ProtoV MINI – A 100W USB-C Powered Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply With LCD

ProtoVMINI breadboard power supply.

Designed by Flake and Blade Robotics Design in Montréal, the ProtoVMINI is a compact USB-C–powered breadboard power supply designed to deliver adjustable power directly on standard breadboards. It targets makers, hobbyists, and engineers who need a flexible, portable alternative to bulky benchtop supplies, especially for on-the-go prototyping.

It offers two independently adjustable outputs (0–20 V, 0–5 A) with 10 mV/50 mA steps, USB-PD input up to 100 W, real-time voltage/current/power monitoring, and very low ripple performance. Controls include nine tactile switches, seven LEDs, and a 320×240 LCD running an interactive Rust UI with data logging and waveform capture. Each channel uses a TPS55289 buck-boost converter and INA226 measurement IC, managed by an RP2040 with firmware upgrade via USB-C. Additional features include SCPI control, a Python interface, SWD debugging, open-source hardware/firmware under EPL-2.0, and mounting options for expansion modules.

ProtoVMINI breadboard power supply front and back.

ProtoVMINI Specifications:

• MCU: Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040)
• Display: 2-inch 320×240 LCD
• Input: 
  • USB Type-C input supporting USB-PD sink mode up to 100 W (STUSB4500 USB-PD controller)
  • Internal algorithm to maximize negotiated power
  • USB 1.1 full-speed communication over the same port
• Outputs: 
  • Two independent adjustable channels
  • 0.00–20.00 V, adjustable output voltage in 10 mV steps
  • 0.00–5.00 A, adjustable current limit in 50 mA steps
  • Output via 2×5 pin headers (2.54 mm) spanning standard breadboard rails
  • Overcurrent, overtemperature, overvoltage, short-circuit protection
• Performance:
  • Ripple/noise: <15 mV pk-pk (light load), <10 mV pk-pk (high load)
  • Switching harmonics: <1 mV RMS (200/400 kHz), <0.5 mV RMS (higher order)
  • Idle power: 0.45 W @ 5 V
  • Efficiency: ~85% (<1 W), ~95% (25 W)
  • Line regulation: <0.2% (light load), <1% (full load)
• Misc:
  • Nine tactile buttons (D-pad, settings, channel enable)
  • Seven addressable LEDs for visual feedback
  • Per channel: TPS55289 buck-boost converter + INA226 power monitor
  • Firmware upgrade via USB-C
  • SWD debug interface
• Dimensions: 85.5 × 54.0 × 17.5 mm
• Weight: 49 g
• Mounting: 4× M3 mounting holes for expansion (e.g., banana jack board)

In terms of software, the ProtoV includes a Rust-based interactive UI that runs directly on the device, providing real-time voltage, current, and power readouts, responsive digital setpoint control, and rolling data-logging with waveform capture and on-screen graphing. It also supports remote operation through a Python interface and SCPI command set for automation, with continuous updates planned. Firmware can be upgraded over USB-C, and developers have full access to the RP2040’s SWD debug interface for low-level inspection and custom firmware work.

ProtoVMINI breadboard power supply top side

Previously, we have written about other breadboard power supplies like the Pika Power Board, the ANT BBPS (breadboard power supply), but neither of those boards is as convenient as this one.

At the time of writing, Crowd Supply has not released any pricing or shipping information for the ProtoV MINI, as the project remains in the “Coming Soon” phase. Full details on cost, delivery schedules, and regional shipping availability will be provided once the campaign officially launches, and users can sign up on the project page to receive those updates.

Images used courtesy of flakeblade.com