Summary of USB-C-PD SOLDERING PEN IS A COMPACT STM32-POWERED SOLUTION FOR WELLER TIPS
This article describes Thomas Leputsch's development of a portable, cost-effective USB-C-PD soldering pen designed to overcome the lack of portability in traditional stations. The device utilizes an STM32F042G6U6 microcontroller and a STUSB4500QTR power delivery controller to manage temperature profiles while supporting interchangeable Weller RT tips. By leveraging USB-C power sources like laptops and power banks, this solution offers a compact alternative to expensive commercial designs without sacrificing performance for small to medium-sized soldering joints.
Parts used in the USB-C-PD Soldering Pen:
- STM32F042G6U6 MCU with Arm Cortex-M0 processor
- STUSB4500QTR USB power delivery controller
- Interchangeable Weller RT tips
- USB-C PD interface
One of the most important actions in the development of any electronics device is soldering, irrespective of the method adopted, having the right tools to do it the right way is a major determinant of the speed and quality of the soldering process. Several soldering tools exist in the market with each aiming to solve different points for engineers/technicians, from power failure problems which are being solved by Gas powered soldering irons to reliable SMD Soldering being solved by Soldering Stations. However, each of these solutions also come with their shortcomings which then become another problem for Solution-oriented individuals to solve.
This kind of pattern is what led Thomas Leputsch to develop the USB-C-PD based Soldering pen to combat the portability challenges people face with soldering stations.
Soldering stations come with blissful features like adjustable power and interchangeable tips and are an invaluable tool for everything from PCB electronics population to making stained glass windows, however, they are not portable and they always need a wall outlet for power. To remove this drawback, Thomas Leputsch developed a USB-C based Soldering Pen.
While there have been several designs leveraging USB Type-C for portable soldering irons, in such ways that the soldering iron can be powered via power sources like laptops, power banks, etc., they tend to be very expensive which is why Thomas decided to design his own.
Thomas’s design uses a USB-C-PD Soldering pen with an interchangeable Weller RT tips. The selection of materials for the design was done to ensure the costs were as low as possible. The design featured a STM32F042G6U6 MCU with an Arm Cortex-M0 processor which was used to control the temperature profiles and a STUSB4500QTR which was used as the USB power delivery controller. The device was based on the interchangeable Weller RT tips because of his personal fondness for them as he explained on the project page that,
“The intention for this project was to build a cheaper and even more compact controlling unit for the — in my opinion — best soldering tips for small and medium-sized soldering joints”.
Read more: USB-C-PD SOLDERING PEN IS A COMPACT STM32-POWERED SOLUTION FOR WELLER TIPS
- What problem did Thomas Leputsch aim to solve?
He aimed to combat portability challenges faced by users of traditional soldering stations. - Does the design use interchangeable tips?
Yes, it uses interchangeable Weller RT tips chosen for their suitability on small and medium-sized joints. - Can the soldering pen be powered by external devices?
Yes, it can be powered via USB Type-C sources like laptops or power banks. - Why was the Weller RT tip selected?
The author selected them due to his personal fondness and belief that they are the best for specific joint sizes. - What microcontroller controls the temperature profiles?
The STM32F042G6U6 MCU with an Arm Cortex-M0 processor handles temperature control. - How does this design differ from existing USB-C soldering irons?
This design focuses on keeping costs as low as possible compared to other expensive designs. - What component manages the USB power delivery?
The STUSB4500QTR is used as the USB power delivery controller.
