Arduino Micro and AC to USB power adapter?

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marcalex
 
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Arduino Micro and AC to USB power adapter?

Post by marcalex »

Hello Adafruit,

I own an Apple AC to USB adapter and I'm wondering if it's safe to use to power the Arduino Micro. The specs on the adapter say:
  • Input: 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz 0.15A
  • Output: 5V --- 1A
I've also attached a photo of the adapter.

thanks,
Marc
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adafruit_support_rick
 
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Re: Arduino Micro and AC to USB power adapter?

Post by adafruit_support_rick »

Should be fine.

marcalex
 
Posts: 8
Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2013 11:01 pm

Re: Arduino Micro and AC to USB power adapter?

Post by marcalex »

Hi driverblock,

The technical details at http://www.adafruit.com/products/1086 state:
  • Input Voltage (limits): 6-20V
The output of the adapter is 5V. Am I reading the spec correctly to think that the voltage output is too low?

thanks,
Marc

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adafruit_support_rick
 
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Re: Arduino Micro and AC to USB power adapter?

Post by adafruit_support_rick »

Those are the voltage limits for power supplies plugged into the barrel jack. That goes through the voltage regulator, where there is some dropout in generating the 5V operating voltage.

The Apple adapter, on the other hand, will be providing regulated 5V through the USB port. This bypasses the arduino's voltage regulator, and the 5V is used directly. It's the same as powering the arduino by plugging it into a computer's USB port - those also provide 5V.

marcalex
 
Posts: 8
Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2013 11:01 pm

Re: Arduino Micro and AC to USB power adapter?

Post by marcalex »

Thanks driverblock, I appreciate your help :)

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