USB Charger Doctor

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Summary

The USB Charger Doctor is a voltage and current meter that measures in-line. It supports USB 1.x and 2.x and has no USB 3.x capabilities. Its a handy tool to test USB devices, check load levels and debug battery chargers and boost converters.

Requirements

  • USB type-A connectors to connect the Charger Doctor in-line
  • No additional software required

Description

The USB Charger Doctor is easily used by connecting it in-line between a power source and a chargeable device. When connected the display switches between voltage and current every 3 seconds. It has a working Range of 0-3 Ampere and 3.5 to 7 Volt DC with a display precision of 10mV and 10mA. Following some pictures are provided to illustrate the difference in power delivery between a regular USB 2.0 port on a notebook and a mobile phone power adapter. The smartphone used was at ~90% charge.

USB 2.0 Port on a notebook

Voltage - using an USB 2.0 Port on a notebook
Ampere - using an USB 2.0 Port on a notebook

Smartphone power adapter

Voltage - using a common smartphone power adapter
Ampere - using a common smartphone power adapter

Used Hardware

  • USB Charger Doctor
  • Windows 10 Notebook with USB 2.0 port
  • Nokia 7 plus Android Smartphone
  • Nokia AD-18WE Power Adapter

References