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How to Use LI-PO BATTERY: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of LI-PO BATTERY
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Introduction

A lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. This design allows for a lightweight, compact, and flexible form factor, making it ideal for applications where size and weight are critical. Li-Po batteries are known for their high energy density, low self-discharge rate, and ability to deliver high current, making them a popular choice in portable electronics, drones, RC vehicles, and electric vehicles.

Explore Projects Built with LI-PO BATTERY

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Solar-Powered Li-ion Battery Charger with TP4056
Image of pdb solar power bank: A project utilizing LI-PO BATTERY in a practical application
This circuit consists of a solar panel, a Li-ion battery, and a TP4056 charging module. The solar panel charges the Li-ion battery through the TP4056 module, which manages the charging process to ensure safe and efficient charging of the battery.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
ESP32-Based Battery-Powered Multi-Sensor System
Image of Dive sense: A project utilizing LI-PO BATTERY in a practical application
This circuit consists of a TP4056 module connected to a 3.7V LiPo battery, providing a charging interface for the battery. The TP4056 manages the charging process by connecting its B+ and B- pins to the battery's positive and ground terminals, respectively.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Battery-Powered Adjustable Voltage Regulator with Li-ion 18650 Batteries and BMS
Image of mini ups: A project utilizing LI-PO BATTERY in a practical application
This circuit is a power management system that uses four Li-ion 18650 batteries connected to a 2S 30A BMS for battery management and protection. The system includes step-up and step-down voltage regulators to provide adjustable output voltages, controlled by a rocker switch, and multiple DC jacks for power input and output.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Battery-Powered Lora G2 Node Station with 18650 Li-ion Batteries and Boost Converter
Image of Custom-Lora-G2-Node: A project utilizing LI-PO BATTERY in a practical application
This circuit is a portable power supply system that uses multiple 18650 Li-ion batteries to provide a stable 5V output through a boost converter. It includes a fast charging module with a USB-C input for recharging the batteries and a battery indicator for monitoring the battery status. The system powers a Lora G2 Node Station, making it suitable for wireless communication applications.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with LI-PO BATTERY

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of pdb solar power bank: A project utilizing LI-PO BATTERY in a practical application
Solar-Powered Li-ion Battery Charger with TP4056
This circuit consists of a solar panel, a Li-ion battery, and a TP4056 charging module. The solar panel charges the Li-ion battery through the TP4056 module, which manages the charging process to ensure safe and efficient charging of the battery.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Dive sense: A project utilizing LI-PO BATTERY in a practical application
ESP32-Based Battery-Powered Multi-Sensor System
This circuit consists of a TP4056 module connected to a 3.7V LiPo battery, providing a charging interface for the battery. The TP4056 manages the charging process by connecting its B+ and B- pins to the battery's positive and ground terminals, respectively.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of mini ups: A project utilizing LI-PO BATTERY in a practical application
Battery-Powered Adjustable Voltage Regulator with Li-ion 18650 Batteries and BMS
This circuit is a power management system that uses four Li-ion 18650 batteries connected to a 2S 30A BMS for battery management and protection. The system includes step-up and step-down voltage regulators to provide adjustable output voltages, controlled by a rocker switch, and multiple DC jacks for power input and output.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Custom-Lora-G2-Node: A project utilizing LI-PO BATTERY in a practical application
Battery-Powered Lora G2 Node Station with 18650 Li-ion Batteries and Boost Converter
This circuit is a portable power supply system that uses multiple 18650 Li-ion batteries to provide a stable 5V output through a boost converter. It includes a fast charging module with a USB-C input for recharging the batteries and a battery indicator for monitoring the battery status. The system powers a Lora G2 Node Station, making it suitable for wireless communication applications.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications:

  • Smartphones, tablets, and laptops
  • Remote-controlled (RC) vehicles and drones
  • Wearable devices and fitness trackers
  • Electric vehicles (EVs) and e-bikes
  • Portable power banks and backup power systems

Technical Specifications

Below are the general technical specifications for a typical Li-Po battery. Note that specific values may vary depending on the manufacturer and model.

Parameter Specification
Nominal Voltage 3.7V per cell
Fully Charged Voltage 4.2V per cell
Discharge Cutoff Voltage 3.0V per cell
Capacity Range 100mAh to several thousand mAh
Maximum Discharge Rate 1C to 100C (varies by model)
Charging Current Typically 0.5C to 1C
Operating Temperature 0°C to 60°C (discharge), 0°C to 45°C (charge)
Self-Discharge Rate ~2-5% per month
Cycle Life 300-500 cycles (varies by usage)

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

Li-Po batteries typically have two or three wires for connection. Below is a table describing the pin configuration:

Pin Wire Color Description
+ Red Positive terminal (V+)
- Black Negative terminal (V-)
B Yellow/White Balance lead (optional, for multi-cell packs)

Note: The balance lead is used in multi-cell Li-Po packs to ensure each cell is charged evenly.

Usage Instructions

How to Use a Li-Po Battery in a Circuit

  1. Connect the Terminals Properly: Ensure the red wire (positive) is connected to the positive terminal of your circuit, and the black wire (negative) is connected to the ground.
  2. Use a Battery Management System (BMS): Always use a BMS or a Li-Po charger circuit to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, or overheating.
  3. Monitor Voltage Levels: Avoid discharging the battery below its cutoff voltage (3.0V per cell) to prevent damage.
  4. Charging: Use a dedicated Li-Po charger that supports constant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV) charging modes. Set the charging current to 0.5C-1C of the battery's capacity.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

  • Avoid Overcharging: Never charge a Li-Po battery above 4.2V per cell.
  • Prevent Over-Discharge: Use a low-voltage alarm or cutoff circuit to avoid discharging below 3.0V per cell.
  • Handle with Care: Do not puncture, crush, or expose the battery to fire or water.
  • Storage: Store the battery at ~3.8V per cell (storage voltage) in a cool, dry place if not in use for extended periods.
  • Use a Fireproof Bag: When charging or storing, place the battery in a Li-Po safe bag to reduce fire risks.

Example: Connecting a Li-Po Battery to an Arduino UNO

To power an Arduino UNO with a Li-Po battery, you can use a voltage regulator or a DC-DC step-down module to ensure the voltage is within the Arduino's operating range (7-12V via the barrel jack or 5V via the 5V pin).

Sample Code for Monitoring Battery Voltage

// This code reads the voltage of a Li-Po battery connected to an analog pin
// and calculates the battery level. Ensure a voltage divider is used if the
// battery voltage exceeds the Arduino's ADC input range (5V).

const int batteryPin = A0; // Analog pin connected to the battery
const float voltageDividerRatio = 2.0; // Adjust based on your resistor values
const float referenceVoltage = 5.0; // Arduino's ADC reference voltage

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication
}

void loop() {
  int rawADC = analogRead(batteryPin); // Read the analog value
  float batteryVoltage = (rawADC / 1023.0) * referenceVoltage * voltageDividerRatio;

  Serial.print("Battery Voltage: ");
  Serial.print(batteryVoltage);
  Serial.println(" V");

  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second before the next reading
}

Note: Use a voltage divider circuit to scale down the battery voltage if it exceeds 5V. For example, use two resistors (e.g., 10kΩ and 10kΩ) to divide the voltage by half.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

  1. Battery Not Charging

    • Cause: Faulty charger or incorrect charging settings.
    • Solution: Verify the charger is designed for Li-Po batteries and check the charging current and voltage settings.
  2. Battery Swelling

    • Cause: Overcharging, over-discharging, or physical damage.
    • Solution: Stop using the battery immediately and dispose of it safely.
  3. Short Battery Life

    • Cause: Frequent over-discharge or charging at high currents.
    • Solution: Avoid discharging below 3.0V per cell and charge at recommended rates.
  4. Battery Overheating

    • Cause: High discharge rates or faulty connections.
    • Solution: Ensure the battery is rated for the required current and check for loose connections.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a Li-Po battery without a BMS?
A: It is not recommended. A BMS ensures safe operation by preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overheating.

Q: How do I dispose of a damaged Li-Po battery?
A: Discharge the battery completely, then take it to a certified e-waste recycling facility.

Q: Can I charge a Li-Po battery with a regular power supply?
A: No, always use a dedicated Li-Po charger to ensure safe and proper charging.

Q: What is the difference between Li-Po and Li-Ion batteries?
A: Li-Po batteries use a polymer electrolyte, making them lighter and more flexible, while Li-Ion batteries use a liquid electrolyte and are generally more robust.