FLIP Platform
A platform to create IOT devices for 12-48v battery systems.
Current State
Last updated: 23.04.25
First batch of 10 ordered
Found that LDO circuitry will not work
Ordered 10 switching buck PCBs based on LMR16020 IC
Ordered as a separate circuit for analysis before integrating into C3 circuitry - the LMR15030 (3a version) might find its way as a backback or an alternate part pick
Design should fit in same space as LDO circuitry and not drastically encroach on z-height.
Delivered 4/25 to VDBX mailbox in Oakland.
Design Philosophy
The FLIP platform is a set of standards between circuit designs with the intention of easy install within 12-48v lithium battery systems. It designed as a modular system to create IOT hardware for modern open-source automation systems. The platform will consist of mainboards which have processing and network capabilities and the modules which will provide or interface with switches, lighting, sensors, relays, dimmers, etc.
The mainboards should be able to power themselves and basic modules from the an on-board buck regulator. Additional power modules can be placed in parallel with the base moule built into the mainboard.
I2C should be considered a high-priority interconnect due to its capability for easy expansion and daisy-chaining. In as many situations as possible, modules should be able to function as either tethered I2C device or with a FLIP mainboard installed. A standalone device (mainboard with module) should be able to connect to it's mainboardless version of itself via the Qwiic & Stemma QT compatible connector. In some cases, smaller boards could stack infinitely, limited only by the available I2C addresses. We've currently coined these smaller boards as backpacks.
Power modules should be tolerant to 60v DC input which covers up to 16s Lifepo4 systems.
USB-C with 5v LDO regulator as alternate power input allows for alternate power options.
Standardized 2.54mm dual header layout between boards
Passthrough stacking pin/socket headers included
Stemma QT & Qwiic compatible SH 1.0 connectors
I2C & UART
Home Assistant as target platform
ESP32 for Wifi and Ethernet
ESPHome Firmware
EBYTE Modules for Zigbee (future)
PTVO Firmware
Thread (Future)
Future Products
Switch Panel (Unnamed)
PwrTool Family
Large main system shunt
Small Handheld coulometer with XT60, PP45, screw-in, etc. connection options
Branch Manager - Smart power distribution panel
8x High power p-channel mosfets
Lighting Director - PWM Mosfet controller for DC lighting devices.
Backpacks - should be the same size as the FLIP itself.
PWM mosfet 4x via direct connection to GPIO
RS485 to TTL for Solar Chargers
3A+ Switching power supply
16020 has a 16030 pin compatible 3A version but will require external component selection. Good for LED control board?
RGB Addressable LED control (with DC buck?)
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