Fuel Tank BoosterPack MK-II

This second generation of the Fuel Tank BoosterPack addresses most if all of the issues from the first generation of the Fuel Tank BoosterPack.  

As its predecessor, it supplies the LaunchPad with 3.3V and 5V with an impressive 1200 mAh capacity, especially when used with ultra-low power MSP430 and MSP432 MCUs.

The BoosterPack has one LED for charging. The LED for low power has been removed.

​There are two connectors, one for the LiPo battery and a micro-USB for recharge. The biggest improvement is the included massive switch.
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Contrary to the previous generation, the battery is below the board and components on top.
Front view. Old on left, new on right.
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Rear view. Old on left, new on right.
In normal use, the Fuel Tank BoosterPack is placed below the LaunchPad, leveraging the female connectors of the LaunchPad.

​The large switch provides an easy access to turn the circuit on and off.
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The BoosterPack includes four integrated circuits, very similar to the previous generation: 
  • a TPS63001 96% Buck-Boost Converter with 1.7A Current Switches, 3.3V fixed Output Voltage (unchanged),
  • a TPS63002 96% Buck-Boost Converter with 1.7A Current Switches, 5V fixed Output Voltage (unchanged),
  • a BQ24250 2A Single Input I²C / Standalone Switch-Mode Li-Ion Battery Charger (instead of the BQ24210), and
  • a BQ27441-G1 System-Side Impedance Track™ Battery Fuel (Gas) Gauge (instead of the BQ27520-G4).

​The library I've developed on Energia for the previous generation isn't compatible.

Pins Map

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Pros

  • Full package
  • Impressive 1200 mAh LiPo
  • Advanced power management
  • 3.3V and 5V

Cons

  • One single LED, for charging
  • Not compatible ICs

Wrap-Up

  • Impressive 1200 mAh
  • 3.3V and 5V
  • Large switch

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