HATs and other add-ons • Pico and Zero as USB Host -> How to power?

I am trying to build a powered USB-C-Hub with support for RPi Pico and Zero as USB Host. (alternatively, not at the same time)

Please help to double-confirm the behavior for powering the devices, I am unsure about how to power when using RPi Zero as USB Host.

If Pico is used:
Pico is mounted onto the USB-C-Hub AND connected through USB-C to microUSB OTG cable.
In this case - as stated in the datasheet - the USB-C-Hub will power the Pico using Pin 40 (VBUS pin) and power is disabled through the USB-cable to avoid double powering the Pico.

If Zero is used:
Zero is connected only through the microUSB+data port (not the PWR only port) to the Uplink port of the USB-C-Hub using a USB-C to microUSB OTG cable. The PWR only port must NOT be used in parallel to avoid back-powering.
I want the USB-C-Hub to provide 5V/2.4A power to the Zero through the USB-cable and it should use that same cable for data transfer.

Will that work? am I violating USB-standards?

Statistics: Posted by Tunaluna — Mon Sep 29, 2025 8:38 pm — Replies 0 — Views 9

---