Aleksejs
I decide to make this device while working with 3 Raspberry Pi (2, 3 and Zero) and Arduino boards. I have all devices connected to external 4 port USB hub with power supply and often seen what it's not enough power for 2 Pi's and Arduino at one time and I think what will be great option to see every connected device power consumption. To calculate later needed batteries and power supplies.
So how it works?
It consist from Five parts:
- 6x port power meter which have 6x Current sense amplifiers (LT6106) connected to Atmega32L ( I take exactly Atmega but none Arduino because I wanted to make device smaller). It can measure up to 12A (depending on the capacity of the connected power supply). The maximum current for each port up to 3.5A;
- 4x port USB 2.0 hub with Terminus Fe1.1s chip. Yes it's exactly USB 2.0 standard (I have studied and designed a board according to the specified standard for USB 2.0);
- This devise power supply which have "Low Loss PowerPath" (LTC4412) for interrupted power switching between USB port (if you want to power it or use with USB hub) and external power supply (which designed with Texas Instrument WEBENCH tool) made from Step-Down (Buck Converter LM3150) with up to 12-A Continuous Output Current;
- Connected 2.4" LCD display with touch screen for real time monitoring what's happening with each USB ports with an opportunity to turn On/Off any of 6 ports;
- ESP8266 based Wi-Fi module for remote monitoring and management.
For device powering need use power supply with 9-12v and up to 12 Amps. Output make to 6 USB ports with every port displayed on the 2.4" touch LCD display current and power, there you can monitor what's happening with any device connected to this USB PSU, turn On/Off or just restart any of 6 USB ports.
This can be like:
- Arduino boards,
- Raspberry Pi,
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth dongle,
- USB flash or external 2.5" HDD/SSD,
- Or any other device with 5V power.
Design and monitor your device consumption... whatever it will be.
Future Options
- Added ESP8266 Wi-Fi module, - DONE
- Add on/off switches - Added remotely controlled MOSFET switches, - DONE
- Add bigger LCD 1.8" or bigger? - Added 2.4" color LCD with touch screen, - DONE/configurating
- Change Buck Converter to more powerful (already in project), - DONE
- Make limitation for 5th USB port to 1A and 6th port to 2A for charging,
- Design and 3D print case for it,
- Adding and testing MicroPython on ESP8266 WiFi module, - In process
- What else...? ;)k
Paul Nicholls
ajlitt
Chris Hamilton
Really good work !!
We expect your news ....