If you need to charge LiPo batteries, this simple charger will do just that, and do it fast! The SparkFun USB LiPo Charger is a basic charging circuit that allows you to charge 3.7V LiPo cells at a rate of 500mA or 100mA. It is designed to charge single-cell Li-Ion or Li-Polymer batteries.

The board incorporates a charging circuit, status LED, selectable solder jumper for 500mA or 100mA charging current, external LED footprint, USB input, two pre-installed JST connectors for SYS OUT and BATT IN, and (back by popular demand) a barrel jack connector.

There is also a ‘SYS OUT’ with a pre-installed JST connector which allows you to connect the charging circuit directly to your project so you don’t need to disconnect the charger each time you want to use it.

Documents:

• Hookup Guide
• GitHub (Design Files)

• [Data Sheet]: Datasheet (MCP73831T) - Nov 2012
• [Schematic]: Schematic - Jan 2014
• [Documentation]: Eagle Files
• [Data Sheet]: MAX1555 Datasheet - Jul 2003
• [Data Sheet]: LiPoly/Lithium Ion Charger Datasheet - 2006
• [Schematic]: LiPoly/Lithium Ion Charger Eagle Files
• [Schematic]: LiPoly/Lithium Ion Charger Schematic - Mar 2009