# AQEX qUPS-P-BC-2.0 multichem UPS HAT for the Pi

AQEX qUPS-P-BC is the multichem UPS HAT for Raspberry Pi for hours of extended runtime. It supports Li-Ion/LiFePO4 & Sodium batteries!

- **Seller:** [AQEX world](https://lectronz.com/stores/aqex), Györ, GYMS, Hungary
- **Price:** €49.80 (EUR, before shipping and taxes)
- **Availability:** In stock
- **Categories:** Power management, Home automation, Raspberry Pi
- **Product page:** https://lectronz.com/products/aqex-qups-p-bc-20-multichem-ups-hat-for-the-pi

## Options

**Battery**

- Without battery
- With 3.2V 4Ah LiFePo4 battery and holder [Add €13.80]
- With 3.0V 3.2Ah Sodium battery and holder [Add €20.50]

## Links

- [Documentation](https://www.aqex.eu/qups-p-bc-raspberry-pi-ups-hat-with-battery.html)
- [Code](https://github.com/aqexhu/qups-guard/tree/main)

## Images

![AQEX qUPS-P-BC-2.0 multichem UPS HAT for the Pi](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDQwNTEsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--fcee0ad2f4648816b1df7fcda79960f768fbbde2/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJwbmciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--605f1da017bcbb03ce31845cd0e81d97e3b3c574/2025-12-01T10-3A14-3A44.441Z-qUPS-P-BC-v20_side.png)
![AQEX qUPS-P-BC-2.0 multichem UPS HAT for the Pi](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDQwNTIsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--1b9d3ba95abad2960252d12be2329cbd75d4be3b/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2025-12-01T09-3A34-3A18.206Z-IMG_20250207_130856.jpg)
![AQEX qUPS-P-BC-2.0 multichem UPS HAT for the Pi](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDQwNTMsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--096d999aa5dd25d996d648b53a81ad1f754b20f4/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2025-12-01T09-3A34-3A18.206Z-IMG_20250207_130754.jpg)
![AQEX qUPS-P-BC-2.0 multichem UPS HAT for the Pi](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDQwNTQsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--54727b7280870f5f8f0c64d305440e495f6566a1/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--970c165836a83091725a1a0fd4f37ce9408da1bf/2025-12-01T09-3A34-3A18.206Z-IMG_20250207_130816.jpg)
![AQEX qUPS-P-BC-2.0 multichem UPS HAT for the Pi](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDQwNTUsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--5de826ad5714050dd14e593acdfa6cdfef271316/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJwbmciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--605f1da017bcbb03ce31845cd0e81d97e3b3c574/2025-12-01T10-3A14-3A44.441Z-qUPS-P-BC_v20_assembled.png)
![AQEX qUPS-P-BC-2.0 multichem UPS HAT for the Pi](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDQwNTYsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--8ecbe3972d99a2af4420067500cf2ffc200ddb18/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJwbmciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--605f1da017bcbb03ce31845cd0e81d97e3b3c574/2025-12-01T10-3A14-3A44.441Z-qUPS-P-BC-2.0_lifepo4_1.png)

## Description

#### What is it?
The qUPS-P-BC is the reliable battery-powered UPS HAT that delivers when you need more than just a quick backup. Choose from a range of Li-Ion, LiFePo4, and Sodium-Ion options to ensure your Raspberry Pi project stays on for hours, not just minutes.

#### Why did you make it?
To create a UPS solution for Raspberry Pi or compatible product, which has long operation time and wide range of battery technology support. Battery should be installed and replaced easily. Capable of powering the system with 12V or 24V power source.

#### What makes it special?
Flexible and easy to use UPS for future proof and sustainable solutions. It can handle present and future battery chemistries and can be attached projects, which require customization.

### Smart Battery-Buffered UPS HAT for Raspberry Pi
**Official Product Page:** [https://aqex.eu/qups-p-bc-raspberry-pi-ups-hat-with-battery.html](https://aqex.eu/qups-p-bc-raspberry-pi-ups-hat-with-battery.html)


## 1. Product Concept & Strategic Advantages
The **qUPS-P-BC** is a professional-grade uninterruptible power supply designed to provide extended backup runtimes for Raspberry Pi and other 5V DC devices. Unlike supercapacitor-based solutions, the battery-buffered topology of the qUPS-P-BC allows for hours or even days of operation during a power outage, depending on the connected battery capacity.

Key strategic advantages include:
* **Multi-Chemistry Support:** Native compatibility with Li-ion, Li-Po, LiFePo4, and Sodium-ion batteries.
* **Intelligent AUTO Mode:** Features "Safe-Start" logic that only powers the Pi when sufficient energy is available for a complete boot and safe shutdown cycle.
* **Industrial Input Range:** Supports high-voltage external input (up to 28V) via industrial terminals.
* **Deep Discharge Protection:** Integrated safety circuits prevent battery damage by disconnecting the load at critical voltage levels.


## 2. Comprehensive Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Value | Condition / Detailed Notes |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Input Voltage (USB-C)** | 5.0V – 5.2V | Standard 5V PSU (min. 3A recommended) |
| **Input Voltage (Terminal)** | **5.2V – 28.0V DC** | Polarity protected industrial input |
| **Output Voltage** | 5.0V – 5.2V DC | Directly follows Pi power specifications |
| **Max Continuous Load** | 3.5A (17.5W) | Optimized for RPi 4 and RPi 5 |
| **Max Battery Discharge** | **7.5A** | Maximum current drawn from the battery |
| **Charging Current** | 1A or 2A | User-selectable via DIP switch |
| **Switchover Time** | 100 – 300 μs | Near-instantaneous seamless transition |


> **Design Note:** The **Offline topology** ensures almost zero power loss and heat generation during standard operation. A momentary (<1ms) voltage transient occurs during power failure; however, the Raspberry Pi's internal regulation easily filters this, ensuring zero system instability or reboot.


## 3. Supported Battery Technologies & Charging
| Battery Type | Nominal Range | Charging Temp. Range |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Li-Ion / Li-Po** | 3.0V – 4.2V | 0°C to +40°C |
| **LiFePo4** | 2.5V – 3.6V | -20°C to +60°C |
| **Sodium-ion** | 1.8V – 4.0V | -30°C to +60°C |

> **Design Note:** For industrial environments or extreme temperatures, **LiFePo4** or **Sodium-ion** chemistry is highly recommended due to superior thermal stability.


## 4. GPIO Communication & DIP Switch Setup
The qUPS-P-BC features a flexible **GPIO Bank Selection** system via onboard **GT1-GT2 DIP switches** to prevent hardware conflicts with other HATs.

| GT1 Switch | GT2 Switch | Power Good (PFO) | Battery Limit (LIM) | Shutdown (SHD) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **OFF** | **OFF** | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| **ON** | **OFF** | **GPIO 17** (Pin 11) | **GPIO 27** (Pin 13) | **GPIO 22** (Pin 15) |
| **OFF** | **ON** | **GPIO 23** (Pin 16) | **GPIO 24** (Pin 18) | **GPIO 25** (Pin 22) |
| **ON** | **ON** | **GPIO 5** (Pin 29) | **GPIO 6** (Pin 31) | **GPIO 26** (Pin 37) |

* **PFO (Power Fail Out):** HIGH = External Power OK / LOW = Backup Mode active.
* **LIM (Limit):** Signals that the battery has reached the "Safe" threshold (Yellow LED).
* **SHD (Shutdown):** Handshake signal. Pull LOW after OS halt to cut output power.

---

## 5. Visual Diagnostics (LED Group)
| LED | Color | Status / Meaning |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **External Power** | **Green** | Primary power source detected on input. |
| **Bad Polarity** | **Red** | **CRITICAL:** Battery connected with reverse polarity! |
| **Max** | Green | Battery fully charged. |
| **Min** | Green | Sufficient energy for Boot + Shutdown cycle. |
| **Safe** | Yellow | Critical threshold; initiate OS shutdown. |
| **Low** | Red | **Battery depleted.** Power-off is imminent. |

---

## 6. Intelligent Power Management (IPM)
* **Safe-Start Logic:** In AUTO mode, the Pi only boots when the "Min" threshold is reached.
* **Anti-Reboot Loop:** Prevents "zombie" restart cycles during brownouts.
* **Threshold Tuning:** A precision potentiometer allows manual calibration of the power-fail detection level to compensate for voltage drops in long cables.


## 7. Estimated Runtimes (4000mAh LiFePo4)
| Raspberry Pi Model | No Load [min] | 50% Load [min] | 100% Load [min] |
| :--- | :---: | :---: | :---: |
| Raspberry Pi 2 | 530 | 365 | 280 |
| Raspberry Pi 3 | 450 | 250 | 220 |
| Raspberry Pi 4 | 312 | 190 | 144 |
| **Raspberry Pi 5** | **304** | **168** | **114** |

*\*Note: Final runtimes are dependent on battery capacity, age, and ambient temperature.*

---

## 8. Scalability & Software Support
* **Software Support:** Native `qups-guard` daemon (C/Python) for automated safe shutdown.
* **Repository:** [github.com/aqexhu/qups-guard](https://github.com/aqexhu/qups-guard)

---

**HW Version:** 2.0 | **Released:** 2024  
**Manufacturer:** AQEX Electronics | [aqex.eu](https://aqex.eu)

## Shipping policy

📦 Shipping Policy

Thank you for supporting independent makers! We strive to get your hardware into your hands as quickly and safely as possible.

1. Processing and Handling

    Dispatch Time: Most orders are processed within 2–3 business days, 90% is processed same day.
    Tracking: We recommend selecting Tracked Shipping at checkout for peace of mind. Once your order is shipped, you will receive an automated email with your tracking number and a link to follow its progress.

2. Shipping Rates & Delivery Times

Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on the total weight of your order and your destination. 

3. EU Taxes, VAT, and Customs (IOSS)

We use Lectronz’s built-in IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) scheme to make your import process as smooth as possible.
Orders under €150: * VAT is collected at checkout. You will see the VAT rate for your specific country applied to your total.
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5. Returns & Damaged Goods

14-Day Right of Withdrawal: As per EU law, you have 14 days to return your order for any reason, provided it is in its original condition.
Damaged Items: If your hardware arrives damaged, please take photos of the packaging and the product immediately and contact us through the Lectronz messaging system. We will arrange a replacement or refund.