Solar + LiPo power

icuhamW9

I’m checking out the nRF9160 Feather for a solar powered application charging a LiPo. We have a 6V Panel with Voc of 10.97V. It looks like the PMIC is an STBC08 with absolute max Vin of 10V. It’s so close that I’m considering a zener to limit to 10V and a schottky as essentially a blocking diode. Is this going to work? Has there been some experimentation on this already? Maybe a known set up working with the nRF9160 Feather?

jaredwolff

Hi @icuhamW9

Newer versions have the MCP73830/L which only has a VIN limit up to 6 V. In general I wouldn’t recommend a higher variable voltage into the input of the charger. You may have to regulate it yourself beforehand.