How to Use Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C with Terminal Block: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C with Terminal Block is a versatile power supply module designed for electronics enthusiasts and professionals alike. This board is capable of boosting battery voltages to 5V, allowing you to power USB devices from a single lithium polymer or lithium-ion battery. With the addition of a terminal block, it provides a convenient method for connecting power inputs and outputs without the need for a USB port, making it ideal for high-current applications or scenarios where USB connectivity is not feasible.

• Portable USB chargers for smartphones, tablets, and other devices
• Battery-powered electronics projects
• Wearable electronics with higher current demands
• DIY power banks
• Robotics and remote-controlled devices

• Input Voltage: 3.7V nominal (for LiPo/Li-Ion batteries)
• Output Voltage: 5V regulated output
• Maximum Output Current: 1A continuous, 2A peak
• Efficiency: 90%+ for most of the battery charge
• Battery Charging: 500mA or 1000mA selectable charge rate
• Low Battery Indicator: LED lights up at around 3.2V
• Integrated Protection: Over-charge/discharge, over-current, and temperature protection

1. Connecting the Battery:

   • Connect the positive terminal of the LiPo/Li-Ion battery to the BAT terminal.
   • Connect the negative terminal of the battery to the GND terminal.

2. Powering a Device:

   • Connect the positive lead of your device to the 5V terminal.
   • Connect the negative lead of your device to the GND terminal.

3. Enabling/Disabling Power Output:

   • To enable the 5V output, connect the EN pin to GND.
   • To disable the 5V output, leave the EN pin floating (not connected).

• Ensure that the battery voltage does not exceed the recommended input voltage range.
• Do not exceed the maximum output current to prevent overheating and potential damage.
• Use proper gauge wires for high-current connections to minimize voltage drop and heat generation.
• Charge the battery with caution and monitor for overheating, especially if selecting the higher charge rate.

• Device not powering on: Check battery connections and charge level. Ensure the EN pin is correctly configured.
• Low output voltage: Ensure the battery is not depleted and that the PowerBoost 1000C is not in a low battery state.
• Overheating: Reduce the load if the current draw is too high or improve ventilation around the PowerBoost 1000C.

• Battery Issues: If the battery is not charging, check the connections and ensure the battery is not damaged.
• Output Voltage Fluctuations: If the output voltage is unstable, verify that the load does not exceed the maximum rating and that the battery is adequately charged.
• Low Battery Indicator: If the low battery LED is on, recharge the battery to ensure proper operation.

• Q: Can I use the PowerBoost 1000C to charge my device while simultaneously charging the battery?

  • A: Yes, the PowerBoost 1000C supports pass-through charging.

• Q: What types of batteries can I use with the PowerBoost 1000C?

  • A: The PowerBoost 1000C is designed for use with 3.7V LiPo or Li-Ion batteries.

• Q: How do I know if the battery is fully charged?

  • A: The onboard charging LED will change from red to green when the battery is fully charged.

// This example demonstrates how to control the Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C
// with an Arduino UNO for enabling or disabling the 5V output.

const int enablePin = 2; // Connect to the 'EN' pin on PowerBoost 1000C

void setup() {
  pinMode(enablePin, OUTPUT);
  // Start with the PowerBoost 1000C enabled
  digitalWrite(enablePin, LOW);
}

void loop() {
  // This is a simple example to turn off and on the PowerBoost every 5 seconds
  digitalWrite(enablePin, HIGH); // Disable PowerBoost 5V output
  delay(5000);
  digitalWrite(enablePin, LOW); // Enable PowerBoost 5V output
  delay(5000);
}

Remember to keep the code comments concise and within the 80 character line length limit. This example code is a basic demonstration and can be expanded for more complex applications involving the PowerBoost 1000C.