I want to run my XIAO via the battery pads. My design calls for using a 12V battery (it will power two XIAOs and a 12V motor. This system will be at a remote location so the battery will of necessity be recharged via solar panels. I will use a buck converter to drop the 12V to voltage that the XIAO expects. But I need to know what the voltage requirements of the battery pad are. The documentation states a 3.7 lithium battery, but can the pads accept another higher voltage? Or can I use the USB port with a 12V power source or better to use buck converter to drop voltage to 5V.
- The battery pad on the back can only connect to a 3.7V LiPo rechargeable battery.
- Do not connect any power source other than 5V to the USB connector or 5V pin. Please step down 12V externally to 5V before connecting.
- It is also possible to step down to 3.3V and supply it from the 3V3 pin.
- Details can be confirmed in the circuit diagram.
Thanks msfujino. Sorta what I expected but I was hoping that my ideas might work.
OK. So it looks like I have to find another way to power it. What if I build a usb power cable that pulls 5V from a buck converter that drops the 12V from the battery down to 5V. Then I could use another buck to drop voltage to 3.3V for the DHT22 sensor. The other sensor, a capacitive moisture sensor can use 5V from the buck. I have tried to power my SEEED from the 5V pin as some have suggested, but so far that has never worked for me. So it looks like the only alternative is to put 5V on the USB bus in some manner. That brings up another problem, without destroying a USB cable where can I get a male USB connector that I can use to plug into the SEEED. I may have to cut one of my cables, or use a USB A to USB C adapter and use an old A cable.
Any and all ideas appreciated.
Let me know a link to the sensor board you plan to use. The XIAO port can only connect 3.3V signals.
USB cables designed for charging purposes only, without signal lines, are available.
I have tried to power my SEEED from the 5V pin as some have suggested, but so far that has never worked for me.
What specific issues did you encounter?
It would not power up with a 5V connection to a 5V power source. Is that what you mean?