/YULC

YULC (Yes, a USB-C Led Controller)

yulc

Dual Power Inputs

YULC provides two ways to fuel your LED creations. Choose from the USB-C port supporting PD protocol (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, and 20V) for up to 100W (5A@20V), or use a separate power supply via the barrel jack (up to 20A@24V).

Versatile Power Distribution

YULC empowers you to choose how your strips receive power: Direct Power: Route the input power straight to the strips for maximum efficiency. Bucked-Down Power: Utilize the built-in converter to deliver safe 5V or 12V to your strips, with a maximum of 20A. Simply populate one of the two fuse holders to select your preference.

For example, you have 4 ways to power your 5V WS2812b strip.

  1. Classic power supply at 5V with a barrel jack, populating the fuse for the direct output. (bypassing the buck converter)
  2. Selecting 5V from the PD and routing to the strip populating the direct output fuse (bypassing the buck converter)
  3. Populating the fuse of the regulated output, you can choose a barrel jack power supply that can provide more than 5V (with the desired power) and regulate at 5V using the buck converter
  4. Regulating at 5V using the PD protocol of the USB-C, so selecting a voltage of 9V or higher

Dual Channel Control for Seamless Lighting:

Independent Control

YULC boasts two separate LED channels, each equipped with a level shifter to ensure clean data transmission even for extended LED strips.

Simplified Strip Control

Dedicated power MOSFETs eliminate the need for external relays, to physically turn on and off the strips saving a considerable amount of power for long ones. This allows for direct control and also smooth dimming via PWM for simpler strips.

Built-in Safety Measures for Peace of Mind:

Multi-Layered Protection:

  • The main fuse safeguards against overcurrents.

  • ESD protection shields the PD and ESP32-S3 USB data from electrostatic discharge.

  • Overvoltage transient protection on the USB power line prevents damage from voltage spikes.

  • Back-to-back MOSFET configuration ensures safe programming while using an external power supply.

  • YULC negotiates voltage with your USB charger. If an incompatible voltage is detected, the current is automatically blocked to protect your LED strips and nothing will be powered.

  • The ESP32-S3 microprocessor can detect the blown fuse, making troubleshooting easier in case of a shorting output or an overcurrent event.