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

Introduction

The Micro PD Board is a compact and versatile power delivery (PD) board designed to manage power distribution and charging for a wide range of devices. It is commonly equipped with USB-C connectivity and supports multiple power profiles, making it ideal for modern electronics that require efficient and flexible power management. The board is widely used in applications such as portable device charging, power banks, embedded systems, and prototyping projects.

Explore Projects Built with Micro PD Board

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

Battery-Powered Smart Light with Proximity Sensor and OLED Display using Adafruit QT Py RP2040

This circuit is a portable, battery-powered system featuring an Adafruit QT Py RP2040 microcontroller that interfaces with an OLED display, a proximity sensor, an accelerometer, and an RGB LED strip. The system is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a step-up boost converter to provide 5V for the LED strip, and it includes a toggle switch for power control. The microcontroller communicates with the sensors and display via I2C.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications

• Charging portable devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, and laptops)
• Powering embedded systems and IoT devices
• Prototyping USB-C power delivery circuits
• Power management in custom electronics projects

Technical Specifications

The Micro PD Board is designed to comply with USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) standards, offering a range of power profiles to suit various devices. Below are the key technical specifications:

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The Micro PD Board typically features a USB-C connector and additional pins for integration into custom circuits. Below is a description of the key pins:

Usage Instructions

How to Use the Micro PD Board in a Circuit

1. Connect the Input Power Source:
   Plug a USB-C power adapter into the board's USB-C port. Ensure the adapter supports the desired power profile (e.g., 5V, 9V, 12V, etc.).

2. Select the Output Voltage Profile:
   Use the SEL1 and SEL2 pins to configure the desired output voltage. Refer to the table below for the selection logic:

   SEL1	SEL2	Output Voltage
   Low	Low	5V
   Low	High	9V
   High	Low	12V
   High	High	20V

3. Connect the Load:
   Attach the device or circuit to the VBUS and GND pins. Ensure the load does not exceed the maximum current rating of 3A.

4. Enable the Board:
   Pull the EN pin high to activate the board. If the EN pin is left floating or pulled low, the board will remain disabled.

5. Monitor Operation:
   Use an optional I2C interface (SCL and SDA pins) to monitor power delivery status or configure advanced settings.

Important Considerations

• Always verify the power requirements of your load before connecting it to the Micro PD Board.
• Use appropriate heat dissipation methods if operating at high power levels for extended periods.
• Ensure the USB-C power adapter is compliant with USB-PD standards to avoid compatibility issues.
• Avoid shorting the VBUS and GND pins, as this may damage the board or the power source.

Example: Using the Micro PD Board with an Arduino UNO

The Micro PD Board can be integrated with an Arduino UNO for advanced control and monitoring. Below is an example code snippet to configure the board via I2C:

#include <Wire.h> // Include the Wire library for I2C communication

#define MICRO_PD_ADDR 0x28 // Replace with the actual I2C address of the board

void setup() {
  Wire.begin(); // Initialize I2C communication
  Serial.begin(9600); // Start serial communication for debugging

  // Example: Set the board to 12V output using I2C
  Wire.beginTransmission(MICRO_PD_ADDR);
  Wire.write(0x01); // Command to set voltage profile
  Wire.write(0x02); // Profile ID for 12V (refer to board documentation)
  Wire.endTransmission();

  Serial.println("Micro PD Board configured to 12V output.");
}

void loop() {
  // Monitor the board status (optional)
  Wire.requestFrom(MICRO_PD_ADDR, 1); // Request 1 byte of status data
  if (Wire.available()) {
    byte status = Wire.read();
    Serial.print("Board Status: ");
    Serial.println(status, HEX);
  }
  delay(1000); // Wait 1 second before the next status check
}

Notes:

• Replace MICRO_PD_ADDR with the actual I2C address of your Micro PD Board.
• Refer to the board's datasheet for additional I2C commands and status codes.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Board Does Not Power On:

   • Ensure the USB-C power adapter is properly connected and functional.
   • Verify that the EN pin is pulled high to enable the board.

2. Incorrect Output Voltage:

   • Check the SEL1 and SEL2 pin configurations to ensure the correct voltage profile is selected.
   • Confirm that the power adapter supports the desired voltage profile.

3. Overheating:

   • Ensure the load does not exceed the maximum power rating of the board.
   • Use a heatsink or active cooling if operating at high power levels.

4. I2C Communication Fails:

   • Verify the I2C address of the board and ensure it matches the code.
   • Check the connections to the SCL and SDA pins for proper wiring.

FAQs

Q: Can the Micro PD Board be used with non-USB-C power sources?
A: No, the board is designed specifically for USB-C power delivery and requires a compliant USB-C power adapter.

Q: How do I reset the board to its default settings?
A: Disconnect the power source and ensure all configuration pins (SEL1, SEL2, EN) are set to their default states (low).

Q: Is the board compatible with Quick Charge (QC) devices?
A: The Micro PD Board is designed for USB-PD standards and may not be compatible with QC-specific protocols.

By following this documentation, users can effectively integrate the Micro PD Board into their projects and troubleshoot common issues with ease.