Power Up Your Creations with BenchVolt PD, the Must-Have USB-C Power Supply for Every Maker

In the realm of power supplies, the BenchVolt PD is reshaping expectations. Unlike conventional power sources, this compact and versatile 100W device caters to a diverse range of applications, making it an ideal choice for makers and professionals alike. Its ability to morph a standard USB Type-C charger into a multifaceted power tool sets it apart, providing a mix of precision, flexibility, and a touch of creativity that is essential in today’s prototyping landscape.

Innovative Design for Diverse Applications

The BenchVolt PD features an impressive five-channel configuration designed to supply accurate voltage and current outputs for varied tasks. Users can choose from:

• Fixed Outputs: These common voltage levels, such as 1.8V, 2.5V, and 3.3V, can deliver up to 3A, ensuring stable performance.
• Adjustable Outputs: Offering ranges from 0.5V to 5V and 2.5V to 32V, these channels also boast a 3A capacity, providing robust options for different scenarios.

The incorporation of low-dropout regulators (LDOs) guarantees reliable performance, particularly for fixed and low-voltage adjustable outputs. Furthermore, the device’s ability to generate arbitrary waveforms—comprising square, sine, triangle, and ramp shapes—takes functionality to a new level. This feature is especially beneficial for simulating varying power conditions during electronic development and stress testing.

Power Delivery with Precision

Central to the BenchVolt PD is its USB-C input, utilizing USB Power Delivery (PD) in sink mode to manage up to 100W of power. This eliminates compatibility issues with contemporary USB Type-C chargers and power banks, making it a highly portable solution. Notably, the device emphasizes transparency in USB-PD negotiations, enabling users to have precise visibility and control over power consumption, which is vital when testing sensitive electronics.

User-Friendly Features for Enhanced Control

Designed with the user in mind, the BenchVolt PD offers an array of advanced control features:

• Real-Time Monitoring: A clear 1.9-inch TFT display allows for live tracking of voltage, current, and power across all channels.
• Fine Adjustments: A rotary encoder grants users the ability to adjust output settings in increments of 5mV, ensuring detailed control over settings.
• Remote Operation: The device supports SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments), enabling outside programming and automated workflows.
• Desktop Interface: For those who prefer a more visual approach, a Python-based GUI offers an intuitive control platform.

These capabilities allow users to choose between hands-on interaction and remote management, accommodating various preferences and technical requirements.

Safety and Reliability as Top Priorities

Engineering resilience and user safety into its design, the BenchVolt PD integrates several critical features:

• Microcontroller and USB-PD Controller: Featuring an STM32F070 microcontroller and an STUSB4710 USB-PD controller ensure reliable power management.
• Configurable Components: With LDOs and boost converters at its core, it guarantees stable and adjustable power output.
• Overcurrent Protection: This mechanism safeguards all channels, ensuring the safety of connected devices under varied operational conditions.

This level of engineering extends to firmware updates via USB, allowing for ongoing improvements and adaptations, ensuring the BenchVolt PD remains a long-term asset for both professionals and hobbyists.

Versatility Across Multiple Domains

The BenchVolt PD’s adaptability makes it suitable for various user groups, from casual makers to dedicated engineers. Common applications include:

• Prototyping and testing USB Type-C devices.
• Powering development boards, Raspberry Pi clusters, and other embedded systems.
• Generating arbitrary waveforms for consumer electronics stress-testing.
• Logging voltage and current data for experiments and diagnostics.

With such versatility, the BenchVolt PD is not merely a power supply; it’s a comprehensive platform for innovation and exploration that caters to a spectrum of projects from simple prototypes to intricate testing scenarios.

Open Source Design: A Community-Focused Approach

Weighing about 500 grams and measuring 160 x 75 x 40 mm, the BenchVolt PD is not only compact but also boasts an open-source design. Users have access to firmware, hardware schematics, and the Python GUI, allowing for extensive customization. This openness nurtures collaboration and fosters innovation within the maker community, enabling users to learn from and build upon each other’s experiences.

In conclusion, the BenchVolt PD stands out as a reliable, adaptable, and user-friendly USB-PD power supply. Its blend of portability, flexibility, and open-source accessibility makes it an invaluable tool for everyone in the electronics and prototyping space, from professionals to enthusiastic makers. The future of power supplies is undoubtedly here, establishing new standards for what can be achieved in power management.