Ant2 is a tiny USB-C LiPo charger, measuring just 16 x 9 mm in footprint, barely larger than the USB Type-C connector itself. It is the smallest charger in it’s category. Ant2 can be used to add USB-C power and battery charging support to your space-constrained prototypes and projects. The tiny size also makes it easier to retrofit the USB-C power into your older projects.

Reduced Thermal Throttling

Ant2 uses a popular Microchip MCP73831 in a DFN package, which reduces thermal throttling. The more common SOT-23-5 package has a thermal performance about three times worse than that of DFN. Thermal throttling increases the charging time because of the reduced charging current. By improving the thermal performance we are reducing the risk of increased charging time.

Convenient Mounting

Despite its tiny size, Ant2 can be mounted using regular M3 or M2.5 screws. Two half-cut mounting holes on each side provide a compact, but still reliable mounting.

Features & Specifications

• Charging current: 500 mA/100 mA
• Charging voltage: 4.20 V
• Status indication:
  • Red - charging
  • Green - charged
• Size: 16 x 9 x 6 mm
• Charge controller: Microchip MCP73831 in a better performing DFN package
• Connector: High-quality USB Type-C connector from Japan Aviation Electronics - JAE DX07S016JA1R1500

Comparisons

Support & Documentation

Ant2 is a tiny open source project, with design files on GitHub.

Manufacturing Plan

The PCB fabrication and assembly will be handled by a contract manufacturer in China, which has been previously used in other projects. The quality control and testing will be carried out at our own facilities in Sweden.

Fulfillment & Logistics

We will be relying on Mouser Electronics, Crowd Supply’s fulfillment partner, to handle the global shipment of devices to backers. For more information about shipping, please see Crowd Supply’s Ordering, Paying, and Shipping guide.

Risks & Challenges

The product has been produced and tested in a small quantity. The mains risks are:

• Inability to source the components

  The product doesn’t use any special purpose components and they are available at multiple distributors. However, the risk of delayed delivery to backers due to a shortage of components is still a possibility.

• Delays in manufacturing

  The manufacturer that we are using has proven to be reliable. Nevertheless, by outsourcing the manufacturing, we have less control over the outcome. In case there are any problems with our current manufacturer, we have the possibility to use a local manufacturer instead.

• Delays in shipping

  Unforeseen delays in shipping can occur mostly due to the COVID-19. We will do our best to select the carrier and shipping method with the least risk of delays.