How to make a Raspberry Pi 5 actually work
The Articulated Robotics host discusses Raspberry Pi 5 power issues for robotics, including software settings and a power expansion board.
In this talk
- 0:19
Why the Pi 5 struggles with common supplies
While updating a robot project from a Pi 4 to a Pi 5, the host found that Ubuntu could be sluggish or fail to open a terminal with several power sources. The Pi reported limited power with USB-A, a USB-C PD supply, and 5-volt pin input, but not with the official 5-amp adapter. For lower-power projects, the Pi 4 may remain a practical choice.
- 2:11
What the power warning changes
The boot diagnostics showed the Pi identifying USB-A power as 900 mA, USB-C PD as 3,000 mA, and the official adapter as 5,000 mA. When the supply is below 5 amps, the Pi limits USB output to 600 mA; the official supply allows up to 1,600 mA. The host explains this as a way to reserve current for the Pi and avoid overloading a weaker supply.
- 4:56
Software overrides and their risks
Adding `usb_max_current_enable=1` to `/boot/firmware/config.txt` allows the full USB current limit, provided the supply can safely handle the load. Setting `PSU_MAX_CURRENT=5000` through `sudo rpi-eeprom-config --edit` removes the warning and makes the system feel more responsive. The host cautions that claiming more current than the supply can provide may cause undervoltage, and reports that two microSD cards failed during testing.
- 9:28
A power board for bench and robot use
The 52Pi PD Power Expansion Board accepts 15-volt USB-C PD or 9-to-24-volt DC through a barrel jack, then supplies the Pi with about 5.15 volts. It supports up to 8 amps total, leaving current for sensors or motor-driver control voltage. The host values being able to use USB on the bench and switch to a robot battery, while noting that power-hungry USB devices may still need a powered hub.
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