This might look like a very ordinary cheapo single cell power bank, but it's got a very neat chip inside that is well worth exploring.
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13 thoughts on “Unusual usb power bank control chip.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mushtaq obaray says:

    Liked the video, quite interesting indeed, can this module be used to revive 0 Volts, completely dead cell, fully discharged ones, lying dormant cells for very long time, over discharged cells so on and so forth. ????.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Liam says:

    Surprising amount of design effort for a low cost chip.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DoctorX17 says:

    The spring-loading is super cool! I've gotten a number of power banks that are the same aluminum housing, but the cells are soldered or welded in — nice thing about that design is you could have a few single 18650 cells in plastic cases that you could swap out, rather than having the cost of many of those banks

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars paintballgod33 says:

    Hi. I bought a bunch of these at a discount store today. I've had one charging for quite a while now. It's flashing red. A few questions if anyone can help.
    How long does it take to charge?
    Is the first charge the longest?
    Does it stop flashing when it's charged?

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars German_byte says:

    Thanks for another informative video. I have a very similar looking device but with a different chip – an MP3401A.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars albert hall says:

    I have three of these but they use a chip marked SY3501D but they seem to be the same functionality as the teardown.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 4l3k says:

    I had this exact powerbank, but in blue (18650 included) and i took it apart myself, and when i realized it was based on one, i started using it kinda like a 18650 charger haha. It really came in cluch when i needed it then.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dave says:

    Add a cap and low forward voltage diode on the output for maintaining voltage during the 'drop' period? (Diode being so the cap doesn't cause the chip to think it is being charged due to maintained 5v on circuit).

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gabriel V. says:

    That's cool

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kim Sleep says:

    Some little Asian guy was trying really hard to impress his supervisor with this design!

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Redfernroses says:

    How do I know when it’s done charging???

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars LizardRancher says:

    had (what looks like) this exact power bank years ago but I got it at Big Lots here in the US. very interesting to see the teardown

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Todologic says:

    Interesting. I have, in fact, experienced the "low current" standby mode. And I am trying to disable it somehow. I need to connect some powerbanks to low current leds for lighting mobile objects (that can not be wired, except for charging), and with extremely low power LEDS (like 5 3058 LEDS). But I am having these 2 problems: 1) When connected to the powerbank, I have to press a button in the powerbank to turn them on (I can connect this button to the main On/OF switch I guess, so this is the least of the problems) and 2) They do, indeed, shut off after a while.

    Have you, by any chance, discovered how to prevent this from happening without increasing the needed current in your own PCB? (I want the battery to last as long as possible).

    Thanks!

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