High-Power USB-PD Trigger Board for Makers

Wed 29th Jan, 2025

A newly developed USB-PD trigger board by CentyLab promises to deliver up to 100W from a USB-PD power supply, featuring both fixed and adjustable voltage options. This innovative board allows users to set voltage levels either as a fixed output or through a potentiometer, making it suitable for various applications as a programmable power supply (PPS).

USB-C-PD trigger boards are widely available, but options with specialized features and comprehensive documentation are relatively scarce. CentyLab's offering, priced around EUR14 in Europe, stands out with its ability to provide consistent voltage outputs that remain unchanged after a restart, along with the flexibility of a variable voltage setting.

According to the USB Power Delivery (PD) specification, standard voltage outputs of 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, and 20V can be selected via solder bridges. Additionally, the PPS functionality allows for a smooth adjustment of voltage from 3.3V to 21V. Depending on the capabilities of the connected PD power supply, the board can deliver up to five amperes of current.

Utilizing the USB-PD standard, the PPS mode is designed to provide the same or greater current than the fixed PD values (PDO) within the specified voltage range (3.3V - 11V or 3.3V - 21V). However, some chargers may encounter compatibility issues, and the developer has provided guidelines regarding which chargers work best with the board. The documentation also addresses concerns about cable compatibility.

The device prioritizes establishing a connection through the PPS profile. If the connected USB-C charger does not support PPS or if the voltage range of the PPS is below the selected voltage, a fixed PDO will be utilized instead.

There is no upper limit on the current draw, allowing users to extract power up to the rated capacity of the power supply. Should the current draw exceed the limit, the charger will typically reset and reconnect after a few seconds--a standard safety feature in USB-PD power supplies. A new version of the board featuring adjustable current limiting (V2.x) is currently under development.

This board serves as a versatile tool for makers, whether they need a flexible power solution or are looking to leverage the developer's CAD files and resources to create their own circuits with adjustable voltage capabilities. There is hope that this design remains unique and is not quickly replicated for mass production on commercial platforms.


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