Uses of 5V Power Supply

I. Powering Electronic Devices

1. Small Electronic Devices:

• USB Devices: Devices like USB flash drives, wireless mice, and wireless keyboards usually obtain 5V power through a computer’s USB port for operation. In the absence of a computer, an independent 5V power adapter can also be used to power them. For example, when debugging devices or using wireless keyboards and mice outdoors, a portable 5V power bank can be used to supply power to ensure the normal operation of the devices.
• Arduino Development Boards: Arduino is an open-source hardware platform widely used by electronics enthusiasts and developers. Many Arduino development boards, such as the Arduino Uno, operate at 5V. It can obtain 5V power by connecting to a computer via USB or use an independent 5V power adapter for power supply. In various electronic projects, Arduino development boards can control sensors, actuators, displays, etc., realizing various creative and practical functions.
• Raspberry Pi: The Raspberry Pi is a small single-board computer widely used in education, the Internet of Things projects, and small servers. Different models of the Raspberry Pi may have different power requirements, but generally, a 5V power supply is one of the common power options. For example, the Raspberry Pi 4B can be connected to a 5V power supply through a Micro USB port or GPIO pins. When using the Raspberry Pi for programming learning, building a home media center, or as a smart home controller, a stable 5V power supply is crucial to ensure its normal operation.
• Electronic Thermometers: Small electronic thermometers usually use 5V power supply for real-time temperature monitoring in homes, offices, or industrial environments. These thermometers can work by using an internal battery or an external 5V power adapter. In some occasions that require continuous temperature monitoring, such as laboratories, greenhouses, or cold storage, using a 5V power adapter can ensure that the thermometer remains in working condition without the need for frequent battery changes.
• Electronic Clocks: Many electronic clocks, especially digital clocks and smart clocks, use 5V power supply. They can be connected to a power adapter or a computer through a USB port or use a battery as a backup power source. In homes, offices, and public places, electronic clocks need a stable 5V power supply to maintain accurate time display and support other functions such as alarms, temperature display, and date display.
  2. Communication Devices:
• Routers: Wireless routers used in homes and small offices usually use a 5V power adapter for power supply. The 5V power provides stable electricity for the router’s processor, wireless module, and Ethernet interfaces, ensuring the normal operation of the wireless network and the stability of device connections. In some cases, routers can also be connected to a mobile power source or other 5V power devices through a USB port for temporary emergency power supply or use in special occasions such as outdoors.
• Network Switches: Small network switches, such as desktop switches, may also use 5V power. These switches are used in home networks or small office networks to connect multiple devices and realize data exchange and sharing of network resources. The 5V power ensures the normal operation of the switch and supports high-speed data transmission and simultaneous connection of multiple ports.
• Modems: Some modems, especially some small home or portable modems, may use 5V power. Modems convert digital signals into analog signals for data transmission over telephone lines, cable TV networks, or other communication media. The 5V power provides the required electricity for the modem’s circuit to enable it to communicate with the network of an internet service provider and provide network access for connected devices.
• Bluetooth Modules: Bluetooth modules are widely used in fields such as wireless audio devices, smart home devices, and wearable devices. These modules usually use 3.3V or 5V power supply depending on the module’s model and design. The 5V power can be provided to the Bluetooth module through a USB port, power adapter, or battery pack, enabling it to communicate with other Bluetooth devices and realize wireless data transmission and control functions.

II. Driving Sensors and Actuators

1. Sensors:

• Temperature Sensors: Temperature sensors are used to measure environmental or object temperatures in various applications. Many temperature sensors, such as the common digital temperature sensor (e.g., DS18B20), operate at 3.3V or 5V. These sensors can be powered by a 5V power supply provided by a microcontroller or other devices and transmit temperature data to the host system for processing and display. In industrial automation, environmental monitoring, and smart home applications, temperature sensors need a stable 5V power supply to ensure accurate temperature measurement and reliable data transmission.
• Humidity Sensors: Humidity sensors are used to measure the relative humidity in the air. Similar to temperature sensors, many humidity sensors also use 5V power supply. For example, some analog humidity sensors require 5V power to drive their circuits and output an analog voltage signal proportional to the relative humidity. These signals can be read and processed by a microcontroller or data acquisition system to realize humidity monitoring and control.
• Light Sensors: Light sensors are used to detect the intensity of ambient light. Some light sensors, such as photoresistors or photodiodes, require 5V power to drive their circuits and output an electrical signal related to the light intensity. These signals can be used by a microcontroller or other devices for automatic lighting adjustment, control of solar panel output, or implementation of other light-related applications.
• Pressure Sensors: Pressure sensors are widely used in fields such as industrial automation, medical equipment, and automotive electronics. Some pressure sensors, such as strain gauge pressure sensors or capacitive pressure sensors, require 5V power to drive their circuits and output an electrical signal proportional to the pressure. These signals can be read and processed by a microcontroller or data acquisition system to realize pressure monitoring and control.
  2. Actuators:
• Small Motors: 5V power can drive some small DC motors, such as those used in model making, robotics, and automation equipment. These motors usually have low power requirements and can be powered by a 5V power adapter, battery pack, or USB port. In some applications, motors may need to be controlled in terms of speed and direction through a drive circuit or motor controller, and these circuits can also be powered by 5V power.
• LED Light Strips: LED light strips are a common lighting device widely used in indoor decoration, advertising signs, and automotive lighting. Many LED light strips can be powered by 5V power supply. By connecting an appropriate power adapter or USB port, convenient lighting control and decorative effects can be achieved. Some LED light strips can also be adjusted in brightness and changed in color through a dimmer or controller to meet different application needs.
• Relays: Relays are electronic switches that can control the on and off of high-current circuits through low-current control. In some automation control systems, relays can be powered by 5V power supply and controlled by signals from microcontrollers or other control devices. For example, in smart home systems, relays can be used to control the power on and off of lights, electrical appliances, and other devices to realize remote control and automatic operation.
• Buzzers: Buzzers are sound-producing devices widely used in alarm, prompt, and notification functions of electronic devices. Many buzzers operate at 5V and can emit different sounds by connecting to a 5V power supply and a control signal. In some applications, buzzers can be used in conjunction with microcontrollers or other devices to realize sound prompts and alarm functions, such as in fire alarm systems, security systems, and fault prompts of electronic devices.

III. Laboratory and Educational Purposes

1. Powering Experimental Equipment:

• Breadboard Experiments: In electronic circuit experiments, breadboards are a commonly used tool for building and testing electronic circuits. Many breadboard experiments can be powered by 5V power supply. For example, a 5V power adapter or battery pack can be used to provide power to integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors, and other electronic components. In breadboard experiments, 5V power can be used to drive various digital and analog circuits, such as logic gates, counters, amplifiers, and sensor circuits.
• Electronic Experiment Boxes: Electronic experiment boxes are tools that integrate various electronic components and experimental equipment for teaching and experimenting with electronic circuits. Many electronic experiment boxes are equipped with 5V power modules that can provide stable power for various circuits and devices in the experiment box. In electronic experiment boxes, students can connect different electronic components and modules to design, debug, and test circuits, thereby deeply understanding the working principles and applications of electronic circuits.
• Oscilloscopes and Signal Generators: In electronic laboratories, oscilloscopes and signal generators are commonly used test and measurement equipment. Some oscilloscopes and signal generators can be powered by 5V power supply through a USB port or power adapter. The 5V power provides the required electricity for the circuits of these devices, enabling them to generate and measure various electrical signals such as sine waves, square waves, and pulse waves. In electronic experiments and circuit debugging, oscilloscopes and signal generators can help users observe and analyze the signal characteristics of circuits, thereby better understanding the working principles and performance of circuits.
  2. Teaching Demonstrations:
• Electronic Teaching Kits: Electronic teaching kits are tools specifically designed for electronics teaching. They usually include various electronic components, circuit boards, and experiment manuals. Many electronic teaching kits can be powered by 5V power supply so that students can conduct practical circuit building and experimental operations in class. By using 5V power, students can experience the working principles and applications of electronic circuits firsthand and improve their electronic technology knowledge and practical ability.
• Science Popularization Displays: In science and technology museums, museums, and popular science activities, 5V power can be used to drive various electronic display devices such as electronic models, interactive displays, and popular science experiment devices. These display devices can vividly and interestingly show the principles and applications of electronic technology to the audience and stimulate their interest in science and technology. For example, electronic models driven by 5V power can show the working process of circuits, the operating principles of motors, or the motion control of robots, allowing the audience to better understand the mysteries of electronic technology.

IV. Other Uses

1. LED Decorative Lights: 5V LED decorative lights are widely used in festival decoration, indoor decoration, and outdoor landscape lighting. These decorative lights usually consist of multiple LED bulbs and can be connected in series or parallel to a 5V power supply. The 5V power provides stable electricity for the LED bulbs to emit bright light. LED decorative lights have characteristics such as low power consumption, long service life, and colorful changes, and can create various beautiful lighting effects.
2. USB Fans and Heaters: Some small USB fans and heaters can be powered by 5V power supply. These devices are usually connected to a computer, mobile power source, or other 5V power device through a USB port to provide users with convenient ventilation and heating functions. For example, in summer, USB fans can bring cool breezes to users; in winter, USB heaters can provide warm hand or foot heating.
3. In-Car Electronic Devices: In cars, some in-car electronic devices can be powered by 5V power supply. For example, in-car chargers, dash cams, GPS navigators, and Bluetooth receivers can usually obtain 5V power through a car’s USB port or cigarette lighter socket. These devices provide convenient functions for drivers and passengers, such as mobile phone charging, recording driving tracks, navigation, and wireless communication.
4. Electronic toys: Many electronic toys, such as remote-controlled cars, robot toys and video games, require power to drive their electronic circuits and motors. Some electronic toys can be powered by a 5V power supply, usually supplied through a battery pack or power adapter. The 5V power supply provides stable power support for various functions of electronic toys, allowing children to experience the fun of technology while playing.