Description:

The Atverter is a programmable DC-DC converter, powered by the ATmega328p microcontroller. It is a bidirectional 4-switch buck-boost converter topology, with terminals rated for 60V and 5A. The Atverter can be programmed like an Arduino Uno and controlled as a Raspberry Pi shield.

Low-voltage DC systems are appealing for small-scale, resilient, or remote off-grid applications. Several of my past projects needed an off-grid DC power system. However, it was very hard to find a DC-DC converter with the right specs that was easy to program. For these reasons, I created the Atverter.

The Atverter is easily programmed like an Arduino in one of three ways:

• An FTDI USB/TTL cable allows UART programming (if a bootloader is present) and serial communication.
• Any six-pin AVRISP programmer can upload code or a bootloader.
• A Raspberry Pi can upload code over the SPI pins of the 40-pin header.

The Atverter has the following methods for serial communication and control:

• UART communication over an FTDI USB/TTL cable
• I2C communication over the Raspberry Pi 40-pin header

Other special features:

• Uses screw terminals and also Molex Microfit for each power port
• Can easily be stacked (up to 6 Atverters per Pi) and mounted on a DIN rail system
• Measures the voltage and current of each terminal and the temperature of the power switches
• Hardware safety shut-off if terminals exceed 65V or 6.5A, adjustable software shutoffs for terminal current and switch temperature

Power rating and performance:

• At least 96% peak efficiency in buck or boost modes; buck-boost mode has lower performance
• Power rating depends on application, mode, ambient temperature, and presence of a fan; make sure to set the thermal shutoff
• With a fan and 80°C shutoff, the Atverter is rated for at least 200W in buck or boost modes, and 100W in buck-boost mode

Videos:

• Elevator Pitch
• 10-Minute Introduction

Relevant Add-On Hardware:

Stacking/Pi Mounting Kit:

• 40-Pin Header Extension: PRT-16764 or 1568-PRT-16764-ND
• M2.5 18mm Standoffs: 732-10429-ND or 36-24334-ND

Din Rail or Enclosure Mounting Kit:

• DIN Rail Mount: Chunzehui DIN Rail Mount Bracket for Raspberry Pi
• Enclosure: GeeekPi Case for Raspberry Pi 4

Programming Cables

• FTDI USB/TTL Cable: DEV-09718 or 768-1028-ND
• AVRISP Programmer: HiLetgo USBtinyISP AVR ISP Programmer 6/10 Pin

Compatible Solar Panels and Batteries:

• The Atverter should be compatible with most types of 100W Solar Panels. Several options include: JJN 100W 12V, Renogy 100W 12V, and XDAY 100W 12V
• The Atverter should be compatible with most types of 12V batteries, wired in series up to 48V. Several options include: Nermak 12V 10A and ExpertPower 12V 10A
• Note: not all of these items have been tested yet

[An unfortunate but mandatory disclaimer: The Atverter is a specialized hobbyist component, not a consumer product. Picrogrid LLC or its personnel are not liable for any loss or injury related to use of the Atverter.]