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Power supply suggestions for prototyping on the PDB in a small space — Parallax Forums

Power supply suggestions for prototyping on the PDB in a small space

WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
edited 2009-02-13 07:48 in General Discussion
I am finally making headway on my toolbox PC so that I can keep all of my Basic Stamp prototyping parts in one location. Also, I can pick it all up and power it anywhere I have AC or 12V. Anyhow, I am trying to decide on what to use for my project power supply so that I don't become limited.
Currently, I have a 12v, 3.5A brick that powers the LCD and AMD Geode "ION" single board computer. Per specs, the two combined should never draw more than 2.5 amps. It can also be powered with a 12V lighter adapter. I typically use 3.3, 5, 9, and 12 volt supplies during prototyping.

I am thinking of doing one of the following to make power available for my projects:

1) Use another 12v brick along with three individual power supply circuits for 9v, 5v, and 3.3v.
2) Tap off the existing 12v brick and use two adjustable 3-12v power supply circuits.
3) Use an open frame type power supply off of AC that has 12, 9, and 5 volt outputs and make a shell for it.
4) For low current 5V apps, I can harvest the USB power from the SBC.

Any suggestions?

The picture is my toolbox PC with the LCD, ION, PDB, wireless, mouse, and keyboard. The case is from harbor freight. You can see I have a good amount of room left to play with for part storage and power supplies.

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Andrew Williams
WBA Consulting
IT / Web / PCB / Audio
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Comments

  • UghaUgha Posts: 543
    edited 2009-02-10 13:15
    I know weight is an issue... but I'd put a battery in there.
    Why make it portable if your stuck to a wall with a wire?
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
    edited 2009-02-10 18:39
    Portability, so that I am not stuck at my·electronics bench in the garage.·Plus I can pick up the entire·setup·to·the local college or to my colleague's house, without worrying about forgetting something. For now, I am actually using 9 volt batteries for many of my projects just because I can, but I've went through 3 in the last 2 weeks.

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    Andrew Williams
    WBA Consulting
    IT / Web / PCB / Audio
  • UghaUgha Posts: 543
    edited 2009-02-10 22:03
    I know they weigh a ton, but have you thought about 6volt lead acid batteries?

    I'd also consider a laptop battery as well... If you have an old laptop you can just swipe that one and use the laptop to keep it charged.
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
    edited 2009-02-13 07:48
    Well, my habit of being a pack rat both paid off and made my decision for me. From a project a few years ago, I still had some DC-DC power supply modules that will work great for making a 12 volt input, multiple output bench style supply. The modules are from TI and are PTH12000WAH and PTH78000WAH. The first will give me a 5V, 6A supply and the second will give me an adjustable 3.3-9V supply. I may buy another PTH78000WAH from Digikey to have two adjustable supplies.
    Of course this makes me want one of those LCD panel mount voltmeters that can be switched between them.

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    Andrew Williams
    WBA Consulting
    IT / Web / PCB / Audio
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