PowerPole Power Supply HAT for Raspberry Pi

Overview

The PowerPole Power Supply HAT is designed to provide clean, low-noise power to your Raspberry Pi, ensuring minimal ripple and interference. With a peak-to-peak ripple of less than 15mV, this power solution enhances performance and reliability for sensitive applications.

Features & Functionality

This HAT securely mounts to the top of your Raspberry Pi, maintaining full access to all GPIO headers through an extension header, allowing you to stack additional HATs. It includes additional mounting holes for Raspberry Pi Zero HATs, along with the option to attach two miniature fans. Additionally, an air duct (sold separately) can be installed to improve cooling efficiency.

Compatibility

Tested and verified to work with:

✅ Raspberry Pi 3
✅ Raspberry Pi 4
✅ Raspberry Pi 5

A dedicated version is also available for the Raspberry Pi Zero ( 2021-P-052 model).

Performance Measurements

All performance measurements were conducted at two critical stages:

1. Initial boot sequence – when power demand starts increasing.
2. High CPU load operation – simulating real-world conditions with peak power consumption.

Ripple Performance

The ripple voltage remains below 15mV peak-to-peak, ensuring stable power delivery without introducing unwanted noise.

Radiated Emissions (1 MHz – 500 MHz)

Radiated emissions were evaluated using a compact Transverse ElectroMagnetic (TEM) setup, connected to an analyzer and terminated with a 50-ohm load. This provides insights into potential RF interference.

Test Setup

• Baseline measurement: Raspberry Pi Zero powered by a clean 5V laboratory power supply.
• Comparison: Raspberry Pi Zero powered by the PowerPole Power Supply HAT.
• Results: Radiated emissions remain within the acceptable range, measured at below 10 dBµV peak.

Technical Specifications

• PCB Technology: ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold)
• Compliance: ROHS certified
• Component Orientation: Upward-facing (alternative downward-facing version available for improved RF shielding in stacked HAT configurations).
• Regulator: Based on the LM2596S integrated circuit.
• Ripple Performance: <15mV peak-to-peak.
• Input Voltage: 12V – 24V.
• Output Voltage: ±5V.
• Maximum Current: 3A.
• Radiated Emissions: <10 dBµV peak, compliant with RF emission standards.

Included Components (Bill of Materials)

• 4x Small spacers
• 4x Large spacers
• 4x Hexagonal bolts
• 1x 40-pin stacking header
• 2x Common-mode chokes
• 1x PP45 connector with pins
• 1m Cable with PP45 connectors

Assembly Instructions

1. Secure the PP45 connector to the PCB using superglue.
2. Solder the PP45 connector to ensure a firm electrical connection.
3. Solder the 40-pin stacking header, ensuring pins face upward.
4. Solder the two common-mode chokes.
5. (Optional) Attach two miniature fans and the air duct for improved cooling.
6. Final Step: Clean the PCB thoroughly using isopropyl alcohol to remove flux residue.

Ripple

Radiated emmissions 1 MHz till 500 MHz

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