Running a Philips CD-i Off USB-C
A tech enthusiast has successfully modified the Philips CD-i console to run off USB-C power, solving the original unit's notorious power supply issues.
The Philips CD-i console has long suffered from power supply problems, particularly its use of an 8P8C connector identical to Ethernet cables, which frequently break. To address this issue, [MattKC] developed a solution to power the console via USB-C instead of the original problematic unit.
Power Requirements Challenge
The modification proved more complex than initially expected due to the console's dual voltage requirements: it needs 5 V at up to 3 A, plus a -5 V line at 0.2 A. Most standard USB-C chargers couldn't provide the necessary power while maintaining the required 5 V output.
Technical Solution
[MattKC] created a custom board that negotiates with USB-C chargers for 9 V operation, then steps this down to 5 V using a TPSM84538 chip capable of supplying up to 5 A. An LT3580 chip inverts the voltage to create the required -5 V line. The board also includes a power switching circuit to replace functionality from the original power brick.
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