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Barrel Jack DC-In Module

The Barrel Jack DC-In Module is a community-designed Framework expansion card that lets you power a Framework laptop (or any 20V USB-PD device) using a Dell or HP barrel jack laptop power supply1. The schematic was created by Arya (CRImier), with the board layout by a-little-wifi, who also tweaked the original schematic1.

This is an input adapter — it accepts power from an external barrel jack supply and feeds it into the laptop. It is distinct from the Power Supply Card, which is an output bench supply that sources power from USB-C PD to drive external loads.

Design

The module requires a separate Altmode Friend (also designed by Arya/CRImier) to handle USB-PD communication and control1. The barrel jack card itself passes the 20V from the barrel jack supply through to the Altmode Friend, which negotiates the power-delivery contract with the laptop1.

The repository includes board images showing the top and bottom of the assembled PCB, with the design split across two board variants (frmw_dcin_big)1.

Specifications

SpecificationDetails
FunctionBarrel jack power input adapter (DC-in)1
Compatible suppliesDell or HP barrel jack laptop power supplies1
Output20V USB-PD1
SchematicArya (CRImier)1
Board layouta-little-wifi1
Required companionAltmode Friend (CRImier) for PD communication1
Sourcea-little-wifi/frmw-dcin (GitHub)1
ProjectDescription
Power Supply CardProgrammable bench power supply output card (opposite direction)
Full Power Magnetic Charging CardMagSafe-style magnetic charging expansion card

Footnotes

  1. a-little-wifi/frmw-dcin — GitHub 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12