Sparkfun sells many different Li-ion batteries, some with active protection (over-charge, over-discharge, etc.) and some without (like the 18650, which is what I’m interested in). Sparkfun also sells several different Li-ion charger modules. Will any charger work with any battery regardless of protection? Do some work better with unprotected batteries and some work better with protected batteries? (I realize there’s a whole different set of issues regarding multi-cell batteries. I’m only concerned with single cells here.) Thanks.
Our chargers that aren’t labeled explicitly to work with Li-ion may not work. However, you’ll want to double check the charging profile of the chargers (as per the datasheets) and compare it to the recommended charging profiles for the batteries to ensure that the charge cycle will work and not create complications. We do have one product listed as compatible for the 18650, but please research before using:
I was specifically concerned with whether the protection circuitry on the battery affects what chargers are appropriate or how to use them. The charger you mentioned (12711) doesn’t mention the unprotected 18650 anywhere that I can find. Indeed, its hookup guide only shows examples of using a protected battery (with the JST connector and Kapton covered circuit board). My concern is that the protection circuitry would give a false reading to the charger IC and cause it to do a sub-optimal charge cycle. Or worse, maybe the charger modules use a more aggressive charge profile to compensate for the fact that the protection circuitry is in the way, which might damage an unprotected battery.