The problem with most USB-C PD hubs is that when you unplug a device or change the load, the power delivery controller renegotiates power settings, causing delays or instability. ShrikeLab’s HomeLab-PDU-V1 tackles this head-on by using a centralized power supply and dedicated PD controller PCB, avoiding power renegotiation altogether. This hardware-first approach is worth a look if you run a homelab with multiple USB-C devices and want a stable, rack-mountable power distribution solution.
What ShrikeLab HomeLab-PDU-V1 offers
This project is an open-source hardware design for USB-C Power Distribution Units (PDUs) aimed at homelab rack setups. At its core is the Meanwell HRP-300-24 power supply unit, a 300W PSU that feeds up to ten USB-C PD outputs delivering 65W each.
The design comes in multiple variants to fit common rack sizes — 10" and 19" racks — and offers housing options either as sheet metal fabrication or fully 3D printable enclosures compatible with standard 220x220mm print beds.
Unlike typical USB-C hubs that chain negotiation logic per port, this PDU uses a dedicated PD controller PCB managing all outputs centrally. This architecture avoids power renegotiation when devices are plugged or unplugged, leading to more stable power delivery.
The repository includes comprehensive CAD files (STP and STL formats), PCB Gerbers, assembly instructions, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials. It’s fully open under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 license, making it accessible for DIYers and small labs.
The technical design and tradeoffs
The key technical highlight is the use of a centralized Meanwell HRP-300-24 PSU combined with a custom PD controller PCB rather than daisy-chaining PD negotiation across ports. This eliminates the common USB-C PD issue where unplugging a device triggers a renegotiation cycle, momentarily cutting power or causing glitches on other ports.
Under the hood, the PD controller manages each USB-C port’s power delivery contracts independently, but all are powered from the central PSU. This ensures steady 65W delivery per port without hiccups. It’s a tradeoff favoring stability and reliability over modularity — since the PSU and controller are a fixed integrated system.
The mechanical design takes into account rack-mount form factors with 1U height, making it practical for homelabs or small server rooms. The availability of 3D-printable enclosures lowers the barrier for makers without access to metal fabrication.
The PCB and mechanical design files are well-organized, with clear documentation for assembly and wiring. The tradeoff is complexity: building this requires some electronics assembly skill and access to fabrication services or 3D printing.
This project doesn’t provide firmware or software components, focusing purely on hardware design. So if you’re looking for smart monitoring or software integration, you’ll need to add that externally.
Explore the project
The repository is structured around multiple variants of the PDU design:
- Separate folders for 10" and 19" rack designs
- Subfolders for sheet metal and 3D-printed enclosure options
- PCB design files including Gerber outputs and schematics
- Assembly and wiring documentation in PDF format
- Bills of materials listing all components and sources
The README provides a good overview and links to each variant. CAD files (STP for mechanical and STL for 3D printing) are included to customize or modify enclosures if needed.
If you’re interested in building your own USB-C PDU for a homelab or server rack, start by reviewing the assembly guides and BOM. The PCB Gerbers can be sent to a manufacturer, and enclosures printed or fabricated according to your preference.
Verdict
ShrikeLab HomeLab-PDU-V1 is a solid open hardware project for anyone needing stable multi-port USB-C Power Delivery in a rack-mountable form factor. Its architecture addresses a real pain point with USB-C PD renegotiation delays on multi-port hubs by centralizing power and PD control.
It’s not for beginners or those wanting plug-and-play. Building it requires some electronics assembly skills and access to fabrication or 3D printing resources. Also, it’s purely hardware focused — no software or smart monitoring included out of the box.
For homelab enthusiasts, small server operators, or makers with the right skills, this project offers a practical and well-documented solution to distribute USB-C PD power reliably. It’s worth understanding even if you don’t adopt it directly, as its design ideas could inspire more robust USB-C PD power solutions.
If you run multiple USB-C powered devices in a rack and have struggled with power renegotiations causing issues, this project shows a clear path to stabilizing your power delivery infrastructure.
→ GitHub Repo: Shrike-Lab/HomeLab-PDU-V1 ⭐ 556