It’s a simple 2HP wide utility module with 4 USB A connectors. Perfect for powering a lamp, a small Keyboard (I use it for my Arturia Keystep) or anything else.
This USB Power Hub provides regulated 5V DC power from your Eurorack case’s power supply to 4 standard USB-A ports, enabling you to power or charge external devices directly from your modular system.
Specifications & Features:
- Input: +5V from your case’s power bus board. It draws significant current on the +5V rail (check your power supply’s headroom).
- Output: 4x USB-A ports.
- Total Output Current: up to 500mA, shared across the four channels, if used simultaneously.
- Protection: over-current protection with a re-settable fuse (500mA).
- The front panel includes a LED power indicator.
To save on space, in this 2HP version, the components are now all Surface Mount Devices (SMD).
But don’t be afraid, you can buy the PCB with SMD stuff pre-assembled!
Components
USB Connectors
The USB connectors are vertical, type-A, USB sockets. They are available under many different brands and names.
I personally use this model from TME.
The key values are:
- Pin pitch: 2 and 2.5mm
- Distance between pins and ground tabs: 2.71mm
- Max height: 15mm
Check this datasheet from TE Connectivity (part #1734366-1).
Hardware
The Hex Standoffs must be at least 15mm long, M3.
Assembly guide
Follow the step-by-step assembly guide for USB Power Output – 2HP.
Power connection
The module is equipped with a screw-terminal block for power input, offering maximum flexibility for integration into any system.
Supported Connection Methods:
- Direct Connection to the Power Supply Unit (PSU): This method is ideal for minimizing potential parasitic currents or noise on your main Eurorack bus. Connect the terminal wires directly to your PSU’s dedicated +5V and GND output terminals.
- Connection from a Eurorack Power Bus Board: For standard integration within a case. Connect the terminal wires to a standard Eurorack power cable (using the +5V and GND pins) or to a dedicated bus board tap. This is the most common and convenient method.
- Connection to a dedicated DC Source: Use this to completely isolate the USB hub’s power from your audio system. The terminal can accept wires from any compatible external +5V DC source (e.g., a 5V DC wall adapter).
CAUTION: Always double-check polarity and voltage before applying power. Applying more than 5V will damage the devices connected to the USB Hub. An internal protection diode safeguards against accidental reverse-voltage connection.
Connecting to a bus board
This section details how to power the module using a standard Eurorack bus board and a dedicated cable adapter.
- Connect the BLACK wire to pin 7 (GND)
- Connect the RED wire to pin 11 (+5V).
Refer to the images below for the correct connector orientation and pinout.
Front panel and PCB
Hi David,
I’ve just purchased your ‘USB Power Output – PCB set with pre-assembled SMT
PCB set with pre-assembled SMT stuff + Front panel (No THT component provided)’ product.
I plan to source the USB A sockets myself – would you be able to confirm pitch or provide a link to the recommended USB A socket for this item?
Thanks in advance!
David
Hello David and thank you for your purchase!
I’ve just added some details about the USB connectors above.
The key specifications are the pin pitch: 2mm for the two inner pins, and 2.5mm for the two outer pins.
Additionally:
The distance from the ground tabs to the pins is 2.71mm.
The connector height should be 15mm (measured from the PCB to the front panel).
I hope this helps. Wishing you a pleasant build and great use of the module!
Hi David,
Items have just arrived – thank you! And thank you very much for adding the detailed specifications – exactly what I was looking for.
Looking forward to building over the weekend and installing into my skiff.
Best regards fae Scotland!
David.