# Adafruit DC Power BFF ## Overview ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/127/539/medium800/components_5882-06.jpg?1707322456) We were recently working on a project where we really wanted to power a QT Py ESP32 from 12V - but the only power input on the board is basically USB 5V max. Never one to give up, we designed an add-on that will allow anyone to use a QT Py or Xiao dev board with up to 20V DC power! ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/127/540/medium800/components_5882-04.jpg?1707322494) In the center is an MPM3610 integrated buck converter, which will generate 5V from up to 20V input, with cool DC/DC technology so there's no heat-sink needed. The MPM3610 can give about 1 Amp output, which should be plenty even if you have LEDs, WiFi connectivity, displays or even a small motor or servo. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/127/541/medium800/components_5882-05.jpg?1707322521) The board features both 3.5mm terminal block and 2.1mm DC jack inputs, protected with a Schottky diode. You can use _either_ to power the board, but don't plug in different power inputs to both - they're wired directly together on the BFF. If you're using the DC jack to power, you can use the terminal block as a 'pass through output' to connect other high-voltage devices. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/127/542/medium800/components_5882-02.jpg?1707322570) There's two small enable and one ground solderable pads next to the terminal block so you can use an external switch to disable the converter. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/127/543/medium800/components_5882-03.jpg?1707322607) Since it's a bulky add-on with through hole components, compared to [most of our other BFF boards](https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=bff), we think it's best to use socket header to plug a QT Py on top, rather than trying to have it solder back-to-back. For that reason we include two 7-pin socket headers. Solder them so that the QT Py sits on the top, there are two break-apart railings that can be used to bolt the board since plugging in a jack requires mechanical stabilization. # Adafruit DC Power BFF ## Pinouts ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/127/544/medium800/components_double.jpg?1707322778) ## Power Inputs Both the DC jack and terminal block are protected with a Schottky diode and can be used as power inputs. These inputs go thru the MPM3610 integrated buck converter, which will generate 5V/1A from up to 20V input. You can use _either_ to power the board, but **don't plug in different power inputs to both** - they're wired directly together on the BFF. - **DC jack** - 2.1 mm DC jack located at the top edge of the board. It expects a center positive power supply. - **Terminal block** - 3.5mm terminal block located at the bottom edge of the board. The power input is on the left, labeled with a **+** symbol on the board silk and the ground input is on the right, labeled with a **-** symbol on the board silk. If you're using the DC jack for power, you can use the terminal block as a "pass through output" to connect other high-voltage devices. Warning: ## Enable Pins Between the terminal block and the **RX** pin are two small pads for **enable** and **ground**. You can use an external switch with these pins as an on/off switch to disable/enable the buck converter. **Ground** is located closest to the board edge above the **-** symbol on the board silk. **Enable** is located directly above **ground**. ## Power LED - **Power LED** - Directly above the 5V symbol on the board silk is the power LED. It is a green LED. # Adafruit DC Power BFF ## Downloads ## Files - [MPM3610 Datasheet](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/127/631/original/MPM3610GQV-Z.pdf?1707519066) - [EagleCAD PCB files on GitHub](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit-DC-Power-BFF-PCB) - [Fritzing object in the Adafruit Fritzing Library](https://github.com/adafruit/Fritzing-Library/blob/master/parts/Adafruit%20DC%20Power%20BFF.fzpz) ## Schematic and Fab Print ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/127/629/medium800/components_schem.png?1707517985) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/127/630/medium800/components_fab.png?1707517959 dimensions are in inches) ## Primary Products ### Adafruit DC Power BFF Add-On for QT Py [Adafruit DC Power BFF Add-On for QT Py](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5882) We were recently working on a project where we really wanted to power a QT Py ESP32 from 12V - but the only power input on the board is basically USB 5V max. Never one to give up, we designed an add-on that will allow anyone to use a QT Py or Xiao dev board with up to 20V... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5882) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5882/guides) ## Related Guides - [Adafruit Proto Under Plate PiCowBell](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-proto-under-plate-picowbell.md) - [Open Sesame! 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