handy, micro power supply to drive your projects in all kind of situations! SquarePower fits in any toolbox and in any invention
- connects to an USB-C source, old laptop charger, ... (max 24V)
- outputs a fixed (1,8 V 2,5 V 3,3 V 5V 9V 12V), an adjustable voltage settings (0,8-17V) or simply redirects Vin to Vout
- up to a current 2,1A (max 3A - needs cooling)
- all these specs runs on two separate DCDC converters.. true dual output capable!
🛒 Easy to source : COTS-Principle for cost-efficient creating and repairing
♻️ Reuse : give a second life to your cables and chargers
🧩 Size : weights a few grams fits in +- 30x30x30cm space
💪🏽 Capable dual output : individual On/Off Switch, thermal and shortcircuit protection
🕶 Flexible : runs from a power bank, car battery, wall adaptor
🪛 DIY Friendly : design files & tutorials available
More information about the DCDC Converter can be found here
Designed in Eagle, in a messy way! Sorry! The related files are available under /Hardware.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| SQUAREPOWERV2 | VIN Vartions : Jack, 3.5mm, horizontal, USB-C Trigger straight, below PCB |
| SQUAREPOWERVerticalUSBCV1 | VIN Vartions : PCB USB-C right standing or straight, large pads for direct cable soldering |
You can order a prepared 10x10cm Panel version directly from DirtyPCB from here. You get a bunch a squarepower pcbs but also a few handy pcb for re-routing 3pin signals, voltage divider and power distributor.
All you need are steady hands for the soldering part. Small SMD (Surface Mount) components can be tricky to solder for beginners.
Bill Of Material: Prices are estimated. Depending on your needs and suppliers, you can cut down the cost so that for one module you will spent less then 3€.
| Part Name | Quantity | Price | Supply Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCB | 1x | 0,3€ | DirtyPCB | Order your own or create the complete manufacturing process on your own |
| Mini DCDC | 2x | 1€ | Aliexpress | should be based on IC MP2315 |
In case, you don't need any fancy control or feedback but only a way to hack together a DCDC converter, you don't need any of these parts below.
| Part Name | Quantity | Price | Supply Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screw Terminal 4 PIN | 3x | 0,40€ | Aliexpress | 2.54mm needs to be 4 pin - KF128 |
| Mini Switch | 2x | 0,1€ | Aliexpress | Carefull, don't stress too much that component |
| LED | 2x | 0,10€ | Aliexpress | 0805 - red, white, green... |
| Resistors | 3x | 0,1€ | Aliexpress | 0805 - I would go for 1kΩ |
| Part Name | Quantity | Price | Supply Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ① Screw Terminal 4 PIN | 2x | 0,40€ | Aliexpress | 2.54mm needs to be 4 pin - KF128 |
| ② Pin header male right angle | 2x | 0,40€ | Aliexpress | 2.54mm needs to be 4 pin - solder first the dcdc and pin header, before soldering it to the main pcb. |
| Part Name | Quantity | Price | Supply Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ① Plug Screw Terminal | 2x | 0,30€ | Aliexpress | 3.5mm needs to be 2 pin - KF2EDG can be straight or right angle OR |
| ② Screw Terminal | 2x | 0,30€ | Aliexpress | 3.5mm needs to be 2 pin - KF350 OR |
| ② Screw Terminal 2.54mm | 2x | 0,30€ | Aliexpress | 2.54mm needs to be 2 pin - KF128 or JST XH etc... |
| Part Name | Quantity | Price | Supply Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ① Plug Screw Terminal | 2x | 0,30€ | Aliexpress | 3.5mm needs to be 2 pin - KF2EDG can be straight or right angle OR |
| ② Screw Terminal | 2x | 0,30€ | Aliexpress | 3.5mm needs to be 2 pin - KF350 can be straight or right angle OR |
| ③ USB-C Trigger | 1x | 1,00€ | Aliexpress | best results with 20V Version OR |
| ⓸ Power Jack | 1x | 0,30€ | Aliexpress | 5.5x2.1mm DC-005 |
🙏 Please if you need to shop for parts, it would be great that you use the supply links below. As they are affilated, you're supporting me directly to continue to deliver new projects to the community! Thank you!
At the moment I have no possibility for a larger production and distribution. Of course, I am ready for any cooperation to industrialize the production.
Available on Tindie
Soon updates for:
- How to build your own & first steps
- Discover Ohm's Law with an USB Power Meter
- Redesign connections so the switches are symmetrical
- Add some space for soldering screw terminal right in place
- Add some tutorials about making and using!
- Design a nice laser-cutted and 3D printed enclosure
- Test if possible to arduino-drive the Enable Pin with a BSS138 Level Shifter
- Datasheet : Add 100k Resistor between Vin<--Switch-->Enable Pin
This work is licensed under Creative Commons License
