LattePanda 18650 UPS Expansion Board
Overview
The LattePanda 18650 UPS Expansion Board is a dedicated Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) module designed specifically for the LattePanda Iota. Featuring a plug-and-play design with zero programming or driver installation required, it leverages the standard HID-UPS protocol to be natively recognized by Windows as a battery-powered device, enabling seamless power-loss protection and laptop-like power management.
⚠️ Important Notes
- Integrated battery protection IC supports flat-top 18650 cells.
- Batteries NOT included due to shipping regulations.
- Windows 10 / 11 ONLY supported.
- Compatible ONLY with LattePanda Iota.
Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Charging Inputs | USB Type-C (PD 20V) DC Jack: 5.5×2.5mm (center-positive), 12–24V |
| Minimum Power Requirement | ≥36W |
| Battery Configuration | 3× 3.7V 18650 Li-ion cells (series) |
| Max Charging Current | 1A |
| Quiescent Current (Standby) | ~30μA |
| Board Output Interface | MX1.25 10-Pin (to LattePanda) |
| Compatible OS | Windows 10 / 11 |
| Compatible Boards | LattePanda Iota |
| Dimensions | 88 × 70 mm |
Key Features
✅ Plug-and-Play
- Uses standard HID-UPS protocol — no drivers needed.
- Windows natively displays battery status in taskbar.
- Enables automatic power-saving actions and graceful shutdown during power loss.
🔋 Smart Low-Power Standby
- Automatically enters ultra-low-power mode (~30μA) after LattePanda shuts down.
- Ideal for long-term storage without battery drain.
⚙️ Hardware Power Management (DIP Switch)
Configure power behavior via onboard 3-way DIP switch — no software required:
| Switch | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SW1: Auto Boot | Auto Power-On | OFF (default): Manual power-on required ON: Powers on automatically when external power is connected |
| SW2: Safe OFF | Safe Shutdown | OFF (default): Continues powering during outage ON: Triggers safe OS shutdown during power loss |
| SW3: CHG | Charge Limit | 80%CHG (default): Charges to 80% (extends battery life) Full CHG: Charges to 100% |
🔌 High Efficiency & Extended Runtime
- No buck-boost conversion — minimal energy loss.
- Up to 8 hours runtime with 3× 3500mAh 18650 cells.
🌐 Ideal Applications
- Portable edge computing devices
- Mobile robotics
- Embedded systems requiring power-fail protection
- Any application needing reliable, efficient backup power
Connector Introduction
| Label | Interface | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | USB Type-C (Input) | Connect PD adapter (≥36W) to charge batteries and power the board |
| 2 | DC Jack (Input) | 5.5×2.5mm (center-positive), 12–24V input. Use adapter ≥36W |
| 3 | MX1.25 10-Pin (Output) | Connect to LattePanda via included cable. Delivers power and communication |
| 4 | Battery Voltage Output (Screw Terminal) | Outputs series voltage of 3× 18650 cells (~11.1V) for external devices |
| 5 | Charging Status LED Pads | Solder points for external LED (for custom enclosures) |
| 6 | Battery Status LED | Red: Charging Green: Fully charged Blue: Discharging |
| 7 | DIP Switch | 3-way hardware switch for Auto Boot, Safe Shutdown, and Charging Limit |
⚠️ Note: Use either USB Type-C or DC input, not both simultaneously.
Hardware Setup
Required Components
- LattePanda 18650 UPS Expansion Board ×1
- 10-Pin Cable ×1 (included)
- 3.7V 18650 Li-ion Battery ×3 (not included)
- LattePanda Iota ×1 (not included)
- Type-C PD or DC Power Adapter (≥36W) ×1 (not included)
Installation Steps
-
Power Off
Disconnect all power from the LattePanda. -
Install Batteries
Insert three 3.7V 18650 batteries into the slots (observe polarity).Use high-quality cells (≥3000mAh recommended).
-
Connect to LattePanda
Attach the 10-pin cable between the UPS board and LattePanda.Align the notch on the cable with the socket groove (foolproof design).
-
Power On & Activate
- Verify all connections (polarity and cable seating).
- On first use: Connect external power via Type-C or DC input to activate the board.
- Press the LattePanda power button. The UPS and board LEDs should illuminate.
-
Check System Power Status
- In Windows, the taskbar will show a battery icon with real-time charge level.
- A lightning bolt (⚡) indicates charging when external power is connected.
✅ Critical: Always connect external power directly to the UPS board, not to the LattePanda itself, to ensure UPS functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why are batteries not included?
A: Due to international shipping regulations for lithium batteries, they cannot be shipped with the device.
Q: Is Linux or macOS supported?
A: No. Only Windows 10/11 natively supports the HID-UPS protocol. Other OSes cannot detect battery status.
Q: How can I extend battery lifespan?
A: Set DIP switch SW3 to 80%CHG mode to limit charging to 80%, reducing long-term battery stress.
Q: Can I power external devices from this board?
A: Yes. The screw terminal provides ~11.1V output from the 3-cell series. Ensure external load current is within safe limits.
