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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Mike Rankin’s ESP32-based USB-C PD project aims to make selecting USB-C charger power profiles straightforward: choose a supported voltage and current, and the board requests that profile from a compatible charger. It is a work-in-progress DIY project, not a verified, currently sold assembled product. Its ESP32 runs the project logic, while a separate USB-PD controller handles power negotiation.
What Rankin’s board is designed to do
Rankin describes the project as a programmable USB-C power supply that requests specific voltage and current values from a charger, with onboard controls for selecting values. His README distinguishes two connections: a computer used to upload the Arduino sketch supplies only +5 V, while a dedicated USB-C PD charger may offer additional voltage and current profiles. Mike Rankin’s project README identifies the design as a work in progress.
A Hackster feature describes a version built around an ESP32-PICO-D4 and an STUSB4500 USB-C PD sink controller. That feature reports an 80 × 160, 0.96-inch IPS TFT display, a five-way joystick, and a separate tactile switch, and presents the device as both a programmable supply and a charger-and-cable tester. Those are details reported in the feature; the available project information does not establish that they apply to every revision or represent the current hardware configuration. Tom Fleet’s Hackster project feature
How to request a voltage such as 9 V or 20 V
USB-C is the connector and ecosystem; USB Power Delivery (PD) is a negotiation protocol that can let compatible equipment use power profiles beyond the default low-power mode. During negotiation, the charger advertises the profiles it can supply over the USB-C configuration channel (CC). The device receiving power—the sink—requests one of those profiles, and the charger accepts or rejects that request. A requested voltage is therefore not guaranteed simply because a cable fits.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Check the charger. Find the charger’s supported output profiles on its label or in its technical documentation. The board can request only a compatible profile the source advertises.
- Connect a suitable PD-capable charger and cable. The source, cable, and other hardware must all be suitable for the requested power. A computer connection used to upload the sketch is not a substitute for a PD charger: Rankin’s README says that path supplies +5 V.
- Select a supported profile on the board. The project’s controls are intended to let users select values. A request outside the charger’s available profiles cannot make that charger provide the requested voltage or current.
Espressif explains that current ESP32-series chips cannot parse the USB-PD protocol themselves to request specific voltages; an external PD controller is needed. In the Hackster-described design, the STUSB4500 is connected to the ESP32 over I2C and handles PD negotiation. The ESP32 and the PD controller thus have different jobs: the ESP32 runs the project logic, while the external controller communicates the power request to the source. Espressif’s USB-PD guide
What the STUSB4500 contributes
Fleet’s Hackster feature says the STUSB4500 has nonvolatile memory for up to three USB-PD profiles and that firmware can reconfigure it. A stored profile represents a voltage-and-current configuration that can be presented to the source; it does not mean that every connected charger supports all stored choices. This description comes from the feature article, rather than a direct statement from Rankin or the chip manufacturer. Hackster’s walkthrough
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Programmable board or fixed-profile trigger?
| Approach | Profile selection | What it is suited to | Important limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-profile PD trigger or decoy module | Requests a fixed or limited selection, depending on the module | A simpler way to obtain a supported PD profile for a project | Must match a profile offered by the charger; capabilities vary by module. Adafruit documents examples of PD trigger boards and a USB-C-to-barrel-jack trigger cable. Adafruit’s USB-C PD guide |
| Rankin’s ESP32-based programmable supply/tester | Designed for profile selection through its controller and project firmware | Experimenting with selectable power profiles and the project’s display and controls | Still a work in progress; the available sources do not establish current assembled-board availability, pricing, or validated measurement performance. Project README |
These devices are PD sinks: they request power from a USB-C source. They are not interchangeable with USB-C power sources that deliver negotiated power to another device. For any setup, the usable voltage, current, and total power are constrained by the board, charger, cable, and connected equipment.
What the project can—and cannot—tell you about a charger
The Hackster feature frames the design as a tester for chargers and cables, but that should not be read as evidence of validated measurement accuracy or reliability. Rankin’s README flags a measurement-performance concern involving its INA199 current-sensing choice. The reviewed project material does not establish measured accuracy, thermal performance, or reliability results, so treat displayed readings as project functionality rather than independently validated test data. Rankin’s README
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
USB PD 3.1 is discussed in the Hackster feature as supporting up to 240 W (48 V at 5 A). That is a protocol capability cited in the feature’s publication-era discussion, not a measured output or demonstrated capability of Rankin’s board. The board’s actual usable profiles depend on its design revision and its charger, cable, and other hardware. Hackster feature
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Project status and practical buying expectations
Rankin labels the project a work in progress. The available project information does not establish that a complete assembled board is currently sold or supported, or provide current pricing. Readers interested in building a similar setup can look at generic PD trigger modules for simpler fixed-profile use, or at an STUSB4500 sink controller or breakout as a component path; neither should be assumed to be Rankin’s board or to support every voltage-and-current combination. Check each product’s documented profiles and limits before connecting it to a project.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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