USB-PD Adapter Board Can Replace Random Power Bricks

USB-C power adapters have quickly become the norm for modern devices. USB's Power Delivery (USB-PD) protocol makes these supplies flexible enough to handle charging (or powering) devices ranging from mobile phones to laptops. There are many high quality 90-100 Watt USB-C power adapters available. Sadly, there are many devices relying on legacy power bricks that cannot use those. Oxplot's USB PD standalone controller bridges the gap.

An STUSB4500 from STMicroelectronics handles the USB-PD protocol. It has registers in non-volatile memory for up to three power configurations that can be programmed over I2C. This method does not require a dedicated microcontroller, nor does it rely on header pins, making the device compact and reliable. Set the adapter board to the voltage and current levels that your device needs, and the chip takes care of the rest.

Since the STUSB4500 handles the protocol, there is no need for a dedicated microcontroller to negotiate the power delivery settings. Oxplot's breakout board supports either screw terminals or soldering wires directly to the board. There are ESD diodes on the USB side for protection. The board also uses a pass-transistor to ensure the DC port is powered until the STUSB4500 finds a valid power configuration.

The GitHub repository contains most of the design files, though, some finishing touches are still needed. But between Oxplot's schematic and ST's documentation, you could implement this chip in your next project. Oxplot offers kits through their Tindie store for $25.