What is it?

Tiny-UPS provides full UPS functionality for 5V (USB) devices. Use a Li-Polymer or Li-Ion battery to get the UPS functionality. Tiny-UPS is an ideal power source for IoT devices and Single Board Computers (SBC) such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ODriod™, Android devices and other USB devices. Mounting holes allow Tiny-UPS to be mounted on a Raspberry Pi-Zero as well as the Adafruit™ ADS1115 (or ADS1015) ADC boards etc. Recommend using Nylon mounts. Metal screws may cause a short circuit due to varying size of metal screw-heads.

On-board ADC reports operating conditions (V-in, V-out, V-battery, board Temperature) via I2C. Alternately, a GPIO indicates when power has failed. Based on that a shutdown routine can be triggered at a future time, based on battery capacity and power consumed. USB lines are passed through, allowing full functionality of USB port. Tiny-UPS 3.0 thus is an in-line UPS to USB. Alternately, V-in (power in) and V-out (UPS) can be soldered on to solder points provided. Terminal block allows battery to be connected conveniently. Make sure polarity is preserved.

Why did you make it?

Needed a UPS for a Raspberry Pi-Zero with good 5V regulation and up to 2.6 Amps while operating. Also needed to know operating conditions (as with Pi-UpTime and Pi-Z-UpTime) to ensure proper operation of the SBC.

What makes it special?

• Tiny size – 3.5cm x 2.8cm. Mount: Pi-Zero, or other boards.
• UPS functionality via Li-Ion or Li-Polymer battery. Charges battery and provides Power at same time (Power Path).
• V-In: 4.6V to 5.5V, via micro-USB or solder points. 3.5A power adapter recommended. Power path to V-out when power is available.
• In-line TVS 5V clamp protects against power surges and ESD.
• Output: UPS 5V, 2.6A max, micro-USB and/or solder.
• Max charge current for battery 1.92A OR 500mA. 500mA when jumper on the bottom side is cut. 500mA charge current is recommended for Li-Polymer (flat) batteries. CC-CV charging with initial slow charge for depleted batteries.
• LED indicators for charge-in-process (yellow or Amber) Power on (Green) and UPS on (Blue).
• GPIO high (3.3V) when Power is on, low (0V) when Power is off. Use GPIO if the end device does not support I2C.
• On-board ADC provides Operating information (V-in, V-out, V-battery, board temperature). ADC information sent vis I2C.
• Sample Python code provided (for use with I2C). Please make sure the I2C pull up power (3.3V) is connected.
• Up to two different addresses supported for the I2C.
• Terminal block for battery connection. Use Li-Ion or Li-Polymer batteries.
• Provision for an On/Off switch. Use a SPST switch or remove the shunt provided to turn output power off.
• Full USB data and signal pass-through. Tiny UPS this sits in line with USB providing UPS power. Data can be accumulated via USB if your application requires full USB capability.
• CE, RoHS, REACH compliance

Some soldering required for alternate power (non-USB) connections as well as for posts to connect I2C or GPIO to indicate power failure. Sample Python code is the same as with Pi-Z-UpTime 2.0. Please download that sample code.