I am making a project which will capture readings from adafruit BME280 every 5 min and send the data to the computer running a python program. Components to be used as follows:
Arduino pro mini 3.3v micro-controller
adafruit BME280 sensor
xbee S2 standard module for serial connectivity to computer
I will be using sleep and other power saving techniques to have the project running on LiPO battery as long as possible.
My query: Whats the best way to power the project ? should I be using LiPO or something else ? Should I use stepup/down voltage regulators like those from POLOLU or directly power the pro mini board rom the battery ?
The Lipo is 3.0 to 4.2V.
The Pro Mini can be powered with 3.0 to 5.5V.
The BME280 up to 3.6V
The XBee S2... I don't know. What is the voltage range, and how much current is needed ?
That means that the Lipo can power the Arduino, even directly to VCC or via RAW.
RAW is before the voltage regulator, VCC is after the voltage regulator.
The BME280 can only have 3.6V. So the obvious choice is the battery to RAW, and run the Pro Mini ATmega328P and the BME280 both at 3.3V. If the battery gets empty close to 3.0V, they both will keep running.
Adafruit has also modules that combine battery charging and voltage converting.
You think stepup/stepdown voltage regulators are better option since they will keep voltage constant over the lifeime of battery ?