PocketPD is a USB Type-C powered bench power supply that fits inside your pocket. Paired with a modern USB-C charger or power bank, it is a full-featured power supply that can provide a wide range of voltage with built-in safety. It is equipped with an OLED display, current sensor, and banana jack output for all your standard equipment. It also serves as a Power Delivery 3.0 profile tester.

This unique power supply leverages the Programmable Power Supply (PPS) mode that’s part of USB Power Delivery 3.0 and later versions. PPS lets you request voltage and current directly from the charger, and allows for a more compact, lightweight design. Whether you’re a pro working in the field, learning about electrical engineering for the first time, or a DIY hobbyist who demands precise power control, PocketPD is a versatile addition to your tool kit.

Bring Power With You Anywhere

Our team has extensive experience in remote sensing systems, where field troubleshooting is a common occurrence. While portable equipment has become increasingly smaller and more efficient, we’ve struggled to find a power source that offers both simplicity and flexibility. That’s why we created PocketPD: an open-source solution with a user-friendly design featuring physical buttons and a clear display. Simply plug in a compatible charger or power bank, and you’re ready to go.

The Heart of PowerPD is PPS

PocketPD is built around the Programmable Power Supply (PPS) mode introduced in 2015. Originally designed for improved battery charging in smartphones, PPS allows devices to set precise voltage and current levels, making it ideal for bench power supply applications. Many modern chargers and power banks, including popular brands like Anker, Ugreen, Baseus, and CUKTECH, now support PPS. If you’re unsure whether your charger or battery pack is compatible, check its description.

Please note: The maximum voltage and current output of PocketPD will depend on the capabilities of your USB Type-C charger and cable. The power output specification will be limited by the lowest current rating of your charger and cable. For example, if your charger supports 5 A but you’re using a 3 A cable, the maximum current output will be 3 A. Similarly, the voltage range of your charger will determine the voltage range available at PocketPD’s output. Common voltage ranges include 3.3 V to 11 V and 3.3 V to 21 V.

Features & Specifications

• Input: USB Type-C, PD 3.0 compliant
• Output: 0-20 V @ 0-5 A (adjustable)
• Modes: Constant Voltage (CV), Constant Current (CC)
• Display: 0.96-inch OLED display
• Microcontroller: Raspberry Pi RP2040 Cortex M0+
• Protocol IC: AP33772 USB PD sink controller
• Safety Features: Short circuit, reverse current, fly-back diode protection
• Dimensions: 87 x 62 x 25.5 mm (3.43 x 2.44 x 1 in)
• Weight: 81 g (2.87 oz)

Open Source

The firmware for PocketPD was developed using a combination of custom libraries and open-sourced libraries from other developers. The firmware is open-sourced and provided under an MIT license. You can follow and download the latest firmware on our GitHub page. The electronic is developed using KiCad 8.x and will be provided at a later date under a CC4.0-BY-SA license. The hardware files will be made available at a later date.

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