0

I'm looking to power my Raspberry Pi 4B from a 12V tractor battery. I have a buck converter which can be found here. I am considering using this device to step-down the battery voltage and hook up the output of the converter to the GPIO pins of the Raspberry Pi. The other option I am considering is to to use this USB-c step down converter found here. I know the usb-c connector on the Pi is safer because of onboard regulators/fuses. My only concern is that this converter is only rated for 15W(5V 3A). Will that be sufficient? Important Info- I plan on connecting a Mirabox capture card to the USB-c port. See here. It will thus be powered by the Pi. Accordingly, I am afraid of current spikes(etc). Any advice is appreciated. Hopefully, my post is clear.

Would it be possible to open up a USB-c cable and connect the VCC and GRD to the output Terminals of the Buck Converter and ignore the Data+ and Data- cords? My reasoning is that the USB-c normally just recieving DC current anyway. I don't believe the Pi would receive serial communication from the outlet(AC/DC adapter/transformer).

Improve this question
2
  • I haven't cut a USB-C so I can't say for sure, but I've done it with USB 2/3.0 cables -- in fact some of them don't even have the data lines, if they are sold specifically as power cables.
    – goldilocks ♦
    Jul 10, 2020 at 18:06
  • Hmm: electronics.stackexchange.com/a/310533/52138
    – goldilocks ♦
    Jul 10, 2020 at 18:08

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0

"I know the usb-c connector on the Pi is safer because of onboard regulators/fuses" then you know wrong!
The Pi4 has NO fuses and the regulator is used to supply lower voltages derived from the 5V input. There is no 5V regulator.

Indeed the USB-C 5V is directly connected to the 5V pins on the expansion header, so there is no need to (or benefit from) butchering a cable.

Incidentally the USB-C connector DOES NOT have USB-C (or USB3) capabilities. The schematic states "USB-C (USB2 ONLY)". It is intended for POWER, although there are 2 data lines connected to the SOC (and the Power Sense pins are used), giving it USB2 OTG functionality.

You would be better using the USB3 connector.

Improve this answer
1
  • Thanks for the clarification. Just to be clear, this USB-C converter will provide enough power for my Raspberry Pi? Should I add anything else to the circuit in order to protect my board?
    – gumby4231
    Jul 13, 2020 at 19:20

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.