Working with electronics requires access to stable power in a variety of voltages. Some components require 3.3V and others require 5V. Still others need 9V or 12V — there are many possibilities. You could keep a variety of wall warts on hand, but a variable benchtop power supply is a more convenient option. Supplino is one choice and this guide from Giovanni Bernardo and Paolo Loberto will walk you through how to build one.
Supplino can accept anything from 4 to 40 volts and can output anything from 1.25 to 36 volts, with a maximum of 5A. An XH-M401 module with an XL4016E1 DC-DC buck converter handles the voltage regulation. Technically, you could use that alone to power your components. But the addition of an Arduino Nano board (or Nano Every) makes the experience far friendlier. It monitors the power supply output and drives a 1.8″ 128×160 TFT LCD screen, which displays the present voltage, amperage, and wattage.
The Arduino gets power from another 5V buck converter. It utilizes relays to regulate the supply of power to the main Buck converter. A potentiometer with a relocated position determines the voltage. Two banana plug sockets allow you to connect alligator clips , or any else leads the project needs. All of these elements in a neat and appealing 3D-printed enclosure. It is lightweight and easily fits on any desk. There are a variety of options to power your input however, a laptop’s power supply is an excellent option.
