Inkplate 6PLUS battery removal on newer boards

TECHNICAL SUPPORT Inkplate
1

Customer:

I have a question about the battery solution of the Inkplate 6PLUS epaper display. I have older boards that still have the connector for a lithium battery and the corresponding charger MOSFET (SSM3J356R, LF). I also have newer versions of the 6PLUS board that don’t include these components for a lithium battery anymore.

Why was the decision made to remove these components on the newer boards? Is there any downside when powering the 6PLUS display via USB-C compared to lithium battery? Is it intended to be used with powerbank batteries via USB-C?

Originally submitted via email support on 30 August 2024. Migrated to the forum for community visibility.

2

Soldered Support:

The newer boards are marked USB Only. The battery is removed because the ePaper panels sourced for new production of 6PLUS devices behave badly when powered only via battery. This was a discrepancy between the datasheet and actual features of the device, and the USB power only version was the best way to address it.

A new version called the 6FLICK exists with the same features as Inkplate 6PLUS.

You can still technically power the 6PLUS via battery through USB-C, such as with a power bank.