How to Use Micro PD Board - Top: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Introduction

The Micro PD Board - Top by Just 'Cuz Robotics is a compact and efficient printed circuit board (PCB) designed for Power Delivery (PD) applications. It facilitates seamless power management and distribution in electronic devices, making it an essential component for projects requiring reliable and efficient power handling. Its small form factor and robust design make it ideal for use in robotics, IoT devices, and other compact electronic systems.

Explore Projects Built with Micro PD Board - Top

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!

ATmega328P-Based Sensor Hub with OLED Display and LIDAR

This circuit features an Mtiny Uno ATmega328P microcontroller as its central processing unit, interfacing with a variety of sensors and peripherals. It includes a 0.96" OLED display and an MPU6050 accelerometer/gyroscope for user interface and motion sensing, respectively. The circuit also integrates a TF LUNA LIDAR for distance measurement, a DHT11 sensor for temperature and humidity readings, and uses a 9V battery with a 7805 voltage regulator for power management. Communication with a computer for programming and data exchange is facilitated by an Adafruit FTDI Friend module.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

I2C-Controlled OLED Display with External EEPROM and Interactive Pushbuttons

This is a microcontroller-based interactive device featuring a Wemos D1 Mini, an OLED display, external EEPROM, and an I/O expander. It includes user input buttons and status LEDs, with potential MIDI interface capabilities.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Raspberry Pi Pico and OV7670 Camera-Based Robotic System with TFT Display

This circuit features two Raspberry Pi Pico microcontrollers interfacing with various peripherals including an OV7670 camera module, a TFT display, and an OLED display. It also includes a multiplexer and a motor driver to control two planetary gearbox motors, powered by a battery and regulated through buck converters. The setup is designed for image capture, display, and motor control applications.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

ESP32 Mini-Based Smart Timekeeper with OLED Display and Battery Charging

This circuit features an ESP32 Mini microcontroller as its core, interfaced with a 0.96" OLED display and a DS3231 Real-Time Clock (RTC) for timekeeping and display purposes. A TP4056 module is used for charging a LiPoly battery, which powers the system through an LM2596 voltage regulator and an AMS1117-3.3 voltage regulator to step down and stabilize the voltage for the ESP32 and peripherals. User inputs are captured through a rotary potentiometer and a red pushbutton, which are connected to the ESP32's GPIOs for control and reset functionality.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications and Use Cases

• Power distribution in robotics and automation systems
• IoT devices requiring efficient power management
• Battery-powered systems with multiple voltage requirements
• Prototyping and development of compact electronic devices
• Power delivery in drones and other portable electronics

Technical Specifications

The following table outlines the key technical specifications of the Micro PD Board - Top:

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The Micro PD Board - Top features multiple input and output pins for flexible power distribution. The table below describes the pin configuration:

Usage Instructions

How to Use the Component in a Circuit

1. Power Input: Connect the input voltage (5V to 20V DC) to the VIN pin and the ground to the GND pin.
2. Voltage Selection: Use the SEL1 and SEL2 pins to select the desired output voltage for VOUT1 and VOUT2. Refer to the manufacturer's datasheet for the specific logic levels required for voltage selection.
3. Power Outputs: Connect your load to the VOUT1 and/or VOUT2 pins. Ensure the total current draw does not exceed 3A per channel.
4. Enable Pin: Use the EN pin to enable or disable the board. Pull the pin high to enable the board and low to disable it.
5. Mounting: Secure the board in your project using screws or adhesive, ensuring proper ventilation for heat dissipation.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

• Input Voltage: Ensure the input voltage is within the specified range (5V to 20V DC) to avoid damaging the board.
• Current Limits: Do not exceed the maximum output current of 3A per channel to prevent overheating or triggering the overcurrent protection.
• Heat Management: If operating at high currents, ensure adequate ventilation or use a heatsink to manage heat dissipation.
• Voltage Selection: Double-check the voltage selection logic before powering the board to avoid incorrect output voltages.
• Polarity: Always connect the input voltage with the correct polarity to prevent damage to the board.

Example: Using with an Arduino UNO

The Micro PD Board - Top can be used to power an Arduino UNO and other peripherals. Below is an example circuit and code:

Circuit Setup

1. Connect the VIN pin of the Micro PD Board to a 12V DC power supply.
2. Connect the GND pin of the Micro PD Board to the ground of the Arduino UNO.
3. Connect the VOUT1 pin (set to 5V) to the 5V pin of the Arduino UNO.
4. Use the EN pin to control the power delivery to the Arduino UNO.

Arduino Code Example

// Example code to control the EN pin of the Micro PD Board
// This code toggles the power delivery on and off every 2 seconds.

const int enablePin = 7; // Connect EN pin of Micro PD Board to Arduino pin 7

void setup() {
  pinMode(enablePin, OUTPUT); // Set the EN pin as an output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(enablePin, HIGH); // Enable power delivery
  delay(2000); // Wait for 2 seconds
  digitalWrite(enablePin, LOW); // Disable power delivery
  delay(2000); // Wait for 2 seconds
}

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

1. No Output Voltage:

   • Cause: The EN pin is not pulled high.
   • Solution: Ensure the EN pin is connected to a high logic level to enable the board.

2. Overheating:

   • Cause: Excessive current draw or insufficient ventilation.
   • Solution: Reduce the load current or improve ventilation around the board.

3. Incorrect Output Voltage:

   • Cause: Incorrect voltage selection on SEL1 or SEL2.
   • Solution: Verify the logic levels on the selection pins and adjust as needed.

4. Board Not Powering On:

   • Cause: Input voltage is out of range or connected with incorrect polarity.
   • Solution: Check the input voltage and polarity, ensuring it is within the specified range.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use the Micro PD Board to power multiple devices simultaneously?
A1: Yes, you can use both VOUT1 and VOUT2 to power multiple devices, provided the total current draw does not exceed 3A per channel.

Q2: What happens if I exceed the maximum current rating?
A2: The board's overcurrent protection will activate, shutting down the output to prevent damage.

Q3: Can I use the board in outdoor applications?
A3: The board is not weatherproof. If used outdoors, ensure it is enclosed in a weather-resistant case.

Q4: How do I select the output voltage?
A4: Use the SEL1 and SEL2 pins to select the desired output voltage. Refer to the datasheet for the specific logic levels required.

This concludes the documentation for the Micro PD Board - Top. For further assistance, refer to the manufacturer's datasheet or contact Just 'Cuz Robotics support.