atx power adapter - renard plusrenard-plus.com/files/renard_plus_atx_v2.0.pdf · the issue with...

ATX Power Adapter

Sep 2015 Board Version 2 (v. 2_03122015)

Document Rev 1.0

Renard-Plus, Salem, Oregon 97302 © 2011-2015 Renard Plus. All rights reserved. Published 2015. Printed in United States Renard-Plus (“Developer”) has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this document. Developer makes no warranties with respect to this documentation and disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Developer assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. The information contained herein is the exclusive and confidential property of Renard Plus, except as otherwise indicated. We wish to also thank the Do It Yourself Community for the inspiration it has given us in the development of this product. Trademarks: the Renard Plus logo are trademarks of Renard Plus. All other trademarks acknowledged.

Renard Plus www.renard-plus.com

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Renard Plus ATX Adapter Board Version 2.00

Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................................... 2

1. INTRODUCTION TO RENARD ............................................................................................................................. 3

2. OVERVIEW OF RENARD PLUS ATX ADAPTER ................................................................................................ 4

3. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS................................................................................................................................ 5

3.1 BOM / PARTS LIST .............................................................................................................................................. 5

3.2 ATX ADAPTER PARTS ASSEMBLY ......................................................................................................................... 6

3.2.1 First Things First ...................................................................................................................................... 6

3.3 ATX ADAPTER ASSEMBLY GUIDE ......................................................................................................................... 7

3.3.1 Install Parts .............................................................................................................................................. 7

3.3.2 Initial Testing ........................................................................................................................................... 9

3.3.3 Picture of Finished Board ...................................................................................................................... 10

4. FINAL STEPS ...................................................................................................................................................... 11

4.1 JUMPER SETTINGS / HEADERS............................................................................................................................ 11

4.1.1 POWER Switch ..................................................................................................................................... 11

4.1.2 J1 and J2: Supplemental 5v and 12v .................................................................................................... 11

4.1.3 J3: 5v Load ............................................................................................................................................ 11

4.1.4 12VAUX connector ................................................................................................................................ 11

4.1.5 X1 ATX Main Power Connector ............................................................................................................ 12

4.1.6 +3.3V, +5V and 12V outputs ................................................................................................................. 12

4.2 ATX POWER SUPPLY RATINGS........................................................................................................................... 13


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1. Introduction to Renard

Renard is the name of a “do-it-yourself” (DIY), computer-controlled, PIC-based dimmer light control concept. It also refers to a family of dimming controllers that have been designed and built based on this concept.

The Renard design concept was originally described by Phil Short in the Simple PIC-Based 8-Port Dimmer 'How-To' on the http://computerchristmas.com website. Since then there have been many enhancements and new designs based on this hardware. There have been many contributors to advancing Renard technology including M. Macmillan, D. Davis, P. Rogers, T. Straub, D. Haberle, A. Williams and others

Renard controllers typically rely on a separate computer running a light sequencing program to send it real-time sequences of controller commands to sequence the lights. The computer communicates with the Renard via RS232, RS485, or wireless (depending on the design) and the Renard controls the lights either through built-in power control (power is output directly to the lights), or via separate “SSRs” (solid state relays supply the power when commanded by the controller).

Example Renard configurations

Output of the Renard can be control signals (to an SSR), direct AC line voltage (110, 100/220, or 220), DC voltage or a combination of these depending on the design.

Renard is a DIY hobbyist effort and there is a vast amount of products and related peripherals to select from including the Renard Plus ATX Adapter. To obtain a specific design, there might be “buy a parts kit and/or blank PCB” offering at a site (such as from www.renard-plus.com or www.renard-shop.com ), “etch it yourself” files for true DIY, or coop/group buys for kits and PCBs also in forums (like DIYChristmas.org).


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2. Overview of Renard Plus ATX Adapter Unlike “traditional” Christmas light strings that plug directly into line voltage, some lights require DC voltage to operate. Examples include 12V lighting, individual LEDS, pixels, led strips, etc.

Obtaining high power and quality “special purpose” power supplies can be very costly and time consuming. Fortunately, the computer industry provides a low cost source of “PC” power supplies that can provide a variety of voltages (3.3v, 5v and 12v) at relatively high current necessary for many lighting needs. In some cases, these power supplies are available “for free” from obsolete PCs that you just might have lying around or can be obtained cheap from Ebay, thrift stores, or many other sources! The issue with these power supplies, known as “ATX PC

Power Supplies” is that there is no easy way to get to the voltages safely and cleanly, and also be able to switch the supplies on and off. The Renard Plus ATX Adapter board is designed to solve that problem of getting the power out of

an ATX power supply so it can be used for lighting. There is no wire cutting, or jury rigging power signals required- just attach the adapter to the standard 20/24 pin ATX power out connector (and optionally to the ATX 4 pin supplemental power connector). The board provides clean connection points for the voltage outputs (3.3v, 5V and 12V), a power switch, power indicator, and a load resistor that many power supplies need to properly regulate the 5V output.

Feature Detail Name Renard Plus ATX Adapter

Target use DC voltage from ATX power supplies Channel Count n/a

Power input ATX power 3.3v, 5v, and 12V Power output Yes – DC 3.3v, 5V, and 12V at the

amperage of the ATX power supply up to 17amps connector rating. Note: 3oz. copper board construction enables high current capability, terminal block connectors provided in the “kit” are 10amp max.

Dimmable? n/a Status Indicators? YES - power

Channel Indicators? n/a Control Input – Renard n/a

Control Input – DMX n/a Daisy-chain output n/a

Wireless No On board programming n/a

Enclosure depends Heatsink? No – n/a


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3. Assembly Instructions This section covers the construction of the Renard Plus ATX Adapter board. It approaches these tasks as a learning exercise for new builders, so that they can develop proficiency and self-confidence. The project itself is quite simple and if you follow the steps carefully, you should have a working power supply when you are done. Additional information and guides on techniques and tools can be found in the “Tools and Parts ID Guide” at: www.renard-plus.com/files/Tools_and_Parts_ID_Guide.pdf

3.1 BOM / Parts List The following is the Bill Of Material for building this board. The link to the Mouser project is:

http://www.mouser.com/ProjectManager/ProjectDetail.aspx?AccessID=9A037CAC3B

Note: If you did not obtain a complete parts kit, Mouser is the most convenient place to order your needed parts. However, Mouser is not always the most cost effective source for parts- you may want to check alternatives like Tayda Electronics, DealExtreme, EBay, or other sources for alternatives.

Picture Description ATX Adapter Mouser P/N Qty Location

10 ohm 10 watt resistor

1 R1 80-CR10-10-RC

180 ohm resistor 1/8 watt Brn-Gry-Brn

1 R2 299-180-RC http://www.taydaelectronics.com/resistors/1-

4w-carbon-film-resistors/10-x-resistor-180-ohm-1-4w-5-carbon-film-pkg-of-10.html

Terminal Blocks 5.08MM PCB

4 12VAUX, 3.3V1, 5V1, 12V1

571-2828412 http://www.taydaelectronics.com/connectors-

sockets/terminal-blocks/pcb-mount/dg301-screw-terminal-block-2-positions-5mm.html

4 pin PC drive connector MALE / PCB straight

2 J1, J2 538-15-24-4449

4 pin AUX power connector MALE / PCB straight

1 12VATX 538-39-29-9042

24 pin ATX connector

1 X1 538-39-28-1243

Switch 1 Power Switch 123-09.03290.01

2 pin header (or bigger pin header cut to fit)

1 J3 571-6404522 http://www.taydaelectronics.com/connectors-

sockets/pin-headers/40-pin-2-54-mm-single-row-pin-header-strip.html

Shunts / Jumper Plug

1 J3 649-63429-202LF http://www.taydaelectronics.com/connectors-sockets/pin-headers/mini-jumper-2-54mm-gold-plated-closed-cover.html

Green 5 MM LED

1 Power 78-TLHG5401 http://www.taydaelectronics.com/leds/round-leds/5mm-leds/green/led-5mm-green.html

ATX Power Supply

1 Out of an old computer, from Ebay, from a friend, from a computer store (not included in kit)

Example cost savings (at time of publishing – prices may change!): Mouser 571-1-826646-6 16 pin header = $1.21 Tayda 40 pin 2.54MM Header Strip = $0.15 (spares for other projects!) Mouser 512-LM7805CT 5v Regulator = $0.69 Tayda LM7805 5v Regulator = $0.23 Mouser 78-TLHG5401 5MM Green LED = $0.50 Tayda 5mm Green LED = $.03 Mouser 504-GMA-15-R 15a Fast Fuse = $1.94 Tayda 15A Fast Acting Fuse = $0.18 Mouser 859-MOC3023 x8 = $3.52 Tayda MOC3023 x8 = $2.32


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3.2 ATX Adapter Parts Assembly This board is a very simple device to assemble and test. It is easiest if you follow these instructions, checking off steps as they are performed. This will lead you through the assembly installing components from shortest/smallest to tallest.

3.2.1 First Things First

1. Begin by inspecting the PCBs to look for any defects such as cracks or breaks. The holes on the board should be open on both sides. Then inspect and sort out the various parts for the board.

2. Next inspect and sort out the various parts for the board. Make sure you understand which parts are which, and things like resistor codes and component orientation. A separate document on these concepts is available at

www.renard-plus.com/files/Tools_and_Parts_ID_Guide.pdf and on other resource sites like Wikipedia.

3. Special consideration: this board is made with extra heavy solder to allow high current handling capability. Because of that, the board is able to absorb a lot of heat, including while you are attempting to solder. Please be aware this board WILL require a very capable soldering iron with a high heat setting to be able to successfully solder all of the connections. The ground plane connections are especially stubborn to get to take solder. A 15w “Radio Shack special” iron is not going to be up to the task. The sample board was soldered using a Weller adjustable iron set to 700 degrees and it barely was able to make decent connections. Be aware!

4. Follow the assembly guide as follows in the next section.


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3.3 ATX Adapter Assembly Guide Generally, the following component assembly order is grouped from shortest to tallest parts to make assembly easier. Special instructions for component orientation should be listed if a component has any. Don’t stress it- we try to make this as easy as possible!

3.3.1 Install Parts If a component has a required orientation, we will be sure to mention it in the Instructions section for the component. Things like resistors do not have a specific orientation and can be installed either direction. The VALUE is important and that is indicated by the colored strips or printed on it. Parts like LEDs, diodes, and electrolytic caps DO have a specific orientation and the Instructions will indicate so. See the Tools and Parts ID document on www.renard-plus.com for details.

Step Instructions ATX Adapter

1 �

Install the 180 ohm resistor (brown-gray-brown) at locations R2. Solder and clip leads. Note: one side of the resistor (nearest the “R2” printed on the silkscreen) is to the ground plane and due to the heavy copper construction of the board, you will need a heavy duty soldering iron to get a good connection. Be careful to not burn off the bad with too much heat!

2 �

Install slide switch at location POWER Switch. Solder and clip leads. Note: can be installed either direction.

3 �

Install the Green LED’s at location Power, HB, ZC. Solder and clip leads. Note: These parts have a specific orientation. The flat side of the LED is negative and goes toward the flat side on the silkscreen. The negative lead goes in the right hand hole as shown.

4 �

Install 2 pin header at location J3. Solder. Place jumper on one of the pins to store it there.


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Step Instructions ATX Adapter

5 �

Install 10 ohm 10W resistor (sometimes marked 10R) at location R1. Solder and clip leads.

6 �

Install 4 terminal block at locations 12VAUX, 3.3V1, 5V1, and 12V1. Solder. Note: The terminal blocks must be oriented facing toward the bottom edge so wires can be run into them. Please note that if you received 4 terminal blocks, some models will interlock to form a single row of connectors.

7� Install two 4 pin 1x4 connectors at J1 and J2. Solder Note: The connectors must be oriented like the outline of the silkscreen.

8 � Install 4 pin 2x2 AUX power connector at 12VATX. Solder Note: This connector does have a specific orientation- please install following the mounting holes and silkscreen diagram.

9 � Install 24 pin 2x12 ATX connector at X1. Solder Note: This connector does have a specific orientation- please install following the silkscreen outline. The tab on the connector should be nearest J2 as indicated on the silkscreen.


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3.3.2 Initial Testing At this point you have completed the assembly of the board (less power supply) and you should gently clean the board of any residue and inspect for solder bridges or cold solder joints. What you are looking for are any solder bridges especially around the connectors and other closely spaced parts, or pins that are not fully and cleanly soldered. Look carefully for solder connections that did not flow to the pad properly- connections should be smooth and even, not “blobby”. Now make sure the POWER Switch on the board is off, and make sure J1 is not on both pins (remove or hang on just one pin)

Connect a standard ATX power supply to the X1 and 12VAUX connectors. Either a 20 pin or 24 pin ATX connector WILL work- a 20 pin female will only plug in one way and all the way to the left (leaving the right 4 pins on X1 unconnected. You might lose a small amount of current handling but the adapter will still work. Obviously, 24 pin ATX connectors are preferred and recommended.

When you plug in the plug in the ATX power supply (and switch on its power switch if it has one), verify the power LED lights up. Once that is working, switch the Renard Plus ATX Adapter power switch on. The power supply should react by turning on (the fan should run, lights may light in the ATX). Use your DMM (multi-meter) and verify you have 12 volts DC on the 12VAUX connector, 3.3v on the 3.3V

connector, 5v on the 5V connector and 12v on the 12V connector. Small voltage deviations are normal but the numbers should be “close” (e.g. measuring 11.8v on the 12v output is probably OK but 10 - 11v is not good). Better power supplies will be better regulated and closer to their rating.

If the voltage does NOT measure correctly on every output, you may have a power supply that needs a load on 5v to regulate. In that case set the jumper on J3 on to both pins and measure again. Look for solder bridges on the connectors if your voltages continue to be off or if the power supply will not turn on with the power switch(es).

When power measures properly, you are done!

20pin ATX in 24 pin connector


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3.3.3 Picture of Finished Board


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4. Final Steps At this point you will have now completed the installation of all of the parts to the controller. Again, it is a good idea to gently clean off any final soldering residue and then visually inspect the board and check to make sure there are no solder bridges between the solder pads, and that the solder joints are all a good quality.

4.1 Jumper Settings / Headers

4.1.1 POWER Switch The ATX Adapter power switch allows easy control of the power outputs of the ATX supply. Please note that the Power LED is not switched by this and will be lit when the ATX power supply is connected to line power. The ATX Adapter POWER Switch will switch the main ATX power outputs off and on.

4.1.2 J1 and J2: Supplemental 5v and 12v J1 and J2 allow you to get addition 12V and 5V connections from the ATX power supply. Most power supplies will have “drive power” connectors of the older non-SATA style for older peripherals. You can attach some here if you wish as it will help with higher current applications to supplement the main ATX power connection.

Pin Layout 4 = +5VDC (typ RED wire) 3 = GND (typ BLACK wire) 2 = GND 1 = +12VDC (typ yellow wire)

4.1.3 J3: 5v Load Some ATX power supplies will not regulate their power outputs well unless there is a reasonable load on the +5 volt output. Usually when a power supply is plugged into a motherboard and drives, there is plenty of load to alow the power supply to regulate. With the ATX adapter, you might only be using 12v and have nothing running from 5V thus causing regulation issue. J3 enables the 10 ohm 10 watt resistor to load 5V thus allowing power supplies with this issue to see a load and regulate properly. Use this only if you see an issue with out of spec voltages, especially 3.3v and 5v.

4.1.4 12VAUX connector The 12VAUX connector pulls in the “auxiliary” 12V supply that ATX power supplies provide for CPU power on a PC motherboard. This supply is usually a second 12V source with its own current rating on the ATX. The 12V is supplied to the 12VAUX connector separate from the 12V connector so you can use the additional 12v capability separate from the main 12V. Note: check the capability of your ATX to see if it is separate from the main 12V in order to achieve additional 12v current.


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4.1.5 X1 ATX Main Power Connector

X1 is the main ATX input to the ATX Adapter board. This comes from the ATX power supply and should be a 24 pin ATX connector, although a 20 pin will work (with a potentially reduced current capability).

4.1.6 +3.3V, +5V and 12V outputs An ATX power supply is capable of providing 3.3V, 5V and 12V. The 12V output is usually two separately rated 12V supplies, one from the main connections and one from the ATX auxiliary CPU power connector. The ATX Adapter is able to provide access to those power outputs via standard terminal blocks. The 12V and 12VAUX are provided separately for the situation where the power supply does have the 12Vs split out separately.


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4.2 ATX Power Supply Ratings You might be wondering how to figure out what your particular ATX power supply can provide. Determining that is not as straight forward as you might assume. Most ATX supply manufacturers want you to think their power supply is more “powerful” than another so they will list the current capability in a situation where it unlikely to actually be able to be provided. Let’s look at a real example. Here is a commonly available 350w power supply label:

3.3v at 28a = 92.4 watts 5v at 35a = 175 watts 12v at 15a = 180 watts Total = 447.4 watts!! WOW, this 350w power supply can provide 447.4 watts?? Actually NO, IT CAN NOT supply that much power. Under the 3.3v and 5V it indicates 200w MAX combined between the 3.3v and 5v. So if you are pulling the full 35a of +5 at 175w, you can only

pull (200w max – 175w of +5) = 25w of 3.3v which works out to about 7.6 amps of 3.3 concurrent with the full 5v load. Fortunately this only affects PC use where you might need a lot of 3.3v and 5v at that same time- for blinky we only tend to need +5 and +12 and 3.3v not so much. But then again it may not be that straight forward either. Looking at this label again and assuming we only want 5v and 12v out, that means we can get 175w of +5 AND 180w of +12 like the label says, right? Again, NO. That totals 355 watts but the label indicates this particular “350W” power supply can only provide a max of 325.4 watts of 5V & 12V concurrently! We are going to need to pull less than the full capability of 12V and/or 5V to get this to work and not either go into overload protection or burn up and let the magic smoke out of the ATX power supply. You must also be aware of the max ratings of the connectors on the ATX Adapter, especially the terminal block connectors that tend to max out at 10 amps. Point here is, be careful figuring out exactly what you need and the power supply ratings and always go bigger than you will need. An ATX power supply running at its max current for hours is simply going to fail way sooner than you want. The previous power supply example does not mention a second 12V rail, nor anything about a 12V Aux so it is a SINGLE rail, 12v supply and you can only pull a max of 15a total across both the two ATX Adapter 12v outputs (12V and 12VAUX). Now with this Enlight supply, we see a +12V1 at 10a and a +12V2 at 14a, HOWEVER, notice the combined limit of 201W MAX (one at 10a for 120w and one at (201 – 120) = 81w /12v = 6.75a. The total limit of 315w between +5 & 3.3v with the two 12V outputs does not limit either the 5v or 3.3v as the limit equals the max wattage for +5 & 3.3v (118w) allowed to those. Actually, in this case the ATX Adapter board and/or connector current limits will be limiting 3.3 and 5v to the connector max typically of 10a. With this supply and the stock connectors, you can get 10a of +12v, 10a of +12VAUX, 10a of +5v and 10a of +3.3v or 120w+120w+50w+33W total of 323w from the 330w power supply but that will be running the power supply at its maximum limits which could tend to reduce its life expectancy. Eliminating one of the voltages, like the 3.3v by not using the 3.3v, would bring the watts down to a manageable level of 290w under the 330 max rating.

There are other considerations, like power on “in-rush” currents that can occur when lights are switched on and off, so those can affect the selection of the power supply you use.

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