Connecting Every Device with USB-C Integration
In a bid to eliminate the clutter of multiple wall warts, a new project aims to replace traditional barrel jack sockets on printed circuit boards (PCBs) with USB-C Power Delivery (PD) power supplies.
For those looking to embark on this transformation, a video titled "Replace a Barrel Jack with USB-C PD Power Supply" offers a comprehensive introduction to the topic.
The project involves the use of a specialized USB-C controller solution, such as the CH224K chip or Infineon’s EZ-PD™ Barrel Connector Replacement (BCR) family. These highly integrated USB-C PD controllers are designed to replace traditional barrel jacks, handling USB-C plug detection, PD negotiation, and voltage/current regulation without the need for firmware development.
One of the key benefits of using USB-C PD is the ability to select multiple voltages (like 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V) on demand, replacing fixed-voltage DC barrel jacks. The controller negotiates the correct voltage and current with the power supply to safely deliver power, while providing protection features like overcurrent, overvoltage, and ESD protection.
When implementing this solution, considerations include physical mounting, voltage compatibility, power negotiation, and protection and circuit complexity. The USB-C receptacle must be mounted on the board where the barrel jack was, which may require mechanical adapter PCBs or a slight redesign of the PCB to accommodate the USB-C form factor and pinouts. Ensure device power requirements are compatible or can tolerate the voltages offered by USB-C PD power supplies, as many do not offer 12V directly, but rather 9V or other standard voltages.
The process involves removing the old barrel jack from the PCB, replacing it with a USB-C receptacle mounted on the PCB or on a small adapter board, integrating a USB-C PD controller chip like CH224K or an Infineon EZ-PD BCR solution between the USB-C port and your device’s power rail, and connecting the output from the PD controller to the point where the barrel jack’s positive and negative terminals connected. Test with USB-C PD power supplies to verify correct voltage and power delivery.
Open designs and PCB files for DIY replacements to convert barrel jack inputs to USB-C PD inputs are freely available, helping hobbyists and engineers transition easily. The project, highlighted by Mikeselectricstuff, demonstrates the potential of USB-C PD technology.
It's worth noting that the power supply used in this project is designed to convert mains voltage into low voltage DC and is not specified to be a particular brand or model. The power supply is used to power various devices.
In summary, the recommended approach is to replace the barrel jack with a USB-C receptacle paired with a dedicated USB-C PD controller chip or module such as CH2224K or Infineon’s EZ-PD BCR. This setup handles USB PD communication and voltage negotiation, provides necessary protections, and supplies regulated power to your PCB, effectively modernizing power input while maintaining compatibility and safety.
This new project intends to modernize the power input of various devices by replacing traditional barrel jack sockets on Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) with USB-C Power Delivery (PD) power supplies, making it possible to use the same power source for smart-home devices, gadgets, and other technology.
For those interested in implementing this solution, they can use a USB-C controller such as the CH224K chip or Infineon’s EZ-PD™ Barrel Connector Replacement (BCR) family, which can handle USB-C plug detection, PD negotiation, and voltage/current regulation, without the need for firmware development.
