BenchVolt PD - An USB-C PD lab power supply with five channels and arbitrary waveform generator (Crowdfunding)

BenchVolt PD is a five-channel, open-source USB-C PD lab power supply that turns any USB Type-C charger/power bank into a compact, portable bench PSU. Designed for makers, engineers, and field technicians, it delivers up to 100 W with fixed, adjustable, and waveform-capable outputs, making it an alternative to bulky lab units.

It integrates three low-noise fixed rails (1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V), two adjustable outputs (0.5–5 V and 2.5–32 V), and supports up to 3A per channel with current limiting. An STM32 MCU handles sequencing, real-time safety checks, and monitoring. The device also features a 1.9-inch display and a rotary encoder for monitoring and control. It also includes protections for overcurrent, temperature, and power budgeting.

BenchVolt PD specifications:

MCU – STMicroelectronics STM32F030F4 32-bit Cortex-M0 @ 48 MHz with up to 256KB of flash
Display – 1.9-Inch TFT display (320 x 170) showing voltage, current, thermal, and PD status
Power Input
- USB Type-C Power delivery (20V/5A max, 100W max)
- ST STUSB4500 standalone USB PD controller for power sinking devices
Power Output
- Fixed Rails (LDO-regulated, low noise)
  - 1.8 V @ up to 3 A
  - 2.5 V @ up to 3 A
  - 3.3 V @ up to 3 A
- Adjustable Output 1 (LDO-regulated)
  - 0.5 V – 5 V @ up to 3 A
  - Ultra-low ripple for analog/digital circuits
- Adjustable Output 2 (Buck-boost)
  - 2.5 V – 32 V @ up to 3 A
  - Higher ripple compared to LDO channels (buck-boost stage)
Ripple & Noise (20 MHz BW, 1 A load)
- Fixed 1.8 / 2.5 / 3.3 V – <4 mVpp, <4 mVrms
- Adj. Output 1 (0.5–5 V) – <4 mVpp, <4 mVrms
- Adj. Output 2 (2.5–32 V) – <25 mVpp, <25 mVrms
USB – 2x USB Type-C ports, one for PD and one for debugging (interchangeable through the back pushlock button)
Misc
- Arbitrary Waveform Generator (Adjustable Channels Only)
  - 12-bit resolution, 1024 points
  - Waveforms: Sine, Square, Triangle, Ramp, plus custom
  - Dwell time: 4 ms to 16,384 ms
  - Repetition: 1–255 cycles or continuous
- Rotary encoder with 5 mV fine adjustment
- User-configurable power limit via on-device menu or Python GUI
- Protection against over-power and invalid PD profiles
- Per-channel over-current protection
- Continuous monitoring of voltage, current & temperature
- 2.54 mm (100 mil) pin headers for powering breadboard projects
Dimensions – 160 × 75 × 40 mm
Weight – ~500 grams
Enclosure
- CNC-cut plexiglass top & sides
- CNC-milled aluminum base

BenchVolt PD block diagram — BenchVolt PD Block Diagram

BenchVolt PD can be controlled from a PC using its open-source Python GUI or through standard SCPI commands over a virtual COM port(USB-C). The software lets users set voltages, currents, power limits, and waveforms, and provides real-time readings for voltage, current, temperature, and USB-PD status. Firmware can be updated directly over USB without any external programmer. All firmware, GUI code, and communication libraries are open source and available on GitHub.

USB PD Power Supply Python Interface — USB PD Power Supply Control Panel screenshot

It’s not the first USB-C PD power supply around, as we have recently covered the PocketPD, a palm-sized USB-C programmable power supply with up to 21V/5A output, and the Spark Analyzer, an ESP32-C3-powered USB-C PD analyzer and power supply, is another option.

The BenchVolt PD is available through Crowd Supply, where the fully assembled unit with enclosure and cables for $149, and the board-only version for $99. Both versions include free US shipping and $12 worldwide shipping. Orders placed during the campaign are scheduled to ship on March 6, 2026. All fulfillment is handled by Mouser Electronics, ensuring global delivery.

Debashis Das

Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication