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...
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 light source is switched on during a repeating cycle. On a proximity sensor, changing the duty cycle can 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.
- USB-C
- A modern reversible USB connector used for power and data connections. On this product it matters because it can connect directly to a computer as well as to a microcontroller project.
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