SparkFun Power Delivery Board - USB-C (Qwiic)

The SparkFun Power Delivery Board is a dynamic solution for managing power distribution in your projects. Unlike traditional power adapters that provide a fixed voltage of 5V, this board uses a USB-C connection to achieve higher voltages, typically 5-20V, and can provide up to 100W of power. It features a standalone controller that negotiates with power adapters to switch to higher voltages, eliminating the need for multiple power adapters for different output voltages. The board is part of SparkFun’s Qwiic connect system, ensuring easy and solder-free orientation.

The Power Delivery Board leverages the power delivery standard using the STUSB4500, a standalone controller from STMicroelectronics. The controller addresses sink devices and implements a proprietary algorithm for power delivery contract negotiation with a source, such as a power adapter, without requiring an external microcontroller. However, a microcontroller is necessary for board configuration. The controller handles power negotiation and offers easy configuration over I²C.

Board configuration requires an I²C bus. The Qwiic system simplifies the connection of the Power Delivery board to a microcontroller. Depending on your needs, you can also connect to the I²C bus via the plated through holes for SDA and SCL.

The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is a comprehensive ecosystem of I²C sensors, actuators, shields, and cables designed to expedite prototyping and reduce errors. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector, minimizing the required PCB space. The polarized connections ensure correct hook-up every time.

The SparkFun Power Delivery Board boasts a range of features, including an input and output voltage range of 5-20V, an output current of up to 5A, three configurable power delivery profiles, and an auto-run Type-C™ and USB PD sink controller. It is certified USB Type-C™ rev 1.2 and USB PD rev 2.0 (TID #1000133), and includes integrated VBUS voltage monitoring and VBUS switch gate drivers (PMOS).

Several documents are available to assist with the use of the SparkFun Power Delivery Board, including a schematic, Eagle Files, a hookup guide, a datasheet for the STUSB4500, an Arduino Library, and a GitHub Hardware Repo.