PowerPole Power Supply HAT for Raspberry Pi Zero

Overview

The PowerPole Power Supply HAT for Raspberry Pi Zero is designed to deliver a clean and stable power source while minimizing electrical noise. With peak-to-peak ripple kept below 15mV, this HAT ensures reliable performance in sensitive applications. It is similar to the 2021-K-052 model but features a downward-facing component layout. This design reduces electromagnetic radiation and enhances electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for any HAT stacked above it.

Key Features

• Low Ripple Power Supply: Maintains noise levels below 15mV peak-to-peak for optimal performance.
• Stackable Design: Allows access to all GPIO headers via an extension header, making it compatible with additional Raspberry Pi HATs.
• Optimized Orientation: Components face downward to provide additional RF shielding for stacked HATs.
• Robust Power Delivery: Supports an input voltage range of 12V to 24V and delivers a stable ±5V output at up to 3A.
• RF-Optimized Design: Radiated emissions are kept below 10 dBuV peak, minimizing potential interference.

Compatibility

This HAT has been tested with the following Raspberry Pi models:

• Raspberry Pi Zero
• Raspberry Pi Zero W
• Raspberry Pi Zero WH
• Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
• Raspberry Pi 3 (recommended to use board 2023-P-811 instead)
• Raspberry Pi 4 (recommended to use board 2023-P-811 instead)
• Raspberry Pi 5 (recommended to use board 2023-P-811 instead)

Performance Testing

All measurements were taken during the Raspberry Pi Zero’s boot sequence, followed by an operation that increased CPU load and power consumption.

Ripple & Noise

• Measured ripple remains under 15mV peak-to-peak.

Radiated Emissions (1 MHz – 500 MHz)

• Testing conducted using a compact Transverse ElectroMagnetic (TEM) cell setup with a 50-ohm load to assess RF interference.
• Measurements taken with a clean 5V laboratory power supply as a reference.
• Additional tests performed with the PowerPole Power Supply HAT attached to the Raspberry Pi Zero.

Technical Specifications

• PCB Technology: ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) for improved durability and conductivity.
• Compliance: Fully ROHS compliant.
• Regulator IC: Built around the LM2596S voltage regulator.
• Input Voltage: Accepts 12V to 24V.
• Output Voltage: ±5V.
• Maximum Current: 3A.
• Radiated Emissions: Below 10 dBuV peak.

This PowerPole Power Supply HAT provides a reliable and efficient power solution for Raspberry Pi Zero while ensuring minimal electrical interference and optimal stacking flexibility.

Ripple

Radiated emissions 1 MHz till 500 MHz

Measuring the Raspberry Pi Zero together with PowerPole Power Supply HAT for Raspberry Pi Zero.