August 27, 2020

Run the BBB from a battery

I was shocked to learn this, but the BBB has an onboard regulator that expects a 3.7 volt (nominal) Li-ion battery to be connected. It will pull a few 100 milliamps, but it will certainly work.

The TP5,6,7,8 pins are what you use, as per this article:

The battery goes to TP6,8. TP7 is for a temp sensor.

The article suggests a 10K from 7 to 8 to mimic a thermistor. Then jumper 5 to 6. But check the schematic. The TPS65217x PMIC does the magic and will even charge the cell.

Feedback? Questions? Drop me a line!

Tom's Computer Info / tom@mmto.org