The X-150 is a compact module designed for use with a single (1S) Li-Ion or Li-Po cell, or multiple cells connected in parallel.
At its core, the module uses the IP5306 power management chip, a robust solution for efficient power regulation both for charging and for discharging.
Numerous breakout boards from various vendors exist that are all built around this chip (or its Chinese clones, such as the FM5324GA). These boards share many similarities, as the IP5306 largely defines their behavior.
That’s why it is essential that you consult this comprehensive guide on the IP5306 first before you move on to this article which focuses exclusively on the specific details and nuances of the X-150 breakout board.
Overview
This 20x25mm module integrates all necessary components for building power banks, portable chargers, or adding battery support to USB/5V devices.
Separate Input and Output Connectors
Because of the IP5306 specific power path management, the module uses separate USB connectors for input (charging) and output (power supply):
- USB-C Input: Pre-soldered USB-C connector exclusively for input. It cannot supply power to USB devices.
- USB-A Output: Optional USB-A connector for output, supplying power to USB devices. Alternatively, dedicated 5V solder pads allow permanent connections to a development board, LED strip, or additional USB connectors in various formats.
Output Connector
On the backside of the board, a USB-A connector can be mounted if you want to supply power to USB devices. Often, such a connector is included with the board:
If you want to use this module to permanently power one specific device, i.e. a microcontroller development board, you do not need the bulky USB-A connector. Instead, use two solder pads marked 5V on the front side that supply 5V 2.1A.
Understanding Power Output Paths
This module can either charge the battery or supply power. It cannot do both at the same time. Regardless, you can draw power while charging. How does that work?
The chip’s power path management uses the battery and boost converter to provide battery power when no external power is connected (no charging).
Once you connect a USB-C power supply, the boost converter is turned off, and charging begins. The power output will still continue to deliver power, however now this power is taken from the USB-C power supply.
This has a number of consequences you should know and consider:
- High Input Power Requirements: the chip charges the battery with up to 2.4A (10.5W) while simultaneously providing up to 5V 2.1A (10.5W) to the power output. During charging, both is powered by the USB-C input. The combined output power is 21W. Your USB-C power supply must be capable of delivering up to 22W/4.5A at 5V.
- Short Interruption: the chip needs to switch power paths once a USB-C power source is added or removed. Plugging in or unplugging the USB-C cable may therefore cause a brief power interruption, potentially rebooting connected microcontroller boards. Adding a sufficiently large capacitor to the power input can mitigate this issue.
Push Button
An optional push button can be connected to the K and GND solder pads with a 10kΩ resistor in series.
The button allows manual control of the power supply:
- Short press (>30ms but <2s): Turns on indicator LEDs and enables power output.
- Double short press: Turns off indicator LEDs and disables power output.
Torch LED
A torch LED can be connected in parallel to the push button using a 100Ω series resistor. The push button can then turn the LED on and off with a double short press. The torch LED is designed to draw approximately 25mA.
When the push button is using a 2KΩ series resistor instead of a 10KΩ series resistor, the torch feature is disabled, and a long press is without function.
Charging Mode
The charger activates automatically when a power supply is connected to the USB-C port, charging the battery at up to 2.4A. It requires a 5V 2A input. For detailed charging specifications, refer to the IP5306 documentation.
By default, the charging cut-off voltage is set to 4.2V, which is suitable for most Li-Ion and Li-Po batteries. Near the 100% mark on the built-in indicator LEDs, there are two tiny solder pads. Bridging these pads raises the cut-off voltage to 4.35V.
Change the solder bridge only when all power sources (including the battery) are disconnected. Using 4.35V requires a battery that supports this voltage. Standard batteries will cap at 4.2V and can be damaged by higher voltages.
Supplying Power
The module provides 5V at up to 2A via the USB-A connector or 5V solder pads. Advanced quick-charge protocols are not supported.
Four blue SMD LEDs display charging status and battery state of charge in 25% increments. When the battery’s state of charge drops below 3%, one LED starts to blink. If the battery voltage drops below 2.8-2.9V, the over-discharge protection cuts off power.
If the load is very light (<45mA) for more than 32s, the automatic load removal detection will cut off power.
During charging, the load is powered directly from the input supply, not the battery. This behavior only applies to battery operation. While charging, the load remains powered regardless of the battery status.
Manual Mode
Manual mode allows direct control of the (battery-powered) output via the optional push button:
- Short press: Manually enters Standby mode and turns power output on.
- Double short press: Exits Standby mode and stops power output.
When the module is charging, the buttons have no effect, and the load remains powered.
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(content created Jan 11, 2025 - last updated Jan 15, 2025)