This project utilizes PicoPD's previous work to prototype a bench power supply. Beside portable soldering iron, this should be one of the best portable tools for college electrical engineering students. This bench power supply is powered by USB-C PD 3.0/3.1 using their PPS capability. There is no buck or boost converter on the board. We will explore how to implement constant voltage (CV) and constant current (CC), two modes that are featured in all of the standard bench power supplies. Best of all, it will fit inside your pocket!

Note: Beta product will come fully assembled with PETG 3D printed case and acrylic lid. There is no warranty. Beta product is only for evaluation purposes. The code is under development but will be provided as open-source software.

Important note

Not all USB-C power supplies support Programmable Power Supply (PPS). and not all PPS power supplies support CC mode. Through our small sample size that includes powerbank/charger from Anker, Ugreen, and Baseus, here is our recommendation for getting Constant Current mode out of the box:

• UGREEN 100W USB PD 3.0
• UGREEN 140W USB PD 3.1
• UGREEN 160W USB PD 3.1
• Anker 737 GaNPrime 120W
• Anker 737 PowerCore 24K

Our lab recommends using the UGREEN Nexode charger. There is another Ugreen Nexode charger that our lab has not tested. Your feedback on that charger will be appreciated!

When using a source that doesn't support, the supply can just maintain operation in CV mode for an indefinite amount of time, or reboot the power after some time. This reboot time seems to be not consistent across different brands and product lines.

Hardware Specification for beta version

• 5A USB-C Connector
• RP2040 Micro-controller with 16MB of QSPI flash
• AP33772 USB-PD I2C controller
• 3A - 23V ideal diode load switch
• On board current/voltage sensor
• 0.96" OLED display over I2C
• Power protection components
• Encoder and switches for user input

Output - Up to 3A continous

• 5mm screw terminal
• Banana jacks
• XT60 female connector

Note: All connector tap on the same power rail.

Mechanical Specification

• PETG 3D printed case
• 3D printed button cover
• Acrylic lid
• Operating temperature: 0°C - 60°C.

Device protection

At input

• TVS/ESD protection for CC/USB2.0/VBUS

At output

• TVS/ESD protection for VOUT
• Fly-back diode protection
• Reverse voltage protection
• Reverse current protection

Within the US: Sale tax will be included and tracking will be provided. Delivery time: 2-6 days

Outside of the US: EU VAT will be handled by Lectronz, however, customers might have to pay customs fees. Delivery time: 2 weeks - 4 weeks. To-door tracking is available for most country.