SparkFun ESP32 Thing Power Control Shield

DEV-14155

Description: The SparkFun ESP32 Thing Power Control Shield enables the ESP32 Thing to switch

up to 5A of a DC load, providing a wide variety of options to control your next project! With a default

voltage range of 5–28VDC, power can be connected to this shield in one of two ways. The first is the

barrel connector, but with a maximum current rating of 2.5A (designed for light loads). The second

option is on the 3-pin screw terminal, which has connections for VCC, ground and a 5V output. The

supply voltage is regulated down to 5V to power the ESP32 Thing, as well as a fan to keep the

board cool under heavy loads.

At the heart of the board are three MC33926 motor drivers by NXP Semiconductors. While the board

is theoretically capable of switching up to 30A total, the power traces in the board and connectors

have only been tested up to 10A total across the six output pins. Along with switching DC loads on

and off, the MC33926 has three built-in current sensors, which are connected to output pins 2, 4 and

6. Each of the current sensors is connected to an LMV358 operational amplifier to adjust the gain of

each current measurement.