SparkFun Forums

[Dutch2]

I'm thinking about using a 1000mAh Polymer Lithium Ion Battery to power a project.

The components on the board work down to 3.0V.

I can use a MIC5307 3V regulator that has a drop-out voltage of only 40mV at 100mA.

I looked at the data sheet for the battery and I don't see a real discharge curve except that it states that the "Discharge cut-off Voltage" is 2.75 V.

How usable would the battery be if I only use it down to ~3.1V? Would I leave a lot of capacity unused?

Thanks,

D2.

[RonnyM]

The Li Ion sheds most of it's energy down to about 3.5 volts. After that, the discharge is steep, and quick. You will lose very little reserve if you stop it at 3.1 volts.

[Dutch2]

Should the design include something that will prevent the unit from discharging the battery too far?

D2.

[NleahciM]

Should the design include something that will prevent the unit from discharging the battery too far?

D2.

Absolutely.