ⓘ ACE design studio

Single-board computers—particularly Raspberry Pi models—are remarkably versatile, handling everything from home media streaming to sensor data logging and actuator control. In mission-critical applications, however, maintaining continuous operation during power drops or full outages is paramount. The  Pi-Ener-lite, currently listed on Tindie for $35, provides a compact uninterruptible power supply (UPS) specifically tailored for Raspberry Pi Zero boards.

A key advantage of the design is its reliance on a standard 18650 lithium-ion cell. While less common than standard AA batteries, 18650s are widely available from various brands. Neither the 18650 cell nor the required CR1220 coin cell is included in the package. The CR1220 powers an integrated DS1307 real-time clock (RTC), ensuring the Raspberry Pi Zero retains accurate time metadata even after a complete power cycle—a crucial feature for log files and scientific measurements.

Battery life naturally depends on system load, cell capacity, and boost-converter efficiency (stepping up 3.7V to 5V). As a baseline, a 12 Wh cell (3,200 mAh at 3.7V) powering a 1W workload yields roughly 11 hours of runtime. The board supports simultaneous charging and discharging (pass-through power) and connects directly to the Pi Zero via pogo pins, which handle both power transmission and data communication. Onboard LEDs provide quick visual feedback on current battery levels and operating status.

Editor of the original article: Silvio Werner - Senior Tech Writer - 17906 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2017

I have been active as a journalist for over 10 years, most of it in the field of technology. I worked for Tom’s Hardware and ComputerBase, among others, and have been working for Notebookcheck since 2017. My current focus is particularly on mini PCs and single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi – so in other words, compact systems with a lot of potential. In addition, I have a soft spot for all kinds of wearables, especially smartwatches. My main profession is as a laboratory engineer, which is why neither scientific contexts nor the interpretation of complex measurements are foreign to me.