‘A common external power supply (EPS) mustĀ include a cable with a Micro USB-BĀ connector for connecting to a mobile phone.’Ā ā European Commission, June 2009.Ā This specification was implemented dueĀ to the concern that if a user wanted to changeĀ his/her mobile phone, they usually had toĀ acquire a new charger and dispose of theĀ current one even if it is in perfect condition.Ā āThis unnecessarily generates importantĀ amounts of electronic waste. HarmonisingĀ mobile phone chargers will bring significantĀ economic and environmental benefits.Ā Consumers will not need to buy a newĀ charger with every mobile phone.āĀ Due to this specification (and if your home is anything like mine) youāll find that mostĀ of your drawers include a number of theseĀ Micro USB Power Supplies as they are supplied with the majorityĀ of mobile phones and tablets. Our new lampĀ kit is Micro USB-compatible and is a greatĀ project for KS3 and GCSE students.
Example of the kit in use
Micro USB Lamp Kit,Ā built, switch ‘off’
Micro USB Lamp Kit,Ā built, switch ‘on’
Micro USB Lamp Kit parts
This kit allows you to build an economical mains powered lamp that takes power from a standard Micro USB phone charger (available separately). The kit comprises a very bright 1W Power LED which connects (with the cable provided) to a PCB that has a power switch, Micro USB connector and power resistor. All that is required to assemble the kit is to connectĀ the LED to the desired length of cable and solder the resistor to the board.
Dimensions:
- PCB Length: 38mm.
- PCB Width: 28mm.
Micro USB Breakout, with Power Switch
This Micro USB Breakout Board offers easy access to all theĀ USB power and data pins as they are connected to largeĀ solder-able pads on the PCBĀ with 0.1″ spacing.Ā The board has two furtherĀ outputs where the 5V power pin is connected through a switchĀ or the switch and a resistor. This makes the board ideal for aĀ variety of applications.
Fully compatible with Micro USB charges supplied with most mobile phones and tablets.
Dimensions:
- PCB Length: 38mm.
- PCB Width: 28mm.
5V 1A Micro USB UK Mains Wall Power Supply
This is 5V Mains Powered Micro USBĀ Power Supply can be used in a wide range ofĀ applications including phone charging and poweringĀ Raspberry Pis. It is safety approved and featuresĀ short circuit and over current protection. This unitĀ has a fixed UK pin and a 1.8 metre output cable.
If you’re looking for lamp design ideas, head to our Gallery!