How to Use Universal Barrel Jack Male: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Universal Barrel Jack Male is a cylindrical power connector designed for reliable and secure power supply connections. It features a central pin for positive voltage and an outer sleeve for ground, making it a widely used component in electronic devices. This connector is ideal for providing DC power to a variety of circuits and systems, including development boards, small appliances, and DIY electronics projects.

• Powering development boards such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi (via adapters), and other microcontrollers.
• Supplying DC power to small appliances and consumer electronics.
• DIY electronics projects requiring a standard power input interface.
• Prototyping and testing circuits with external power supplies.

Below are the key technical details for the Universal Barrel Jack Male:

The Universal Barrel Jack Male has two main contact points:

1. Identify the Polarity: Ensure that the central pin is connected to the positive voltage (V+) and the outer sleeve is connected to ground (GND). Reversing the polarity may damage your circuit.
2. Soldering or Crimping:
   • If using a solderable version, carefully solder wires to the central pin and outer sleeve terminals.
   • For crimp-style connectors, use a crimping tool to securely attach wires to the terminals.
3. Connect to Power Source: Plug the barrel jack into a compatible female connector or power supply. Ensure the voltage and current ratings of the power source match the requirements of your circuit.
4. Verify Connections: Use a multimeter to confirm proper polarity and voltage levels before powering your circuit.

• Voltage and Current Ratings: Do not exceed the specified voltage (24V DC) or current (5A) ratings to avoid overheating or damage.
• Polarity Check: Always double-check the polarity of the power supply to prevent accidental damage to your components.
• Secure Connections: Ensure that the barrel jack is firmly connected to the female counterpart to avoid intermittent power issues.
• Heat Management: If operating at high currents, ensure proper ventilation or heat dissipation to prevent overheating.

The Universal Barrel Jack Male can be used to power an Arduino UNO via its DC power input. Below is an example of how to connect and use it:

1. Solder the positive wire (V+) to the central pin and the ground wire (GND) to the outer sleeve of the barrel jack.
2. Connect the barrel jack to a 9V DC power adapter.
3. Plug the adapter into the Arduino UNO's DC input jack.

Here is a simple Arduino sketch to verify that the board is powered and functioning:

// Blink an LED on pin 13 to confirm power and functionality
void setup() {
  pinMode(13, OUTPUT); // Set pin 13 as an output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(13, HIGH); // Turn the LED on
  delay(1000);            // Wait for 1 second
  digitalWrite(13, LOW);  // Turn the LED off
  delay(1000);            // Wait for 1 second
}

1. No Power to the Circuit

   • Cause: Loose connection or incorrect polarity.
   • Solution: Check the soldering or crimping of wires and ensure the polarity matches the circuit's requirements.

2. Overheating of the Connector

   • Cause: Exceeding the current rating or poor ventilation.
   • Solution: Ensure the current does not exceed 5A and provide adequate ventilation.

3. Intermittent Power Loss

   • Cause: Loose or poor connection between the male and female barrel jacks.
   • Solution: Ensure the barrel jack is securely plugged into the female connector.

4. Circuit Not Functioning Properly

   • Cause: Incorrect voltage supplied to the circuit.
   • Solution: Verify the voltage output of the power supply using a multimeter.

Q: Can I use this barrel jack for AC power?
A: No, the Universal Barrel Jack Male is designed for DC power only. Using it with AC power may damage the connector or your circuit.

Q: What is the most common size for barrel jacks?
A: The 5.5 mm outer diameter and 2.1 mm inner diameter are among the most common sizes, which is the size of this component.

Q: Can I use this connector with a 12V power supply?
A: Yes, as long as the current does not exceed 5A, a 12V power supply is compatible with this barrel jack.

Q: How do I ensure a secure connection?
A: Use a compatible female barrel jack and ensure the male connector is fully inserted. For soldered connections, ensure the solder joints are clean and strong.

This concludes the documentation for the Universal Barrel Jack Male.