5V Power Supply Unit (PSU) Documentation

1. Introduction

The 5V Power Supply Unit (PSU), manufactured by Conor Curley, is a compact and reliable power source designed to provide a stable 5-volt output. This PSU is ideal for powering a wide range of electronic circuits and devices, ensuring consistent voltage for reliable operation. It is commonly used in microcontroller-based projects, sensors, and low-power electronic devices.

Common Applications:

• Powering microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32)
• Supplying power to sensors, actuators, and modules
• Driving low-power LEDs and displays
• Providing a stable voltage source for breadboard prototyping
• Powering small IoT devices and embedded systems

2. Technical Specifications

The following table outlines the key technical details of the 5V PSU:

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

3. Usage Instructions

Connecting the 5V PSU in a Circuit

1. Input Voltage: Connect a DC power source (7V - 12V) to the VIN pin. Ensure the input voltage is within the specified range to avoid damage.
2. Ground Connection: Connect the GND pin to the ground of your circuit.
3. Output Voltage: Use the VOUT pin to power your 5V devices or circuits.

Important Considerations:

• Input Voltage Range: Ensure the input voltage is within the specified range (7V - 12V). Exceeding this range may damage the PSU.
• Current Limit: Do not exceed the maximum output current of 1A. Overloading the PSU may cause overheating or failure.
• Heat Dissipation: If the PSU operates near its maximum current rating, ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating.
• Polarity: Double-check the polarity of the input and output connections to avoid damage to the PSU or connected devices.

Example Circuit:

Below is an example of using the 5V PSU to power an Arduino UNO and a sensor:

+-------------------+       +-------------------+
| DC Power Supply   |       | Arduino UNO       |
| (7V - 12V)        |       |                   |
|                   |       |                   |
|   +---- VIN ------+-------+ VIN               |
|   |               |       |                   |
|   +---- GND ------+-------+ GND               |
|                   |       |                   |
+-------------------+       +-------------------+

4. Arduino Example Code

The 5V PSU is commonly used to power Arduino projects. Below is an example code to read data from a temperature sensor (e.g., LM35) powered by the 5V PSU:

// Example: Reading temperature data from an LM35 sensor
// Ensure the LM35 is powered by the 5V PSU's VOUT pin

const int sensorPin = A0; // LM35 sensor connected to analog pin A0

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication at 9600 baud
}

void loop() {
  int sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin); // Read the analog value from the sensor
  float voltage = sensorValue * (5.0 / 1023.0); // Convert to voltage (5V reference)
  float temperature = voltage * 100.0; // Convert voltage to temperature (°C)

  Serial.print("Temperature: ");
  Serial.print(temperature);
  Serial.println(" °C");

  delay(1000); // Wait 1 second before the next reading
}

Notes:

• Connect the VOUT pin of the PSU to the 5V pin of the Arduino UNO.
• Ensure the sensor's ground is connected to the PSU's GND pin.

5. Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use the 5V PSU to power a Raspberry Pi?
A1: No, the Raspberry Pi typically requires a higher current (2.5A or more). This PSU is limited to 1A and is not suitable for powering a Raspberry Pi.

Q2: What happens if I exceed the input voltage range?
A2: Exceeding the input voltage range (7V - 12V) may damage the PSU. Always use a regulated DC power source within the specified range.

Q3: Can I use this PSU to power multiple devices?
A3: Yes, as long as the total current draw does not exceed 1A. Ensure proper wiring and connections.

Q4: Is the PSU protected against short circuits?
A4: This PSU does not include built-in short-circuit protection. Avoid shorting the output pins to prevent damage.

6. Conclusion

The 5V Power Supply Unit (PSU) by Conor Curley is a versatile and reliable component for powering low-power electronic devices and circuits. Its stable 5V output and compact design make it an essential tool for hobbyists, students, and professionals working on microcontroller-based projects. By following the usage instructions and best practices outlined in this documentation, you can ensure safe and efficient operation of the PSU in your projects.