Hookup Guide
Schematic
Datasheet (MCP73831T-2A)
E-Sewing BasicsProduct Overview
The LilyPad Simple Power is a simple e-textile board with a 500mA charge rate that lets you connect to and charge a LiPo battery and switch it on or off. That's it! We provide a JST connector and a slide switch; you supply the battery and sewing skills! With this LilyPad Simple Power, you should find no trouble in adding a bit of power to your next wearable circuit.
The LilyPad Simple Power board offers flexibility: it can accommodate a rechargeable battery or a micro USB cable attached to a wall adapter for LilyPad projects without a built-in battery connector.
Convenient Power Control
Managing power in wearable projects is often an afterthought and can lead to drained batteries and complicated wiring layouts. We've solved that by equipping the LilyPad Simple Power with a small DPDT slide switch installed directly in-line with the power output. Because it uses the exact same switch found on the standalone LilyPad Slide Switch board, it provides a tactile click that's difficult to accidentally toggle on or off while moving or wearing your garment.
Sewable E-Textile Design
LilyPad is a wearable e-textile technology developed by Leah Buechley and cooperatively designed by Leah and SparkFun. To ensure these components integrate seamlessly into your wardrobe (no pun intended), the LilyPad Simple Power relies on some specific hardware choices:
- Sewable Tabs: The LilyPad Simple Power features six large connecting pads (only two of which are conductive) that allow you to stitch them directly into fabric using conductive thread.
- Low-Profile Build: At just over the size of a U.S. quarter dollar, this board lays perfectly flat against or inside of your garments.
- Washable Hardware: Built to survive real-world use, your finished clothing can be carefully washed without ruining the electronics. Just detach the battery first. Alright?
By combining an integrated JST connector for a single-cell LiPo battery (not included) with a dedicated slide switch, this power board gives your wearable projects a reliable, rechargeable power source. Just sew the positive and negative terminals directly to your sensors or LEDs, and you have a complete circuit ready to bring your custom clothing designs to life.
