Guide 

Raspberry Pi Zero External USB Connector

othermod 4 Comments

The Pi Zero has a microUSB connector onboard, but sometimes the position of the connector doesn’t work for a project and there isn’t enough room to plug in an adapter. Just as with the MicroSD port, there is the option to connect directly to pads on the underside of the Pi, and even completely remove the onboard USB connector for some extra space when needed.

The Pi Zero has USB data pads (PP22 and PP23) and power pads (PP1 and PP6).
rpi_zero_bottom (1)

The pinout is as follows:
PP1 is the 5V power input
PP6 is the GND
PP22 is USB D+
PP23 is USB D-

Here is the colorized version

Colorized

The pinouts for microUSB and miniUSB are the same, so an image of a miniUSB connector is shown below.

USB Connector

Pin 1 is the 5V power input
Pin 2 is USB D-
Pin 3 is USB D+
Pin 4 is Sense (not used in this situation)
Pin 5 is GND

The completed setup is shown here. All four connections are made up and the connector can be placed anywhere on your project. 

USB Complete

For those using a soft power on/off circuit or a lithium power supply board, there is one more component that can add a small amount of protection in the event that power is accidentally supplied from both a power circuit and an external USB device.  A diode on the +5V wire between the Pi and the connector will prevent power from flowing the wrong way, avoiding possible damage to components.

One important thing to note is that this will not serve to add an additional USB port. This will replace the onboard one.

4 thoughts on “Raspberry Pi Zero External USB Connector”

  • riedel.tino
    November 25, 2016 at 6:34 pm
    Permalink

    Hi,

    I often use the li-po power supply (with soft on / off switch) and the micro USB power at the same time. When I plug in USB power supply the pi boots and sets the tx pin high which enables the lipo circuit. Is there any risk?

    • othermodPost author
      November 28, 2016 at 1:30 pm
      Permalink

      If you’re using the powerboost and then connecting a power supply directly into the Pi, then yes I think there is some risk. The power supply is probably going to have a different voltage than the powerboost, and that can create a flow of current between the power supply and powerboost.

  • unusual
    July 12, 2017 at 1:04 pm
    Permalink

    hi

    thanks for the very useful information here.
    I am putting together an article about various aspects and hacks needed for connecting usb hubs to pi zero and would love to use your pictures in there, can I please?
    of course I would credit them and link back to the article
    thanks

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