Description
The SparkFun LiPo Fuel Gauge is an advanced battery monitoring breakout board designed to prevent unexpected power shutdowns in your portable projects. Utilizing a sophisticated state-of-charge algorithm combined with direct analog-to-digital voltage measurement, this intelligent module tracks your single-cell lithium-ion or LiPo battery’s remaining capacity just like a fuel gauge in a car, reporting precise data straight to your microcontroller.
Communicating via a standard I2C interface, the fuel gauge provides real-time telemetry on battery percentage and cell voltage. It also features a dedicated hardware alert pin that can be programmed to trigger an interrupt when the battery charge drops below a specified threshold. Operating on a low quiescent current with hardware and software reset capabilities, it is an essential addition to any battery-powered embedded project, sensor node, or wearable design.
Note: Product design or PCB revisions may vary slightly based on manufacturing batches. Breakout board includes surface-mount IC components; pin headers may require soldering.
Key Features
- Advanced Fuel Gauge System: Sophisticated tracking algorithm monitors relative state-of-charge (SoC) for single-cell lithium-ion and LiPo batteries.
- Direct A/D Voltage Measurement: Provides high-precision, direct analog-to-digital conversion of live battery terminal voltage.
- I2C Communication Interface: Seamlessly connects to microcontrollers (such as Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi) using a standard two-wire I2C bus.
- Programmable Alert Interrupt Pin: Dedicated alert output signals your project when the battery charge drops below a critical threshold.
- Hardware & Software Reset: Supports flexible reset commands and pin-level controls for reliable system integration.
- Ultra-Low Power Consumption: Consumes minimal active current (50–75 µA) and sleep-mode current (1–3 µA), making it ideal for battery-powered deployments.
Benefits
- Eliminate Unexpected Power Loss: Keep your microcontroller informed of exact power levels so it can trigger graceful shutdowns or data saves before the battery dies.
- Optimize Power Management: Real-time percentage tracking lets you implement smart power-saving modes in field electronics.
- Easy Microcontroller Integration: Standard I2C protocol and well-documented libraries make setup fast across major development platforms.
- Minimal Drain on System: Micro-amp current draws ensure the fuel gauge itself doesn’t significantly shorten your battery life.
Applications
- Portable & Wearable Electronics: Battery management for compact fitness trackers, smart garments, and handheld gadgets.
- Remote IoT & Sensor Nodes: Long-term solar or battery-backed wireless sensors that require remote health monitoring.
- Robotics & Drone Electronics: Tracking auxiliary onboard power packs and flight controller batteries.
- Maker & Prototyping Projects: Any custom microcontroller project powered by single-cell 3.7V LiPo or Li-Ion cells.
Package Includes
- 1 x SparkFun LiPo Fuel Gauge Breakout Board
- 1 x Breakout Pin Header Strip
- 1 x Instruction Manual / Quick Guide
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Item Type | Battery Level Indicator / I2C Fuel Gauge Sensor Breakout |
| Model Type | Battery Monitoring Module |
| Battery Compatibility | Single-Cell Lithium-Ion / Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Batteries |
| Operating Voltage Rating (Input) | 2.5V to 4.5V DC |
| Communication Interface | I2C Interface (Max Clock Frequency: 0.4 MHz / 400 kHz) |
| Power Consumption | Active Current: 50–75 µA | Sleep-Mode Current: 1–3 µA |
| Special Features | State-of-Charge Algorithm, Direct A/D Voltage Measurement, Alert Interrupt Pin, HW/SW Reset |
| Net Weight / Shipping Weight | ~2 g / 0.02 kg |
| Shipping Dimensions | 5 cm × 4 cm × 2 cm |
