When you plug components into a breadboard and wire them up, at some point it is show time and you want to run the circuit. That of course requires a power supply.
Via Microcontroller Board
Microcontroller-based circuits are often powered directly through the microcontroller board which typically comes with a USB connector (for power input) and pins to output 5V and 3.3V.
Via Bench Power Supply
If you own a quality bench power supply you can supply the + and - rail of your breadboard directly from such a power supply:
- Voltage: Set the bench power supply to the desired output voltage (typically 5V)
- Constant Current: Set the bench power supply constant current to less than 1A as a safety measure. Circuits typically require much less than 1A. Should there be a circuit error or an accidenal short, then constant current protects you from damaging high currents.
Dedicated Breadboard Power Supply
Adding a dedicated power supply to your breadboard is simple, cost-effective, safe and above all very convenient. Solutions exist that plug directly onto the breadboard, can be powered from a wide variety of power sources, and cost little.
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(content created Apr 20, 2024)