Compact Low Voltage Power Supply Module (PSU) for DIY Synthesiser Systems

Constructional difficulty: Easy if using a low voltage AC output mains adapter.


The prototype power supply board. Only one MTA header has been soldered in although up to seven may be fitted.

The Oakley Compact PSU is a complete power supply project for small modular systems. The board contains onboard heatsinking, power regulation, fusing and power distribution. It generates regulated +15V and -15V power rails.

The power supply can be used with half wave rectification to generate both negative and positive output voltages from a standard AC output mains adapter (wallwart or linelump). This can be a device such as Maplin part number N57AT or the larger N58AT. The former will allow up to 125mA be drawn from each rail while the larger one will allow up to 250mA.

The power supply can also be used with full wave centre-tapped rectification so it can be used with a centre tapped 'line lump' mains supply such as the Yamaha PA-20. This will allow up to 400mA to be drawn from the supply.

It is also possible, because of personal preferance, to use a mains transformer with twin or tapped secondaries. Please see the User Manual for more details.

A component level mains transformer should only be used if you know how to connect high voltage wiring. On no account should this project be powered by a component level mains transformer if you are not familiar with fusing, earthing and safe connection of high voltage equipment.

Various options have been provided for power on switches, fusing, earthing arrangements and types of mains transformers

The power supply uses standard parts throughout and requires only a simple voltmeter to set up. The circuit board takes less than an hour to build.

Various options are available for different types of switching, earthing and power on indication. The strong glass fibre PCB is silkscreened for easy component identification. It uses generous pad sizes and through plated for easy soldering and wide copper double sided tracks for reliable operation.

Generous heatsinking is provided as well as optional LED indicators for each power rail and flicker free AC input indication.

The number of modules the Compact PSU can supply depends on both the AC supply's maximum current output and the current draw of the modules connected. Please check module power consumption by consulting the particular module's User Guide. Supply current for each module is different and can vary between 10mA to 60mA.

The circuit board size is 155mm x 81mm. If using the recomended components the maximum height of the module when built is approximately 35mm.


Project Downloads

Compact PSU Builder's Guide

Compact PSU User Manual

Construction Guide Our handy guide to building Oakley DIY projects

Parts Guide Our handy guide to buying parts for Oakley DIY projects

Use 'save as...' button to download and view the file. IE users need to right hand mouse click and then choose 'save as'.


Prices

PCBs and parts for this project are available from Krisp1 and not Oakley Sound Systems. See the Krisp-1 Ordering Page for ordering information, shipping charges and payment methods.

Compact PSU fully built and tested ........................... 55GBP

Compact PSU issue 1 PCB ...................................... 15GBP

Yamaha PA-20 power supply (UK mains plug) ....... 30GBP

Yamaha PA-20 power inlet socket ........................ 2-50GBP

All other parts can be purchased from you usual electronic component supplier.

All prices include VAT at UK rates. Shipping/postage is additional to these prices. See also the FAQ page.


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Copyright: Tony Allgood.
Last revised: December 02, 2011.