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 standardized 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 devices, including development boards, small appliances, and DIY electronics projects.

• Powering development boards such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi (via adapters), and other microcontrollers.
• Supplying power to small electronic devices like routers, modems, and LED strips.
• DIY electronics projects requiring a standardized DC power input.
• Prototyping 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 Polarity: Ensure that the power supply matches the polarity of the barrel jack. The center pin is typically positive (V+), and the outer sleeve is ground (GND). Verify this with a multimeter if unsure.
2. Connect to Power Source: Insert the barrel jack into a compatible female connector or socket. Ensure a snug fit to avoid loose connections.
3. Wire the Terminals: If soldering the barrel jack to a circuit, connect the center pin to the positive voltage rail and the outer sleeve to the ground rail.
4. Test the Connection: Before powering the circuit, double-check all connections to ensure proper polarity and avoid short circuits.

• Voltage and Current Ratings: Do not exceed the specified voltage (24V DC) or current (5A) ratings to prevent damage to the connector or the circuit.
• Polarity Check: Always verify the polarity of the power supply to avoid reverse polarity damage.
• Secure Connections: Ensure the barrel jack is firmly connected to the female socket to prevent intermittent power issues.
• Heat Management: If operating at high currents, ensure proper ventilation to avoid overheating.

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

1. Use a compatible DC power adapter with a 5.5mm outer diameter and 2.1mm inner diameter barrel jack.
2. Ensure the adapter provides 7-12V DC output (recommended for Arduino UNO).
3. Plug the barrel jack into the Arduino UNO's DC power input.

If powering sensors or modules via the Arduino, you can use the following code to test the setup:

// Simple LED Blink Test
// Ensure the Arduino is powered via the Universal Barrel Jack Male
// connected to a compatible DC power adapter.

int ledPin = 13; // Built-in LED pin on Arduino UNO

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

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

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

2. What happens if I reverse the polarity?
   Reversing the polarity can damage your circuit. Always verify the polarity of the power supply before connecting.

3. Is this connector waterproof?
   No, the Universal Barrel Jack Male is not waterproof. Use it in dry environments or consider waterproof alternatives for outdoor applications.

4. Can I use this with a 12V 10A power supply?
   No, the current rating of this connector is 5A. Exceeding this limit may cause overheating or failure.

By following this documentation, you can effectively use the Universal Barrel Jack Male in your electronic projects while ensuring safety and reliability.