Balancer 4 Click is a compact add-on board optimized for overvoltage protection balancing the voltage of serially connected batteries. This board features the MP2672A, a highly integrated, flexible switch-mode battery charger for Lithium-Ion batteries with two cells in series from Monolithic Power Systems (MPS). The MP2672A has a narrow voltage DC (NVDC) power structure and monitors the voltage across each cell, equalizing the cell’s voltages if the difference between the two cells exceeds the mismatch threshold. It also has two selective operating modes with configurable output current up to 2A via register setting via I2C serial interface, alongside selectable MP2672A power supply, LED indication, and protection features allowing a reliable operation. This Click board™ is applicable for a wide range of portable applications, Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, general two-cell applications, and more.

Balancer 4 Click as its foundation uses the MP2672A, a highly integrated and flexible switch-mode battery charger for two-cell Lithium-Ion batteries in series from Monolithic Power Systems (MPS). The MP2672A features a cell balance function that monitors the voltage across each cell and equalizes them if the difference exceeds the mismatch threshold. It features up to 2A of programmable charge current for batteries with two cells in series, alongside protections like battery temperature monitoring, programmable charging safety timer protection, JEITA-compliant battery NTC monitoring, cell over-voltage protection (OVP), thermal regulation, and thermal shutdown.

The MP2672A has a narrow voltage DC (NVDC) power structure. It automatically detects the battery voltage and charges it in three phases: pre-charge, constant current, and voltage charge. With a deeply discharged battery, the MP2672A regulates the system output to a minimum voltage level, which powers the system instantly while simultaneously charging the battery via integrated FET. It also offers flexible new charging cycle initiation compatible with Standalone mode and Host-control mode of operation selectable through an onboard switch labeled as HOST SEL.

Diverse and robust protections include a thermal regulation loop to decrease the charge current in case the junction temperature exceeds the thermal loop threshold and battery temperature protection compliant with JEITA standards. Other safety features include input over-voltage protection (OVP), battery OVP, thermal shutdown, battery temperature monitoring, and a configurable backup timer to prevent prolonged charging of a dead battery.

Balancer 4 Click communicates with MCU using the standard I2C 2-Wire interface to read data and configure settings, supporting a Standard Mode operation up to 100kHz. It also has two LED indicators, red and green, marked with CHARGE and POWER, which can visually show the existence of a valid power supply to the MP2672A and the active status of the battery charging process. Also, an NTC function is available for temperature-qualified charging, where the MP2672A continuously monitors the battery’s temperature by measuring the voltage on the onboard NTC header pins.

This Click board™ can operate with both 3.3V and 5V logic voltage levels selected via the VCC SEL jumper. It allows both 3.3V and 5V capable MCUs to use the communication lines properly. Additionally, there is a possibility for the MP2672A power supply selection via jumper labeled as VIN SEL to supply the MP2672A from an external power supply terminal in the range from 4V to 5.75V or with 5V voltage level from mikroBUS™ power rail. However, the Click board™ comes equipped with a library containing easy-to-use functions and an example code that can be used, as a reference, for further development.

• Interface: I²C
• Compatibility: mikroBUS™
• Dimensions: 57.15 x 25.4mm
• Input Voltage: 3.3V or 5V, External
• Supply Voltage: Min. 3.3V, Max. 5V
• External Supply Voltage VIN: Min. 4V, Max. 5.75V
• Battery Pack Voltage: 9V
• Output Current: 2A
• Operating Temperature Range: Min. -40°C, Typ. +25°C, Max. +120°C

• Schematic
• MP2672A Datasheet
• mikroSDK
• LibStock