Wide Input SHIM by Pimoroni | Review

Are you looking to supercharge your projects with an advanced yet simple to use piece of hardware? Then, the Wide Input SHIM from Pimoroni is just what you need. This device is a smart little module that allows for versatile options, offering amazing possibilities for creating even more powerful applications. Keep reading as we discuss in detail all about this device and how it can help you in your projects.

Key features of the Wide Input SHIM

As a reputable technology brand, Pimoroni brings the Wide Input SHIM to the table. It offers easy wiring and connection with its two 15cm long adapter cables. Additionally, if you require something longer, there’s also an option for that: a separate 1.5m long power cable.
One feature that steals the spotlight is its wide voltage range compatibility. The SHIM accepts any DC input voltages between 3 and 16V. This provides flexibility in using varied power supplies with your Raspberry Pi.

The Wide Input SHIM frame merely measures up to be around 0.8mm thick, which means it can fit perfectly onto your Pi’s pins yet doesn’t hinder the use of HATS on top.

Its efficient performance comes from a powerful TPS63070 buck-converter chip, developed by Texas Instruments, which helps convert the input voltage into a stabilized output of about 5V with up to an impressive limit of just over two amps!

While it may not explicitly have over-current or over-voltage protection features, this compact device does have reverse voltage protection. Still, it is recommended that users stick within defined voltage ranges for optimal usage to avoid any damage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing the Wide Input SHIM

The Wide Input SHIM by Pimoroni is a remarkable tool with many exciting possibilities. It’s essential to know how to properly install this device before diving into its potential.

To begin, you will find that your Wide Input SHIM comes with something called a 2×6 female header. The SHIM requires some soldering work before it can be used. This also means that you can solder it directly to the pins of your Raspberry Pi if you wish.

For power, there are two options, you can supply power either through a 3.5mm barrel jack connector or through the + and – pins on the SHIM itself which accepts an impressive range from 3V up to 16V DC voltage input.

Regarding output? The board promises to provide steady 5V/2A output (through the GPIO to the Pi) at the input voltages mentioned above. This, however, changes when fed lower power as current drops down to only about 1.5A at a mere 4V and dwindles further down around just merely over an ampere when given the minimal power of 3V.

Testing and Performance

The Wide Input SHIM, a product from Pimoroni, can be pivotal in your Raspberry Pi projects. If one seeks stability and flexibility with power input, this SHIM could play a key role.

At its core, the Wide Input SHIM uses a TPS63070 buck-boost converter chip, which converts the input voltage to 5V output up to 2A. This mechanism increases the robustness of your systems as it remains stable across an extensive range of voltages varying from 3V to 16V. It adds a layer of consistency no matter what project you are working on.

This versatile tool is designed not for just one but several Raspberry Pi projects. Given its compact nature and compatibility through direct soldering to GPIO pins on your Raspberry Pi board, integration becomes effortless.

But caution comes into play here – using micro-USB power along with Wide Input SHIM simultaneously isn’t recommended especially when dealing with unprotected setups like in case of Pi Zero / W against back-powering.

If your SHIM faults out due to any reason, then this might lead your Raspberry Pi into reboot cycles. So, making use of a regulated power supply within specific voltage standards becomes important for preventing harm to system components and overall functionality.

So every detail matters when it comes down to selecting the right tools that will shape digital innovations.

Use Cases and Applications

The Wide Input SHIM supplied by Pimoroni is your key to powering your Raspberry Pi with different voltages between 3 and 16V, inclusive of the usual 12V barrel jack power supply units.

Its slim form allows it to fit neatly on your Pi’s pins, which makes it an excellent choice to use if you want to make your 3D printer wireless and you want to power your Raspberry Pi directly from your 3D printer. You still get access to add HATs as needed. The versatility of this SHIM extends far beyond just varied voltage sources.

Consider stories shared by actual users, such as top tech reviews published in MagPi magazine. They appreciate its subtly tucked placement using only 12 out first 20 GPIO pins providing a wider scope for power inputs than allowed by default micro-USB supplies.

This aspect proves really helpful where DC power supplies or non-standard units like batteries are involved, so when you want flexibility in multiple scenarios without sacrificing the uses of other attachments.

FAQs

What is the Wide Input SHIM?

The Wide Input SHIM is basically a mini-board that extends the variety of power sources for a Raspberry Pi. This board grants your Pi to function with an extensive range of voltages from 3V to 16V, covering standard 12V barrel jack power supplies.

What are the dimensions of the Wide Input SHIM?

In terms of size, the Wide Input SHIM is quite compact, stretching only to 45x17x6 mm in dimensions. In addition, it maintains a slim profile, being merely 0.8mm thick.

What is the output of the Wide Input SHIM?

For its output performance, the Wide Input SHIM gives off 5V/2A output via the GPIO straight into the Pi system when input voltages are set between 3V and 16V. However, this current diminishes down to approximately 1.5A at an input voltage level of just about 4 volts and further dips to around one ampere if it reaches as low as 3 volts.

What is the barrel jack connector size of the Wide Input SHIM?

When discussing connector type and size on this gadget- it uses small but precise connectors keeping in mind portability – you will find a barrel jack connector having measurements like: outer diameter stands at roughly about 3.5 mm meanwhile inner diameter rests at nearly about 1.3 mm. Users will also find a handy little short male-to-female adapter cable so they can work efficiently with 5.5mm OD barrel jacks, too.

Conclusion

Overall, if you want unbeatable versatility and exceptional value, then there’s no mistaking that the Wide Input SHIM from Pimoroni will deliver again and again. Not only does it provide multiple levels of input capabilities but also allows unending possibilities for expanding on current applications or designing new ones completely.