USB 5V 2A power supply with coil noise

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glavoie
 
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USB 5V 2A power supply with coil noise

Post by glavoie »

Hello,
I recently bought 2 x 5V 2A USB-A power supply (https://www.adafruit.com/product/1994) from PiShop.ca (https://www.pishop.ca/product/5v-2a-swi ... connector/).

The two units that I received have a noticeable coil noise with a pitch that vary under load. I'm using them to power two Raspberry Pi Pico W and the sound is louder when they are idling. I need to permanently plug one of them near a bedroom, but the sound is too noticeable for that. The problem exist when I try to use them for another purpose like charging a USB power bank or a cell phone.

Is there something that can be done to fix this? I'm trying to get an answer from pishop.ca, but I'm not getting any response.

Thanks!

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mikeysklar
 
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Re: USB 5V 2A power supply with coil noise

Post by mikeysklar »

Is there anything else connected to the Pi's?

It could be an issue with that batch of power supplies or your home power contributing to the coil noise. I assume it is a high pitch whine? I've wrapped power supplies in foam before to lower the noise, but if you are going use this in a bedroom probably best to try a different model.

is it possible to try other outlets preferably not in your home to see if the noise continues?

There are two ways to contact PiShop.ca. They have an e-mail and form. Which did you use? Both are here:

https://www.pishop.ca/contact-us/

You can also contact [email protected] and ask for guidance as far as returns from a third party seller.

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glavoie
 
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Re: USB 5V 2A power supply with coil noise

Post by glavoie »

The Pico W has 2 IR leds and a transistor / resistors combo to drive them from VSYS. The circuit works and the whine is there regardless of if the IR module is connected or not (Removable board with female headers). Pitch of the coil whine changes when I use the IR LEDs to send a signal.

I did try the two power supply units on different outlets with the same exact result. Yes, this is a high pitch whine.

I contacted them through e-mail. Did receive initial response, but they've been silent for many days now.

I did contact [email protected], but they've referred me back to this forum first.

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glavoie
 
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Re: USB 5V 2A power supply with coil noise

Post by glavoie »

Allright, I just received a reply from PiShop.ca and they have suggested me to post here as well, including the links to the videos that I sent them:

For the moderators, I have an order number and ticket number at PiShop.ca that I can provide upon request.

- PSU 1 with USB power bank: https://youtube.com/shorts/L97YZwKEYkE
- PSU 2 with USB power bank: https://youtube.com/shorts/dR8F7RPhtt8
- PSU 2 with project - LED is to show WiFi connection and after it's UP, only a listening socket is started: https://youtube.com/shorts/sWvsSpnLptY
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unnamed.jpg (614.21 KiB) Viewed 149 times

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PiShop_Support
 
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Re: USB 5V 2A power supply with coil noise

Post by PiShop_Support »

Hi Adafruit,

I'm Martin from PiShop.ca. Let me know if I can be of assistance!

Martin

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mikeysklar
 
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Re: USB 5V 2A power supply with coil noise

Post by mikeysklar »

Thank you for the videos. That does clearly demonstrate the high pitch squeal.

I would recommend a refund (not replacement in this case). What I don’t know is who the refund goes through. Pishop.ca or Adafruit. [email protected] can help clear that up and Martin from pishop might have know this process better.

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PiShop_Support
 
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Re: USB 5V 2A power supply with coil noise

Post by PiShop_Support »

UPDATE:

The parts were replaced by Adafruit directly to our customer.

Thanks Adafruit!
Martin

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