SidecarTridge USB-C PD Multi-Rail board

SidecarTridge USB-C PD Multi-Rail Power Supply Unit board

The USB-C PD Multi-Rail Power Supply Unit board

This USB-C Power Delivery multi-rail converter board is designed to generate clean, regulated +5 V, +12 V, and −12 V inside the machine. The output rails can deliver up to 3 A on +5 V, 3 A on +12 V, and 0.3 A on −12 V. It is intended for use in retro computing applications, such as powering vintage computers like the Atari ST/STE/MegaST or Amiga 500 or other electronics projects that require multiple voltage rails.

The board is powered by a USB-C PD charger that must provide either 15 V or 20 V input voltage. It includes overcurrent and thermal protection features to ensure safe operation. The board is compact and easy to integrate into existing systems, making it a convenient solution for powering retro computing devices.

USB-C PD charger requirements

It is important to note that this board is not a standalone power supply and requires an external USB-C PD charger to function.

  • Minimum output: 60 W
  • Required PD profiles: 15 V and 20 V
  • Recommended capability: 15 V 3 A and 20 V 3 A or higher
  • Cable: certified USB-C rated 60 W or 100 W
  • Multiport chargers must deliver the full 60 W on the chosen port
  • PD is required; QC-only or PPS-only chargers are not supported

List of charger models tested

Warning: Power adapters must be PD 3.0 compliant. Some chargers with PD 3.1 may not work properly -specifically with support for Extended Power Range (EPR), although they announce backwards compatibility with PD 3.0.

BrandModelOutput PowerNotes
AnkerA2039 (523-Series) Power Adapter47 WOK. A user reported ghosting issues.
AppleA2166 USB-C Power Adapter96 WOK
AppleA2743 USB-C Power Adapter70 WOK
BaseusGaN PD Power Adapter65 WOK. With STE computers fails to deliver enough power.
BaseusGaN PD Power Adapter100 WOK
BIOndBGG-GRS-65W Power Adapter65 WOK. Low cost device in GAME stores. It says it has 65W but I doubt (45W?)
DellLA60NM200 Power Adapter60 WOK
EssagerGaN PD Power Adapter100 WOK. Reported ghosting issues.
LenovoADLX65YLC3D Power Adapter65 WOK
Raspberry PiP4123 - 27W USB-C Power Adapter27 WOK with 15V. With STE computers fails to deliver enough power.
Raspberry PiP5224 - 45W USB-C Power Adapter45 WOK. Cheapest option with remarkable quality.

List of SidecarTridge products using the USB-C PD Multi-Rail board

USB-C PD Multi-Rail PSU Drop-In Replacement Kit for Atari ST/STE/MegaST

SidecarTridge USB-C PD Multi-Rail PSU Drop-In