Charger module
Industrial-grade LiFePo4 Charger module: PDCharger v.2.2
PDCharger Family description.
The PDCharger is a smart charger module which manages the LiFePo4 battery charging with extended functions and I2C control/monitoring for Charger chip, Gauge chip, and Microcontroller onboard.
The Charger supports the narrow VDC power path management, in which the system is regulated at a voltage slightly higher than the battery voltage without being allowed to drop below the minimum system voltage. The minimum system voltage allows the system to operate even when the battery is completely discharged or removed. When system power exceeds the input source rating, battery supplement mode supports the system power requirement without overloading the input source.
The device charges a battery from a wide range of input sources including external DC adapter and Solar Panels to high voltage PD adapter and traditional barrel adapter. The charger automatically sets converter to be a buck, boost, or buck-boost configurations based on input voltage and battery voltage without the host control. The dual input source selector manages the power flowing from two different input sources.
The inputs selection is controlled by the host through I2C with default source #1 (VAC1) as the primary input and the source #2 (VAC2) as the secondary input. USB PD connector is not assembled for the versions higher than V.2.0.
PDCharger module based on the newest STM32 microcontroller utilizing the power and cost effectiveness of the latest industry standards.
There are several PDCharger variants available :
PDCharger v.2.1 up to 12V @ 4A load
PDCharger v.2.2 up to 12V @ 10A+ load, additional mounting holes
for an optional heatsink, optimized for LiFePo4 batteries
Key Features of the Solar PD.Charger/Controller:
– Support for Various Li-x Battery Types:
The charger is compatible with Li-Ion (lithium-ion) and LiFePo (lithium-metal-polymer) batteries with capacities up to 1000 Ah (Ampere-hours) per v.2.3 PCB. Customization is possible to support bigger batteries.
– Maximum Charging/Load Current:
The maximum charging and load currents is 15A (Amps), which can be dynamically adjusted via the I2C interface with special API commands (read the datasheet).
– Multiple inputs for Solar Panels:
The charger has two inputs, which can be connected to solar panels or a combination of a solar panel and DC voltage source (maximum DC input voltage = 50V).
– Extremely Low Idle Current:
The charger has an extremely low idle current of less than 1 mA. Ideal for long-term outdoor cases.
– External I2C Interface:
The charger features an I2C interface that allows reading of battery parameters, charge status, BMS (Battery Management System) information, temperature of both the board and battery and many more parameters for precise monitoring. Details in API manual.
– SMART Features for Charge Limit Customization:
The PD.Charger/controller includes SMART features for customizing charge limits, such as charging temperature range, threshold voltage on each battery cell, and many more. Details in API manual.
– Precision Battery Remaining Capacity Measurement:
The charger provides the best-in-class remaining battery capacity readings through the use of a specialized Gauge IC.
– GSM PD.Charger/Controller version with embedded ESP32 MCU:
We have the evaluation kits with a special version of PD.Charger/Controller which have embedded ESP32 Mictrocontroller with built-in WiFi/Bluetooth and GSM modem with GPS functions to give all the needed features for the rapid start to get in touch with our devices, all the wireless interfaces connected to SMA connector so any type of corresponding antennas could be used.
ProtoDevs GmbH supports the helpdesk line in case of additional questions or PDCharger hardware/firmware/software customization requests – our Help Desk
| Datasheet | Visit forum |
| Latest Firmware | Visit forum |
| 3D STEP file | Visit forum |