FIVE-FOUR :: b(you)ttOn

Buy a FIVE-FOUR Now:
Module Only : $TBA | Complete Kit : $TBA

FIVE-FOUR Downloads:
Users' Manual (PDF) | SBC Communications Software (for Linux)
Mounting Hole Templates (PDF, 1:1 scale): US Letter | A4

FIVE-FOUR is available in two forms: the bare module and a complete kit. The bare module is exactly what it sounds like: a FIVE-FOUR module with a quick-start guide and link to this website. The complete kit includes a FIVE-FOUR and guide, along with three 7"/17.8cm header wires to connect it to a SBC or microcontroller, a full set of mounting hardware (screws, nuts, spacers, and washers), and a motherboard reset switch for testing.

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FIVE-FOUR provides a rich feature set in a tiny package:

Broad 3.3-5.5VDC supply range
High-current power control – 4A nominal, 6A maximum – for projects using 5-volt power.
Advanced power MOSFET load switch with low R^on (14mohms typ.), low forward voltage drop (56mV typ. @ 4A), and quick-discharge feature to rapidly disconnect power to the load when off.
Super-low-dropout regulator and flexible-supply-voltage microcontroller on-board allows operation down to 3.3 volts
Low current drain – less than 2.5mA – when “off”
High-side power switching – grounds are unaffected
Hardware-agnostic design that can work with any SBC or microcontroller that uses 3.3-volt logic
Smooth, bounce-free power switching with 5-second safety lockout to prevent rapid on/off cycles.
Two main operating modes:
- “Basic” mode – operates as a simple power switch for simpler projects that don’t require circuit-interactive power management
- “Advanced” mode for “smart” projects
“Advanced” mode features for interactive power control with projects using microcontrollers or single-board computers (SBCs):
- Power failure detection with automatic safe shutdown to prevent filesystem corruption (Note: requires additional hardware)
- Lag/crash detection with optional restart-on-crash
- Bidirectional signaled shutdown – the project’s SBC or microcontroller can tell FIVE-FOUR to shut down, or vice versa
- No SPI or I2C ports required from the project’s SBC or microcontroller, freeing these up for project use
- Requires three addressable I/O lines from the project’s SBC or microcontroller, with free open-source interconnectivity software available for SBCs that run Linux distributions
- Individual features can be disabled on a per-feature basis
2.5A USB input and output connectors for easy implementation with SBCs that use USB power cabling – just plug the SBC’s supply into the micro USB input and use a charging cable to connect FIVE-FOUR to the SBC’s USB power connector
Full-current (6A) screw terminals for direct wire connection
Only requires a small, low-current momentary pushbutton switch for operation, e.g., a motherboard reset switch
Supports add-on circuits for switching – use a capacitive touch sensor, for example, instead of a momentary pushbutton switch.
Automatic start/restart capability for projects that require maximum uptime
Vibrant status LED with multiple flash patterns to indicate FIVE-FOUR’s state, which can be disabled by removing a jumper
Header for optional off-board status LED
Simple jumper-controlled configuration – no special programmers or tooling required
Compact design – 1.25”/31.75mm x 1.55”/39.4mm – designed to fit vertically within a 1-unit rackmount enclosure
Built with only standards-compliant components to meet international environmental-impact requirements such as RoHS and REACH.