Summary of SIMPLE ADAPTER BOARD TURNS A USB-C POWER SUPPLY INTO A VARIABLE VOLTAGE SOURCE
The ZY12PDN is an ingenious adapter board by Keneth Finnegan that converts a USB-C power supply into a variable voltage source for various electronic devices. Powered by an STM32 microcontroller, it negotiates USB Power Delivery protocols to output 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, or 20V up to 100W. Unlike other adapters requiring I2C communication, this board uses a push-button to set the desired voltage. It features a USB-C connector, header pins, a USB-A connector, and screw terminal landing patterns, making it a versatile tool for electronics projects.
Parts used in the ZY12PDN Project:
- STM32 microcontroller
- USB-C connector
- Header pins
- USB-A connector
- Screw terminal landing patterns
- Push-button
Being able to turn a USB-C supply to a variable power supply is certainly a big deal for a simple ingenious board like the ZY12PDN board shared by Keneth Finnegan on his twitter handle recently. The ZY12PDN is a simple STM-powered adapter board that turns a USB-C supply to a universal power supply for almost any electronic device.
We know that a USB-C, when it comes to power delivery, allows you to negotiate for 5, 9, 12, 15, 20 volts, with supply up to 100W which makes it possible to charge devices like laptops, phones, tablets, but the simplicity with which the ZY12PDN achieves it, brings lot of possibilities to the table.
The ZY12PDN, a USB-C power delivery trigger board uses the USB-C power delivery protocols to negotiate the level of voltage you want. The ZY12PDN has an STM32 microcontroller that helps in negotiating for the PD protocol. It also has, on one of its sides, a USB-C connector and on another side, header pins, USB-A connector and landing patterns for screw terminals.
Unlike some other USB power delivery adapters that need I2C communication for configuration, this power adapter board makes use of a push-button for setting the voltage you want to negotiate. “Finnegan” has created a video, that shows how the device works since the board does not come with any instructions. He explained that the board must first be configured anytime it is powered up with a sequence that helps to program the board, forcing it to stay powered-up in the desired mode. When connected, the USB power delivery uses a separate communication channel that automatically determines which becomes the supply and which the sink after which they negotiate the power profile they want to use in terms of voltage and current limits.
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- What is the primary function of the ZY12PDN board?
It turns a USB-C supply into a universal variable power supply for almost any electronic device. - How does the ZY12PDN negotiate voltage levels?
It uses a push-button to set the voltage rather than requiring I2C communication. - What voltage options are supported by the USB-C protocol mentioned?
The protocol allows negotiation for 5, 9, 12, 15, and 20 volts. - What is the maximum power capacity of the ZY12PDN board?
The board supports a supply up to 100W. - Does the ZY12PDN require instructions to operate?
No, it comes without instructions and requires a specific configuration sequence when powered up. - What components are located on the sides of the ZY12PDN board?
One side has a USB-C connector while the other has header pins, a USB-A connector, and landing patterns for screw terminals. - Who created the video demonstrating the ZY12PDN operation?
Finnegan created the video showing how the device works.
