How to Use PowerBoost 500 Charger Terminal: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The PowerBoost 500 Charger Terminal is a versatile electronic component that integrates a battery charging circuit with a boost converter to provide a regulated 5V output from a lower voltage input source. This component is ideal for portable electronics, DIY projects, and any application requiring a stable 5V supply that can be charged and powered simultaneously.

• Portable USB chargers
• Battery-powered electronics
• Wearable devices
• DIY projects requiring a 5V supply
• Raspberry Pi or Arduino portable projects

• Input Voltage: 1.8V to 5.5V
• Output Voltage: 5V regulated
• Output Current: Up to 500mA with a 3.7V LiPo battery
• Integrated charging circuit for 3.7V LiPo batteries
• Charging Current: 500mA (max)
• Battery Connector: JST-PH 2-pin
• USB Micro B connector for charging input

1. Connect a 3.7V LiPo battery to the 'Bat' pin.
2. Attach the device that requires 5V to the '5V' and 'GND' pins.
3. To charge the battery, connect a USB Micro B cable to the USB port.
4. The 'EN' pin can be left floating to enable the boost converter or pulled low to disable it.
5. Monitor the 'LBO' pin; when it goes low, the battery is near depletion.

• Ensure the polarity of the battery is correct to prevent damage.
• Do not exceed the input voltage range to avoid damaging the component.
• Avoid drawing more than 500mA from the 5V output to maintain voltage regulation.
• Use a multimeter to verify output voltage before connecting sensitive electronics.
• Keep the 'EN' pin accessible in your design if you wish to control the power state.

• No Output Voltage: Ensure the battery is charged and properly connected. Check the USB power source and the 'EN' pin state.
• Device Resets or Brown-Out: This may occur if the output current exceeds 500mA. Reduce the load or check for shorts.
• Battery Not Charging: Verify the USB power source is functional and capable of supplying at least 500mA.

• If the output voltage is unstable or too low, check the battery and load conditions.
• For charging issues, try a different USB cable or power source.
• If the 'LBO' pin is active, recharge the battery as soon as possible.

Q: Can I use the PowerBoost 500 Charger Terminal with batteries other than LiPo? A: It is designed specifically for 3.7V LiPo batteries. Using other types may not be safe or effective.

Q: What should I do if the PowerBoost 500 Charger Terminal overheats? A: Disconnect all power sources and loads immediately. Overheating may indicate a short circuit or overcurrent condition.

Q: Can I connect multiple devices to the 5V output? A: Yes, as long as the total current draw does not exceed 500mA.

// No specific code is required for basic operation with Arduino UNO.
// Simply connect the 5V and GND outputs from the PowerBoost to the 5V and GND pins on the Arduino.

// If you want to monitor the battery status using an Arduino, you can connect the LBO pin to an Arduino digital pin.

const int lowBatteryPin = 2; // Connect LBO to digital pin 2 on Arduino

void setup() {
  pinMode(lowBatteryPin, INPUT_PULLUP); // Enable internal pull-up resistor
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  // Check the status of the low battery indicator
  if (digitalRead(lowBatteryPin) == LOW) {
    // Low battery indicator is active
    Serial.println("Battery is low!");
  } else {
    // Battery level is okay
    Serial.println("Battery level is good.");
  }
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second before checking again
}

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