Hi,
I am using this unit and have been testing it with the standard supplied PCB type antenna.
I think there are better solutions available than this.
can anyone share with me any information on their experience on other manufacturers?
I plan to make some sensors which will be mounted in a small cigarette pack sized box for outdoor use.
Would welcome any advice you have to share.
Also I plan to use a solar cell to power the unit to charge up the battery.
I have a cell that can produce 5.5 to 6.5v.
I am unsure on where I can introduce this into the unit power so that it charges the LiPo battery.
I have looked at the schematic of the power circuit but done think there is an easy solution....apart from making a low power DC/DC to set down to 5V bus.
Any suggestions?
Bijan
Applying power to VIN should do it. That pin connects to the input of the BQ24195 PMIC. Note, the BQ24195 chip itself is rated to 17V DC input. However, there is a FET (Q2) connected to that pin as well and the absolute maximum rating on that FET is only 12V. You want to be safely below the absolute maximum rating of the FET.
So, if you keep of open circuit voltage of your solar cell at or below the 6.5V you mentioned above, you should be ok. The LED connected to that pin will be a bit bright. I do not know the part number for the LED so not sure what the max current rating is. LED's are usually good to about 20mA forward current. So, at 6.5V input, 2V across the LED should be about 12mA forward current. Note, this LED is always on so it will be a constant current draw from your solar cell. You could remove the LED.
Hi @bmohandes,
were you able to address your query, please share your learning as ai am also looking for the solution for the same issue.