USB Tester (Seeed 103990009) Designer: FriedCircuits

 

USB has become the core of many projects. In my experience I've found it to be troublesome to test USB voltage levels and current usage using a breadboard. They usually consist of holding wires attached to the DMM’s test leads, making it difficult to get solid readings. The USB Tester will make it much easier to monitor any USB project’s power source.

 

As part of the USB spec, you are limited to 500ma, so you want to monitor how close you are. Most people use USB hubs, both powered and unpowered, and with many devices connected, you can end up with less than 5V which can cause havoc on you projects. The USB Tester will make it a snap to monitor voltage levels and current usage without having to re-wire your breadboard. Just connect to your oscilloscope or DMM test leads, and you’re good to go! The USB Tester has both banana clip sized drills and standard 0.1” headers. When you are not testing current you can add a jumper for normal operation. The USB D+/D- pins are also broken out so you can monitor those on an oscilloscope, or for USB sniffing.

 

The USB Tester PCB size uses Dangerous prototypes Sick of Beige standard DP5031 so that it can can be used as a base. You can find an arcylic base here.

 

Here is a list of features:

-Monitor voltage levels

-Monitor current usage

-Monitor data lines via an oscilloscope

-Banana clip testing points

-Jumper connection to bridge current connection when not testing/normal operation

-Dangerous Prototype’s Sick of Beige standard PCB size 

-Headers for future expansion via backpacks

-Uses SparkFun's 0.1" locking header footprint

 

Includes:

PCB with both USB A and mini connectors

14 unsoldered 0.1” pin headers

1 jumper

 

Note: a USB mini cable is not included