This thesis explores the design and implementation of electrical safety mechanisms for both human and machine safety, as well as power supply and power quality for the WRepair Powerstation. The WRepair Powerstation serves as a critical component in the electronics repair industry, providing essential charging and data transfer capabilities for various smart devices.

The primary goal of this project is to develop an intuitive power protection mechanism and a reliable power supply system that seamlessly connects all sub-modules of the WRepair Powerstation. Emphasis is placed on ensuring efficient and safe charging processes that safeguard both the machinery and human operators involved.

The technical aspects of this project involve the selection and integration of a suitable protection mechanism that can manage the power delivery and quality across the system. This includes identifying components that can handle the demands of multiple devices and ensuring consistent power quality to prevent any potential damage or safety hazards.

The overall objective of this thesis is to create a user-friendly and reliable powerstation that meets the high standards and needs of professionals in the electronics repair industry. By focusing on safety, efficiency, and reliability, the WRepair Powerstation aims to enhance the functionality and safety of electronic repair workspaces.

This thesis explores the design and implementation of a Human Machine Interface (HMI) and microcontroller system for the Wrepair Powerstation, a charging and data transfer station for smart devices. The project focuses on developing an intuitive touchscreen interface for real-time monitoring and control of power allocation across multiple USB-C ports. The system allows users to adjust the power output of each port while respecting the limitations of connected devices and the overall power budget of the charging station.

The adjustable power allocation system improves the user experience by enabling users to prioritize certain devices for faster charging. This optimization enhances charging efficiency and provides greater flexibility in managing power distribution among connected devices.

The thesis also discusses the selection and integration of a suitable microcontroller to manage communication between power delivery modules, the touchscreen display, and other system components. The goal is to create a user-friendly and reliable Powerstation that meets the needs of professionals in the electronics repair industry.

This report focuses on the USB implementation subgroup of the Wrepair Powerstation Project, which aimed to design and develop a versatile USB powerstation capable of supporting both high-power delivery and data transfer through USB Type-C ports. The implementation involved integrating advanced charging protocols, real-time measurements, and power control capabilities into a modular system that can seamlessly fit into existing Wrepair stations. This integration enables the powerstation to feature dynamic power allocation and visualisation of charging performance.

Key tasks of this project included selecting appropriate power delivery integrated circuits (ICs), designing a high-speed USB data hub, and developing control hardware to manage power and data flow efficiently. The USB charging station is designed to support up to 100W per port, with a total available power budget of 300W, distributed across six USB Type-C ports. The powerstation also incorporates safety features to protect against overcurrent, overheating, and short circuits, ensuring user safety and device protection.

The report details the design process, including the selection of components, system integration, and validation procedures. The design process involved evaluating different power delivery systems, including development boards, PD modules, and stand-alone chips, to select the most suitable solution for the project requirements. The chosen solution, the IP2368 PD (Power delivery) module, was initially tested but was found to be inadequate, leading to the exploration of alternative modules such as the SW2303 and MAX25430 development boards.

Furthermore, the design includes a USB data hub sub-module to facilitate high-speed data transfer and connectivity. This hub supports multiple devices and allows for real-time data logging and display, enhancing user interaction and monitoring capabilities. The validation and evaluation phase involved rigorous testing of the USB implementation submodule, including power delivery, measuring and controlling capabilities, and overall system integration.

The results demonstrate that the USB implementation meets the required specifications, ensuring efficient power distribution and data handling for multiple devices. This work contributes to the overall Wrepair Powerstation Project by providing a robust and scalable USB solution that enhances the functionality and utility of Wrepair stations.