Single Cell LiPo Battery Care

Contributors:

JST-PH Connectors

Typically, single cell LiPo batteries are terminated with a two pin JST-PH female connector. These are polarized connectors with pin 1 as +VBATT (red wire) and pin 2 connected to ground (black wire). These mate with the two pin JST-PH male connector (shroud).

⚡ Danger: Always double check the orientation of the power and ground wires on the battery, depending on the manufacturer they may be reversed!!! All single cell LiPo batteries in the yellow/silver packs carried by SparkFun and SparkFun original boards use this standard configuration.

JST-PH Connector Locking Tabs

If you look closely at the JST female connector, there are two locking tabs on the top of the connector for a secure connection. However, this can make it hard for anyone that wants to unplug and replug the battery back into the board. After a few inserts and removals, the locking tabs on the JST connector will wear down slightly to the point that you will be able to remove the connector by hand.

⚡ Danger: Certain ecosystems use a JST connector for power as well. One example is the micro:bit. Note that the input voltage for the connector is different: it is typically around 3V and is intended to be used with 2xAA batteries. The battery chemistry is different for the AA batteries (usually alkaline with a nominal voltage of about 1.5V). Make sure to not connect the LiPo battery directly to the micro:bit's JST connector unless you have a regulated voltage.