs on: voltage >7.04V
1 LED on: voltage > 6.68V
4 LEDs all off: voltage <6.68V，at this time，batteries need to be charged.
Temperature
When the output power reaches the maximum nominal 5V/3A, the temperature of DC-DC buck chip U1 will rise to about 70-80 degrees Celsius, so be careful not to touch it to prevent burns and keep ventilation. When the temperature reaches the DC-DC protection temperature of 75 degrees Celsius, the DC-DC will shut down to prevent overheating damage.
About the Battery¶
Applicable Parameters
3.7V
18650
Rechargeable
Li-ion Battery
Flat Top
No Protective Board
Warning
Please purchase qualified batteries.
Pay attention to the poles of the battery, and DO NOT connect to the positive and negative poles inversely.
Do not use batteries that are damaged in appearance.
Duration of Use
Button Top vs Flat Top?
Please choose battery with flat top to ensure a good connection between the battery and the battery holder.
Button Top |
Flat Top |
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No protective board?
It is recommended to use a battery without a protection plate to maximize the performance of the module, and the on-board overcharge and over-discharge protection can be used without worrying about battery damage. If you use a battery with a protection plate may cause the output power does not reach the nominal 5V/3A.
Battery capacity?
In order to keep the robot working for a long time, use large-capacity batteries as much as possible. It is recommended to purchase batteries with a capacity of 3000mAh and above.
Try to choose the same brand, the same model, the voltage difference between the two batteries within 0.1V.
faq¶
PiPower not working?¶
When you put the battery in for the first time or when the battery is unplugged and put in again, the battery will not work properly.
This is because when the battery is removed, due to the mechanism of the on-board over-discharge protection circuit, the voltage will be considered too low, thus activating the protection circuit;
At this time, you need to plug the Type C cable into the charging port to turn off the protection circuit, and the battery can be used normally.