{"product_id":"micro-io-box-expansion-board-with-on-board-li-ion-battery-power","title":"micro: IO-BOX Expansion Board with On-board Li-ion Battery Power","description":"\u003ch2\u003emicro: IO-BOX Expansion Board with On-board Li-ion Battery Power\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrades: 3-6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumber of Students: 1-3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumber of Lessons: NA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHours of Content: NA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdditional Resources: \u003ca title=\"micro: IO-BOX Expansion Board with On-board Li-ion Battery Power\" href=\"https:\/\/wiki.dfrobot.com\/mbt0005\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eProduct Wiki\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighlights:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003emicro: IO-BOX is a\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.dfrobot.com\/product-1587.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003emicro:bit\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003emultifunctional expansion board designed for compact robotics and embedded control projects. The 6cm × 6cm controller expansion platform integrates motor driving, multiple IO ports, communication interfaces, and onboard power management into a single durable board. Integrated resources include a 2‑channel motor driver, 9 IO ports, dual I2C interfaces, a UART port, an onboard buzzer, and a rechargeable lithium battery compartment with charging circuitry. This compact robotics controller simplifies hardware wiring while providing a reliable development base for mobile robots, automation prototypes, and classroom experiments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCurriculum or Lesson Topics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIntegrated Multi‑Interface Expansion for micro:bit Systems\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis microcontroller expansion board consolidates essential robotics interfaces onto a single platform. A 2‑way motor driver supports small DC motors, while nine breakout IO pins allow direct connection of sensors and actuators. Additional communication interfaces include dual I2C ports and a dedicated UART interface for external modules. An onboard buzzer provides simple audio feedback for interactive applications. Such integrated resources transform a micro:bit controller into a complete robotics control hub suitable for rapid prototyping and educational builds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSafer Rechargeable Lithium Power Design\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe embedded power system uses a CR123A 3.6V rechargeable Li‑ion battery rated at 1000mA, selected after long‑term safety and reliability testing. Compared with larger 18650 cells commonly used in similar hardware, this compact battery type reduces potential safety risks while maintaining sufficient capacity for portable projects. Integrated protection circuits guard against short circuits and reverse polarity conditions, improving operational safety. The compact battery compartment also helps maintain the small footprint required for lightweight robotic platforms and classroom devices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStable Boost‑Buck Power Management for Motor Loads\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA high‑efficiency boost‑buck power management architecture stabilizes voltage delivery during demanding workloads. Motor start‑up currents can reach approximately 1A, creating challenges for small battery systems. The onboard power system is engineered to maintain stable operation under these conditions. Testing with two TT motors repeatedly switching direction demonstrates sustained operation for roughly 1.5 hours under heavy load conditions, while lighter robotics tasks can extend operating time beyond six hours on a single charge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eProtective Mechanical Design for Long‑Term Use\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dedicated outer protective cover increases durability and protects the electronics during frequent handling. The reinforced mechanical structure helps prevent accidental damage during robotics assembly, classroom experimentation, or student competitions. Careful hardware layout and protective design improve reliability for learning environments where equipment experiences frequent transport and repeated installation cycles. The robust structure ensures dependable performance in portable robots, STEM learning kits, and maker projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompact size, integrated power, and extensive IO connectivity make this robotics control board suitable for educational robots, mobile vehicle platforms, sensor experiments, and interactive maker projects. The expansion platform supports rapid prototyping for classroom laboratories, maker competitions, and STEM learning activities where reliable power management and simplified wiring accelerate hardware development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content Features\" id=\"Features\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupported Battery specification: CR123A Li-ion battery 1000mA (Battery of this type is on sale)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAverage Continuous Usage Time: 6h (actual time may differ depending on usage conditions)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExternal Power Supply: 3.7V~5V (Auxiliary 3 AA battery holder available)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCharging Interface: microUSB 5V, supports computer USB charging and cell phone charger\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupported Motor Voltage: 3V~6V\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content Applications\" id=\"Applications\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\"\u003eStandard Alignments:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eApplications\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003emicro:bit robotics vehicles and mobile robot platforms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSTEM education robotics kits and classroom experiments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSensor and actuator prototyping projects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInteractive maker and IoT hardware builds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudent engineering competitions and training platforms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat’s Included:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMicro: IO-BOX ×1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupply Voltage: 4.5-5.5V\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattery Type: CR123A 3.6V Rechargeable Li-ion Battery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower Switch: 1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCharging Current: 350mA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCharging Time: 2.5h\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDigital Output Voltage: 0V\/3.3V\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnalog Input Voltage: 0~3.3V DC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn-board Buzzer: 1-way (P0)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuzzer Switch: 1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMotor Interface: 2-way (I2C)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMicro: bit Interface: 9-way (P0, P1, P2, P8, P12, P13, P14, P15, P16)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI2C Interface: 2-way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUART Interface: 1-way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimension: 61×61mm\/2.40×2.40”\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePinout\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMicro: bit Interface: P0, P1, P2, P8, P12, P13, P14, P15, P16\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DFRobot","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50919620444407,"sku":"DFR-MBT0005","price":13.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0516\/9142\/1854\/files\/MBT0005_Main_01.jpg?v=1783529149","url":"https:\/\/stemfinity.com\/products\/micro-io-box-expansion-board-with-on-board-li-ion-battery-power","provider":"STEMfinity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}