ThinkPad T41/T43 USB-C

USB-C PD to 16V DC charger for vintage ThinkPads
By tSYS |

What is it?

USB-C PD trigger board with integrated high-power Step-Down converter to 16V.
This board will negotiate 20V, 5A (100W) against a USB-C PD power supply and convert the bus voltage into 16V.

This can be used to power various laptops like ThinkPad T41, T43, etc.

Electronics

Enclosure

To ensure a full 100W can be delivered continuously a bit of cooling is required.
For this project cooling is provided though a SLM printed stainless steel enclosure. Good thermal transfer is ensured by a 1mm thick thermal pad placed on the bottom of the PCB.
As a bonus the case also provides a super sturdy strain relief clamping the downstream cable firmly in place.

  • Hardware: KiCAD and OpenSCAD design files