Project

USB-C Li-Ion Charger

Efficient, miniature power management with integrated boost conversion for 9V applications.

April 2025
PCB Design Power Management Boost Conversion SMD Assembly

The USB-C Li-Ion Charging PCB is an ultra-compact power solution designed to charge standard 3.7V lithium cells via USB-C while simultaneously providing a stable 9V DC output. This dual-functionality is achieved through a high-efficiency boost converter stage, making it perfect for powering sensors, small motors, or logic rails that require higher-than-battery voltages.

Optimized for minimalist footprints, the PCB includes essential hardware protections: ESD suppression on the USB-C data lines, active power-path management, and thermal current limiting. The layout was developed with a focus on heat dissipation and clean signal routing for high-frequency switching noise reduction.

This project demonstrates a deep understanding of power electronics density and high-precision PCB layout, serving as a modular building block for more complex embedded systems.

Who is this for?

This charging PCB is a good fit for anyone developing a small, battery-powered device who doesn't want to reinvent charging and voltage conversion from scratch each time. That includes makers and product developers who need to power sensors, small motors, or other electronics from a standard lithium cell while requiring a higher voltage than the battery itself provides. It's also a useful reference for anyone looking for a compact, ready-made building block to integrate into a larger embedded system.

What makes it special?

What makes it special is how much functionality is packed into such a small footprint: USB-C charging, voltage conversion to 9V, and a set of protections against static discharge, overheating, and incorrect current draw all fit on a minimal circuit board. The layout was also designed to dissipate heat effectively and keep switching noise low, showing just how much attention went into board-level precision even at this small scale.

Custom power solutions?

From high-efficiency chargers to advanced power distribution, I build specialized hardware for your project.

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