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Description

The On-The-Go (OTG) Splitter is used for the Raspberry Pi 4 device. This splitter allows powering the Raspberry Pi 4 device AND sending data out to the host device. This is because the host device is rarely able to supply the Approx. 3.0+ Amps (15 Watts) required to power the Raspberry Pi 4. Occasionally a host device will implement the USB Power Delivery Specification which means it can supply up to 100 Watts of power which is more than enough for the Raspberry Pi 4.

since one USB-C female connector is used to receive power and perform keyboard/mouse/drive emulation a special Y-cable must be made that splits the DATA and POWER lines of USB-C (see reasons). It can be made from two suitable connecting cables, or soldered together from scratch. Be sure to check the circuit diagram, otherwise you may damage your devices. The appropriate USB pinout(s) can easily be found on Google. Please note that if you make a Y-cable from two no-name cables, the colors of the wires may not match those shown. Use a multimeter to make sure the connections are correct.

OTG Splitter Variants

There exists several OTG Splitter variants. Choose one that fits your available hardware.

Variant 1: DIY for soldering or twist.

Required Hardware

  • 1x USB-A -to- USB-C connector
  • 1x USB-A -to- Anything connector
  • 1x appropriate Power Supply (USB-A or USB-C) depending on what cable you choose above.

Setup Hardware

The diagram below shows a general outline of final built product.

USB Splitter Cable (Only for Raspberry Pi 4):

OTG USB Y-Splitter for v2 Platform

Additionally see the video below on a sample build:

Variant 2: Ready made using USB-Micro Splitter

Required Hardware

  • 1x USB/Power Splitter Module (UK/US/CA).
  • 1x USB-A to USB-C cable (male-male) for connecting the Raspberry Pi to the splitter.
  • 1x USB-A to micro USB-B cable (male-male) for connecting the server to the splitter.
  • 1x USB-A to micro USB-B cable (male-male) to connect into a USB-A wall charger. Or you also can buy the official Raspberry Pi Power Supply with micro USB-B instead.

Setup Hardware

Either power by barrel jack or micro USB. Follow instructions provided at the websites listed for the USB/Power Splitter Module.

Variant 3: Ready made using USB-C Splitter

Required Hardware

  • 1x USB-C/Power Splitter Module (UK/US/CA).
  • 1x USB-C to USB-C cable (male-male) for connecting the Raspberry Pi to the splitter.
  • 1x USB-A to USB-C cable (male-male) for connecting the server to the splitter.
  • 1x USB-A to USB-C cable (male-male) to connect into a USB-A wall charger. Or 1x USB-C to USB-C cable to connect into a USB-C wall charger. Or you also can buy the official Raspberry Pi Power Supply with USB-C instead.

Setup Hardware

Follow instructions provided at the websites listed for the USB-C/Power Splitter Module.