Neuros Technology Forums

Something else worth considering is a plug in power supply for use on Mini ITX motherboards. There are a few types on the market and have been produced for converting 12V external brick psu's into the various voltages needed for the motherboard. They can supply +12V, +5V & +3.3V at up to 200W total so that should keep most people happy !.

Naturally a bit of work is required to hook up to something other than a motherboard but the ITX style connector is available from other suppliers and a couple of flying leads are already provided. Just remember that these units are "enabled" by the power button on a pc. You will need to replicate this link on the ITX connector using an external switch to make it work.

In the UK you can get these from :

http://www.icp-epia.co.uk/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=15

They should not be hard to find in other countries.

Please note that I have not used these devices other than for PC applications.

I have just been testing one of the ITX psu's I mentioned in the previous post.

For info:

To replicate the PC power switch connect pin 14 (PS-ON) to 15 (GND). Pin 14 is a green wire on a "normal" psu. Looking at the connector with the locking tab at the top, pin 14 is the 4th pin from the left and pin 15  is the 5th pin from the left.

The Pico psu I have is NOT the automotive version and will shut down at around 13.5V. Also the 12V supply fom the psu is not regulated and is just a direct feed from the main supply - normally a 12V DC brick. The 5V supply will regulate (ie stay at 5V) until the main supply drops to around 6.5V.

Quiescent current (current consumed without a load connected) is around 65mA @ 12V

So this verson is not really suitable for automotive use. However there are several others that will work from 9-20V and include a regulated 12V output. Beware of one type that offers 6V-24V input. It is specifically designed for a motherboard that only uses 12V at around  100mA. Too low for most bullet cameras.