Summary of Power Supply using AVR microcontroller
This article describes modifying a Tuxgraphics AVR-controlled power supply to accept commands over a network instead of just I2C. The project retains the option to use either a standard laptop power brick or direct network power.
Parts used in the Network-Controlled Power Supply:
- Tuxgraphics AVR controlled power supply
- I2C interface module
- Network connection for PC
- Modified software
- Standard laptop power brick (optional)
- Direct network power source (alternative)
Katja & Guido at Tuxgraphics sell a very affordable little AVR controlled power supply. That power supply can be controlled by sending it commands by I2C. Because I already have a pretty universal network connected to my PC it seems very logical to me to modify the software for that power supply to accept commands via my network. Even though I also like his idea to use a standard laptop power brick as the power source for the power supply it’s also easy to let it take it’s power directly from the network.
For more detail: Power Supply using AVR microcontroller
- How can the power supply be controlled?
The device can be controlled by sending it commands via I2C or by modifying the software to accept commands over a network. - What is the primary advantage of the network modification?
It allows control through an existing universal network connected to a PC, making the setup logical for users with such infrastructure. - Can this power supply use a laptop power brick?
Yes, the author likes the idea of using a standard laptop power brick as the power source for the unit. - Is direct network power an option?
Yes, it is easy to configure the system to take its power directly from the network instead of a separate brick. - What microcontroller is used in the original design?
The original design uses an AVR microcontroller to control the power supply functions. - Does the article mention specific network protocols?
No, the text only states that the software was modified to accept commands via the network without detailing specific protocols. - Why did the author decide to modify the software?
The author found it logical to modify the software because they already have a universal network connected to their PC. - What is the cost characteristic of the Tuxgraphics power supply?
The Tuxgraphics power supply is described as being very affordable.
