I just received a request to confirm if I will accept Element 14's offer to complete the Microchip PoE to USB-C
Power and Data Adapter RoadTest review. I guess that makes it official. While I wait for product shipping I figured I would attempt to generate some interest with a blog post.
For my application, I leveraged the understanding that I have RoadTested a PoE device in the past Raspberry Pi4B (4GB) plus POE Hat - Review . I thought the knowledge gained through that RoadTest could be used to assist in completing this RoadTest. I indicated for this RoadTest, I am limiting the test devices attached to the PoE unit to the Raspberry Pi family of products. I did this in order to limit the scope. I have some Pi knowledge gaps that I have to address in order to complete the testing suggested in my application.
In the application I provided the following testing plan summary:
- data and power testing using USB-C device
- data and power testing using USB-C breakout device
- data and power testing using USB-C to USB-mini device
This product provides data and power through the USB-C connector. The review creates a challenge for me. I know nothing about Pi's On-The-Go (OTG) support provided through the Pi's USB connector. I did complete the exercise provided in this post https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=243966 in order to confirm power and data via the USB connector on the Pi. Once I was confident of a data path for a Pi through the USB connector I pitched an application.
My confidence in the data path for the Pi. How does the OTG support work with this device? What data through put can I expect? Will the overhead to get this setup working out way using a simple Ethernet connection? Hey wait a minute, Pi Zero's do't have an Ethernet connection, does that matter?
I am conscious that the RoadTest will become more about Pi's OTG capabilities than the PoE product. I hope to explore the capabilities of the Microchip product to deliver power and data. Through exploration I'm hoping to discover where this product fits into a design solution. Please, if you find me focusing more on the Pi's than the PoE device feel free to make a comment to re-adjust my focus.
In preparation for this RoadTest, (long before my application was approved) I ordered some USB hardware to breakout the USB-C connector in order to facilitate testing. I also purchased a bag of USB adaptors in order to convert to different USB ends. I have a passion about Raspberry Pi's and figured if my application wasn't successful I could still use the hardware to learn about Pi OTG. In a later blog post I will provide a list of the USB hardware.
My RoadTest format is a simple one. I make blog posts during testing and then the RoadTest Review becomes a summary of the findings from the posts. The blog post usually contain drawings and/or pictures. I lack the motivation to create videos. I have a very high expectation on the quality of videos. Some of the video work from members at this site are really impressive. Since I have little experience in making videos, I know for myself, it would be a major undertaking to achieve the level of quality I would desire. Maybe at some point I will undertake a project that gives me reason to invest in video production.
