Li-po Charger Module
A small module that lets a Pico project charge and run from a single-cell Li-po battery when used as SunFounder shows.
Part images
What it is
A small module that lets a Pico project charge and run from a single-cell Li-po battery when used as SunFounder shows.
How students use it
The module plugs into the breadboard with the Pico, connects to a Li-po battery through a PH2.0 connector, charges from USB power, and can switch the Pico project to battery power when USB is removed.
Pins and power
P1: VBUS, VSYS, GND. P2: BAT and GND battery connector.
Input 5V, output 3.3V per SunFounder. Battery connector is PH2.0.
The SunFounder schematic labels P1 pins as VBUS, VSYS, and GND, and P2 as the battery connector. Do not treat the battery connector as a GPIO header.
Voltage and safety
SunFounder lists 5V input and 3.3V output. The battery side is for a single-cell Li-po battery; do not connect random batteries or higher-voltage packs.
Battery charging deserves extra care. Use the intended connector and battery type, stop if anything heats up, and avoid shorts around the battery leads.
Module internals
Main component: LTC4054 charger IC, identified in the SunFounder schematic image.
SunFounder schematic labels include D1 charge indicator LED, R1 2k, R2 3k, C1 10uF, C2 0.1uF, and D2 B5819W Schottky diode.
Datasheet notes
The SunFounder schematic identifies U1 as LTC4054 and D2 as B5819W. Use exact board markings and schematic labels before applying any datasheet.
Common libraries
No MicroPython library is needed. This is a power module, not a sensor.
Common mistakes
Leaving the charger attached while trying to connect the Pico to a weak USB port, mixing up VBUS and VSYS, shorting the battery connector, or assuming this module can charge any battery chemistry.