Spark Analyzer: The Programmable USB-C Power Delivery Analyzer & Power Supply

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Spark Analyzer is a versatile ESP32-powered device tailored for enhancing project development and debugging processes. It is fully compatible with USB-C Power Delivery (UCPD) and is further enhanced by a Programmable Power Supply (PPS) feature, allowing for precise control and management of power. Its compact design facilitates easy inline integration with existing setups, providing essential insights and control over power delivery.

Equipped with WiFi and BLE, the Spark Analyzer offers wireless connectivity, enabling developers to remotely monitor and adjust voltage levels, log data, and analyze power consumption through a user-friendly smartphone interface. This design prioritizes convenience and efficiency, removing the need for physical buttons and supporting distance operation

Features:

Power Control and Analysis with PPS and PD: The Spark Analyzer excels in power management with its Programmable Power Supply (PPS) and Power Delivery (PD) capabilities. Precisely control voltage from 3.3V to 21V at 20 mV resolution and set current limits up to 3A with 50mA resolution with PPS or use PD for adjustable voltage output options (5V, 9V, 15V, 20V). Combined with its current sensor, it allows for accurate current draw measurements, essential for understanding power usage in your projects.
Wireless Control: Untehther your development process with the Spark Analyzer’s wireless capabilities. With both WiFi and BLE, this tool allows remote, app-based control and data logging. Users can adjust settings and monitor data from a distance, offering a more flexible development experience.
Open Source & Programmable: As an open-source device, the Spark Analyzer offers unmatched versatility. It is fully programmable, allowing you to tailor its functionality to your specific applications. This customization extends to software and hardware, opening up endless possibilities for creative and efficient project development.
Compact Design: Designed for convenience, the Spark Analyzer's compact and sleek form factor allows for seamless integration into existing setups. Its compatibility with UCPD power sources and inline integration capability minimizes the need for additional equipment or extensive redesign, making it a versatile and user-friendly addition to any development environment.
Safety: Safety is crucial when working with electricity and is at the heart of Spark Analyzer. An integrated output FET allows for software programmable current limit that switches off the power in high-current scenarios.

Specifications

Power

Negotiable Power Delivery: Options of 5 VDC, 9 VDC, 12 VDC, 15 VDC, 20 VDC; max 5 A (100 W at 20 VDC). It is also PPS compatible up to 21 VDC.
USB Type-C Port: For power delivery and integrated JTAG programming.
ON Semiconductor FUSB302MPX: Programmable USB Type-C control and USB PD communication.
ESD Protection: On D+/D-/CC1/CC2 pins.
Texas Instruments TPS62175DQCT: 3.3 VDC 0.5 A max output DC-DC Step-Down Converter.
Power Output: 3.5 mm, 2-position terminal block.

I/O Configuration

GPIOs: 4 GPIOs (I2C, UART, SPI compatible).
Power Pins: 1x 5 VDC and 1x GND.

Microcontroller

Model: ESP32-C3FH4 with 40 MHz crystal.
Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n.
Bluetooth: BLE 4.2.
Flash Memory: 4 MB.

Interface

3x LED Indicators
- Power On
- Output Enable
- Programmable LED/Debug
Buttons
- Reset
- Programmable Button/Debug

Programming

Integrated JTAG Controller: For programming.
USB-C: Built-in USB JTAG programmer (ESP32-C3), compatible with Arduino. Select ESP32-C3 Dev Board.

Output

Current Output: CC6904SO-10A.
Current Sensor: Hall Effect Current Sensor.
Output Enable: DMP3017SFG-7 FET.

Spark Analyzer Mobile App

Note: The Spark Analyzer Mobile App is currently in active development. The features described below are subject to change as we continue to improve the app.

The Spark Analyzer Mobile App, currently done for Android (iOS support is available via RemoteXY, is the perfect companion to your Spark Analyzer device. It simplifies monitoring and controlling power delivery with these key features:

Voltage Selector: Easily choose from different voltage levels (5 VDC, 9 VDC, 15 VDC, or 20 VDC) using a user-friendly selector.
Output Toggle: Turn the power output on or off conveniently with a toggle switch.
Current Logging: Save current draw as a .csv file.
Current Limit: Ability to set a software current trip as a safety feature.
Read-time Display: View current set point, current draw and output enable in real time on your phone.

Key Features:

Voltage Selector: The app comes with a user-friendly voltage selector that allows you to easily choose from the different voltage levels supported by the UCPD protocol. Whether you need 5V, 9V, 15V, or 20V, switching between these options is just a tap away.
Output Toggle: Need to turn the power output on or off? The app features a convenient toggle switch that gives you full control over the Spark Analyzer's output, making it simple to manage your device remotely.
Current Draw Chart: Keep an eye on your project's power consumption with the app's real-time current draw chart. This feature provides a graphical representation of the current being drawn, helping you to monitor and optimize your power usage effectively.

Future Developments:

The Spark Analyzer Mobile App is continuously being improved, with several new features in the pipeline. Upcoming updates will include the ability to export logs for further analysis, set current limits to prevent overcurrent scenarios, and much more.

Testing for Performance

At the heart of Spark Analyzer's design is a commitment to reliability and performance. To ensure that Spark Analyzer stands up to real-world demands, we subjected it to testing under use conditions.

Max Current Test: 3A at 9V

Under a load condition of 3A at 9V, Spark Analyzer showcased its robust power delivery capabilities without any hitches.

Max Voltage Test: 1.5A at 20V

Even at its maximum voltage output of 20V with a 1.5A load, Spark Analyzer continued to perform seamlessly, demonstrating its versatility and reliability.

Thermal Performance

Safety and efficiency are paramount. We took a thermal image of the board under these testing conditions to ensure that all components remained within safe temperature limits. The results were impressive: the entire board stayed cool, with the warmest component being the ESP32 microcontroller, which only reached around 40°C.

These tests underscore Spark Analyzer's commitment to delivering a product that is not only feature-rich but also reliable, safe, and efficient. With Spark Analyzer, you're investing in a device that's been tried and tested to ensure optimal performance under all conditions.

Package Contents:

1x Spark Analyzer
Additional components (Specify as per your package)

Manufacturing & Logistics:

Our designs have undergone rigorous testing and verification. We've already produced a pilot batch, and our manufacturing partners are geared up for full-scale production. All Spark Analyzer units will be shipped globally, ensuring timely delivery to our backers.

Comparison: Spark Analyzer vs PD Micro vs Lab Power Supply

	Spark Analyzer	PD Micro	TinyPICO V3	Joy-IT COM ZY12PDN
Microcontroller	ESP32-C3	ATmega32U4	ESP32-PICO-D4	Not Applicable
WiFi Connectivity	Available (802.11b/g/n)	Not Available	Available	Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity	Available (BLE 4.2)	Not Available	Available	Not Available
Flash Memory	4 MB	Not Specified	4 MB	Not Specified
USB-C Power Delivery	Supported	Supported	Not Supported	Supported
Output Control	Adjustable	Adjustable	Not Specified	Adjustable
Wireless Control	Yes	No	Yes	No
Smartphone App Support	Yes	No	No	No
Power Analysis	Accurate	Basic	Not Specified	Basic
Design	Compact and Sleek	Compact	Ultra-Small	Compact
Open Source Status	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Programming Interface	USB + JTAG	USB	USB	Not Applicable
Inline Integration	Yes	No	Not Applicable	No
Power Delivery Range	5-20 VDC Supported	5-20 VDC Supported	Not Supported	5-20 VDC Supported
Price (USD)	$49	$28	$22	$16

License

MIT License

Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:

The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all copies or substantial portions of the Software.

THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.

ATM-HSW/Spark-Analyzer