Review: JOY-iT DPS5005 Programmable Lab Power Supply

Using the small power supply module DPS5005 from JOY-iT, a programmable laboratory power supply can be put together. The module can (at the maximum allowed input voltage of 55 V) supply no less than 0...50 V at 0...5 A, 250 W, that is. It does, however, require another AC/DC power supply module to provide the input voltage in order to make a complete lab power supply. JOY-iT has the housing DPS-Case in their line-up, especially for this module. This kit contains all the components to house the module neatly and safely.

A few years ago, Elektor published a 30-V, 3-A adjustable benchtop power supply dubbed UniLab2. To keep the total outlay down, it had a rather basic user interface. The Elektor Labs project highlighted this week offers a slick user interface for the UniLab2 by adding rotary encoders and a 4-line LCD. On top of that, you get handy presets for 3.3-V, 5-V and 12-V output voltages.

Benchtop power supplies with power transformers are heavy and expensive, especially when designed to supply a few hundred watts. Furthermore, such designs are old school. Today, using switch-mode configurations it is possible to design 250-watt PSUs running from anything from 85 up to 265 VAC line voltage, yet weigh less than 500 grams. The design showcased here is even open source.

I found two videos on the small Peaktech 6225 desktop power supply which examine it closely and arrive at pretty much the same conclusions. The more interesting of the two is obviously that which goes a bit further with the criticism, while frankly highlighting the strengths and not glossing over the weaknesses. And finally weighs the judgement, to present an honest picture.

Among the many HAT accessories available for the Raspberry Pi, the Uninterruptable Power Supply aptly called PiJuice is a remarkable one. By lifting fundamental limitations, the PiJuice is a very user friendly way to increase the performance of your Pi applications. It allows the use of your Raspberry Pi far from any power adapter, making it more portable than ever.

If only we could say that "No StromPi 3 was harmed during the making of this review“ we would be happy, but unfortunately it didn't work out that way. Power supply HATs for the Raspberry Pi are nothing new and some may even question why we are reviewing a new version of the StromPi and not a PiJuice or Pi UPS + HAT? To answer that question, this review looks into what the latest version of the StromPi brings to the table and shows how we can use it...

Using the PiJuice from PiSupply you can use your Raspberry Pi without a mains power adapter. Or for a while anyway. It has been designed as a UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) and can ride through several hours. The PiJuice is configured as a HAT for the Raspberry Pi and plugs without any problems onto the 40-pin RPi header.

Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI, Hsinchu) reports that its “ChemSEI-Linker” paste increases Li-ion batteries’ lifetime up to 70%. ITRI also says ChemSEI-Linker is a green technology because it enables easier recycling of Li-ion cells at the end of their extended lifetimes. ITRI engineered the new paste after analyzing why the electrodes always seem to be the weak link that causes Li-ion batteries to fail in the field. The researchers say they looked at performance degradation, not the failures that result in fires or explosions as those have been traced to dendrites. ChemSEI-Linker is claimed to inhibits that natural accumulation of a solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) layer by depositing its own, nanoscale-thick SEI layer. The deposited SEI repels further buildup during recharging, much as depositing a single monolayer of oxidation on aluminum prevents more from accumulating and thereby makes the aluminum rust-free.

Battery chargers have always been a popular subject among our readers and followers. In the past we have published many charger designs for all sorts of batteries and applications. However, because battery technology keeps advancing we have to come up with a new design. But there are so many possibilities? Can you give us some suggestions and directions? Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Many electronic devices are designed to operate with primary cells using a nominal voltage of 1.5 V and often do not work well with the slightly lower voltage provided by rechargeable batteries. All that could change by using a Batteroo ReBoost SmartSleeve, which is a thin voltage management and up-converter battery sleeve; it helps save money and protects your devices...