How to Use Adafruit 12mm Coin Cell Breakout: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit 12mm Coin Cell Breakout (Part ID: 1868) is a compact and versatile printed circuit board (PCB) designed to securely hold a 12mm coin cell battery. This breakout board provides an easy and reliable way to power small electronic projects. It features solder pads for straightforward connections, making it ideal for prototyping and integrating into compact designs.

• Powering small, low-power electronic circuits
• Wearable electronics and compact devices
• Prototyping battery-powered projects
• Providing backup power for real-time clocks (RTCs) or memory modules
• Educational and hobbyist projects requiring a simple power source

The Adafruit 12mm Coin Cell Breakout is designed to work with 12mm coin cell batteries, such as CR1220 or CR1216. Below are the key technical details:

The breakout board features two solder pads for connecting to your circuit. The pin configuration is as follows:

1. Insert the Battery: Place a 12mm coin cell battery (e.g., CR1220) into the holder on the breakout board. Ensure the positive side of the battery faces up.
2. Solder Connections: Use the solder pads labeled + and - to connect the breakout board to your circuit. The + pad connects to the positive terminal, and the - pad connects to the ground.
3. Integrate into Your Circuit: Connect the breakout board to your project, ensuring the voltage and current requirements of your circuit match the battery's specifications.

• Battery Selection: Use only 12mm coin cell batteries that match the voltage and current requirements of your project.
• Polarity: Double-check the polarity of your connections to avoid damaging your circuit.
• Power Consumption: This breakout is best suited for low-power applications. Avoid using it with circuits that draw high current, as coin cells have limited capacity.
• Soldering: Use a low-temperature soldering iron to avoid damaging the PCB or battery holder.
• Battery Replacement: Replace the coin cell battery when the voltage drops below your circuit's requirements.

The Adafruit 12mm Coin Cell Breakout can be used to power low-power sensors or modules connected to an Arduino UNO. Below is an example of how to use it with a simple LED circuit:

1. Connect the + pad of the breakout to the positive terminal of the LED (via a resistor).
2. Connect the - pad of the breakout to the ground terminal of the LED.

If you are using the breakout to power a sensor connected to an Arduino UNO, here is a sample code snippet:

// Example: Reading a sensor powered by the Adafruit 12mm Coin Cell Breakout
// Ensure the sensor operates within the voltage range of the coin cell battery.

const int sensorPin = A0; // Analog pin connected to the sensor output
int sensorValue = 0;      // Variable to store the sensor reading

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication
  pinMode(sensorPin, INPUT); // Set the sensor pin as input
}

void loop() {
  sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin); // Read the sensor value
  Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");
  Serial.println(sensorValue); // Print the sensor value to the Serial Monitor
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second before the next reading
}

Note: Ensure the sensor's power requirements are compatible with the coin cell battery's voltage and current output.

1. Battery Not Fitting Properly

   • Ensure you are using a 12mm coin cell battery (e.g., CR1220).
   • Check for any obstructions in the battery holder.

2. No Power Output

   • Verify the battery is inserted with the correct polarity.
   • Check the solder connections on the + and - pads for continuity.

3. Circuit Not Functioning

   • Ensure the circuit's voltage and current requirements are within the battery's capabilities.
   • Replace the coin cell battery if it is depleted.

4. Overheating During Soldering

   • Use a low-temperature soldering iron and avoid prolonged heating of the solder pads.

Q: Can I use this breakout with a rechargeable coin cell battery?
A: Yes, as long as the rechargeable battery is 12mm in size and its voltage matches your circuit's requirements. However, this breakout does not include a charging circuit.

Q: What is the maximum current this breakout can handle?
A: The maximum current is determined by the coin cell battery used. Most 12mm coin cells are designed for low-current applications (typically less than 10mA).

Q: Can I use this breakout to power an Arduino UNO directly?
A: No, the coin cell battery does not provide sufficient current to power an Arduino UNO. It is better suited for low-power sensors or modules.

Q: How do I replace the battery?
A: Simply slide the old battery out of the holder and insert a new one, ensuring the correct polarity.

By following this documentation, you can effectively use the Adafruit 12mm Coin Cell Breakout in your electronic projects.