PiHut
Power Bank KeepAlive (USB-C)
· MPN: 106133
The Power Bank KeepAlive (USB-C) prevents power banks from automatically shutting off when connected to low-power devices. It uses a 555 timer circuit to pul...
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The Power Bank KeepAlive (USB-C) prevents power banks from automatically shutting off when connected to low-power devices. It uses a 555 timer circuit to pulse a small amount of current through the USB-C port, keeping the power bank active even when drawing minimal power.
This assembled SMD version uses dual USB-C female connectors — connect it between your power bank and device using USB-C to USB-C cables. The data lines pass through unaffected, so charging and data transfer work normally. No soldering required.
Key Features
- Keeps Power Banks Alive – Prevents auto-shutoff with low-power devices
- 555 Timer Circuit – 50% duty cycle, ~10mA average with ~100mA pulse
- Dual USB-C Female – Both ports are USB-C for cable-based connection
- Data Pass-Through – Data lines connected directly and unaffected
- Ultra Compact – SMD construction for minimal size
- Pre-Assembled – Ready to use, no soldering required
Ideal For
- Powering Raspberry Pi Pico and small microcontrollers from power banks
- Low-power IoT devices on portable power
- Charging low-draw devices like earbuds
Package Contents
- 1× Assembled KeepAlive (USB-C version)
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- duty cycle
- The fraction of time a signal or power source is switched on during each repeating on/off cycle, usually given as a percentage. It is central to PWM (pulse-width modulation), where adjusting the duty cycle controls things like LED brightness, motor speed or heater power, and on devices such as proximity sensors it can also affect detection range, response speed, accuracy and power use.
- IoT
- Short for Internet of Things, meaning physical devices that connect to networks or the internet to send data or be controlled remotely. It matters if you want projects such as connected sensors, remote controls or classroom data-logging activities.
- SMD
- SMD means surface-mount device, a component style designed to be soldered directly onto the surface of a circuit board rather than through holes. SMD parts are compact and mounted flat on the board, which suits smaller and mass-produced designs.
- USB-C
- USB-C is a small, reversible USB connector that can carry power, data and, on some devices, video over a single cable. The same connector can range from charging only to high-speed data, so the functions a given port actually supports vary.
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