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  • Created:
  • Updated:
  • Author:
    Takeshi Takatsudo

Circuit Diagrams

Complete circuit configuration shown in stages.

Power Flow Overview

This diagram shows the complete power conversion chain from USB-C input to all output rails, including the relationship between all circuit diagrams.

Power Conversion Strategy:

  • Two-stage design: DC-DC converters provide efficient voltage reduction, linear regulators provide low-noise final outputs
  • +12V rail: USB-C 15V → Buck (U2) → LDO (U6) → +12V OUT
  • +5V rail: USB-C 15V → Buck (U3) → LDO (U7) → +5V OUT
  • -12V rail: USB-C 15V → Inverting Buck-Boost (U4) → LDO (U8) → -12V OUT

Diagram1: USB-PD Power Supply Section (STUSB4500)

v1.1 Upgrade

This section documents the STUSB4500-based design (v1.1). The STUSB4500 is USB-IF certified with ~95%+ charger compatibility. For the deprecated CH224D design (v1.0), see CH224D documentation.

Diagram1-1: Complete STUSB4500 Circuit with Load Switch

                           VBUS_IN (from USB-C J1)

┌───────────────────────────────┼───────────────────────────────────┐
│ │ │
│ R11 (100kΩ) │
│ │ │
│ ├──────── Q1 (AO3401A) ─────────────┤
│ │ S ←───── D │
│ R12 (56kΩ) │ │
│ │ G │
│ │ │ │
│ STUSB4500 (QFN-24) │ │ │
│ ┌────────────────────┐ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ VBUS_EN_SNK ──────┼──────┘ │ │
│ │ (pin 16) │ │ │
│ │ │ C35 (100nF) │
│ │ VDD (pin 24) ─────┼── VBUS_IN │ │
│ │ │ │ GND │
│ │ C2 (100nF) │ │
│ │ │ │ ▼ │
│ │ GND │ VBUS_OUT ──→ (to DC-DC) │
│ │ │ │ │
│ │ VREG_2V7 (pin 23) │ TP1 │
│ │ │ │ │
│ │ C30 (1µF) │ │
│ │ │ │ │
│ │ GND │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ VREG_1V2 (pin 21) │ │
│ │ │ │ │
│ │ C34 (1µF) │ │
│ │ │ │ │
│ │ GND │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ VSYS (pin 22) ────┼── GND (not used) │
│ │ │ │
│ │ RESET (pin 6) ────┼── GND (internal pull-down, NC also OK) │
│ │ │ │
│ │ DISCH (pin 9) ────┼── R13 (470Ω) ── VBUS_OUT │
│ │ │ │
│ │ VBUS_VS_DISCH ────┼── R14 (470Ω) ── VBUS_IN │
│ │ (pin 18) │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ ADDR0 (pin 12) ───┼── GND │
│ │ ADDR1 (pin 13) ───┼── GND │
│ │ │ │
│ │ GND (pin 10) │ │
│ │ EP (pin 25) ──────┼── GND │
│ │ │ │
│ │ CC1 (pin 2) ──────┼────┬── USB-C CC1 │
│ │ CC1DB (pin 1) ────┼────┘ │
│ │ │ │ │
│ │ CC2 (pin 4) ──────┼────┼─┬── USB-C CC2 │
│ │ CC2DB (pin 5) ────┼────┼─┘ │
│ │ │ │ │
│ └────────────────────┘ │ │
│ │ │
│ ESD Protection D4 (USBLC6-2SC6): │
│ ┌──────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Pin 1 (I/O1) ────────┼─ USB-C CC1 ─→ Pin 6 (I/O1) ─→ CC1 │
│ │ Pin 3 (I/O2) ────────┼─ USB-C CC2 ─→ Pin 4 (I/O2) ─→ CC2 │
│ │ Pin 2 (GND) ────────┼─ GND │
│ │ Pin 5 (VBUS) ────────┼─ VBUS_IN │
│ └──────────────────────┘ │
│ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

GND

USB-C Connector J1 (6-pin power-only):
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ A9,B9 VBUS ──────────────────────┼──→ VBUS_IN Rail (5V initially)
│ │
│ A5 CC1 ──────────────────────┼──→ To STUSB4500 CC1 (pin 2)
│ B5 CC2 ──────────────────────┼──→ To STUSB4500 CC2 (pin 4)
│ │
│ A1,B12 GND ──────────────────────┼──→ System GND
└─────────────────────────────────────┘

Diagram1-2: Load Switch Operation (Power Path Control)

Power Path with P-Channel MOSFET Load Switch:

VBUS_IN (15V after PD negotiation)

R11 (100kΩ) ← Gate pull-up (default OFF)

VBUS_EN_SNK ───┬── R12 (56kΩ) ──┴─── Gate ─── Q1 (AO3401A)
(from STUSB4500)│ │ │
│ Source Drain
C35 (100nF) │ │
│ VBUS_IN │
GND ▼
VBUS_OUT (to DC-DC)

Load Switch Operation:
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ State │ VBUS_EN_SNK │ Gate Voltage │ Q1 State │ Output│
├────────────────────┼─────────────┼──────────────┼──────────┼───────┤
│ No cable / PD fail │ LOW (0V) │ HIGH (VBUS) │ OFF │ 0V │
│ PD negotiation OK │ HIGH (~3V) │ LOW (~2V) │ ON │ 15V │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Why P-Channel MOSFET?
- Simple high-side switch (no charge pump needed)
- Gate referenced to VBUS (easy to drive with VBUS_EN_SNK)
- Default OFF when gate is pulled to VBUS via R11

Soft-Start Calculation:
- Time constant: τ = R12 × C35 = 56kΩ × 100nF = 5.6ms
- Limits dV/dt during turn-on, reducing inrush current

Diagram1-3: USB PD Negotiation Process (STUSB4500)

Step-by-step PD negotiation sequence:

1. Initial Connection (0-100ms):
┌─────────┐ ┌───────────┐
│ USB-C │ ─── VBUS (5V) ───→ │ STUSB4500 │──→ Q1 OFF (no output)
│ PD │ │ │
│ Adapter │ ← CC1/CC2 pins ─→ │ (handles │
└─────────┘ │ Rd int.) │
└───────────┘
VBUS = 5V (default USB voltage)
STUSB4500 presents Rd internally (no external 5.1kΩ needed)
VBUS_EN_SNK = LOW → Q1 OFF → VBUS_OUT = 0V

2. Capability Discovery (100-200ms):
STUSB4500 requests Source Capabilities via CC
PD Adapter responds: 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V profiles

3. Voltage Request (200-300ms):
STUSB4500 requests 15V (from NVM configuration)
Built-in retry on failure (unlike CH224D)

4. Acceptance & Voltage Transition (300-500ms):
PD Adapter accepts request
VBUS transitions: 5V → 15V
STUSB4500 waits for stable VBUS

5. Power Ready (>500ms):
STUSB4500 confirms 15V stable
VBUS_EN_SNK goes HIGH → Q1 turns ON
VBUS_OUT = 15V (power delivered to DC-DC stages)

KEY DIFFERENCE from CH224D:
- Q1 prevents power delivery until PD negotiation succeeds
- No 5V exposure to downstream circuits
- Clean startup without voltage transitions on output

Diagram1-4: STUSB4500 Pin Configuration

STUSB4500 (QFN-24) - USB-IF Certified PD Sink Controller:

┌───────────────────────────────────────┐
│ (Top View) │
│ │
CC1DB 1 │● 24│ VDD ─── VBUS_IN + C2 (100nF)
CC1 2 │ 23│ VREG_2V7 ── C30 (1µF) ── GND
NC 3 │ 22│ VSYS ── GND
CC2 4 │ 21│ VREG_1V2 ── C34 (1µF) ── GND
CC2DB 5 │ 20│ POWER_OK2 (NC)
RESET 6 │── GND (or NC) 19│ ALERT (NC)
SCL 7 │── NC (or I2C) 18│ VBUS_VS_DISCH ── R14 (470Ω) ── VBUS_IN
SDA 8 │── NC (or I2C) 17│ A_B_SIDE (NC)
DISCH 9 │── R13 (470Ω) ── VBUS_OUT 16│ VBUS_EN_SNK ──→ Gate drive
GND 10 │── GND 15│ GPIO (NC)
ATTACH 11 │── NC 14│ POWER_OK3 (NC)
ADDR0 12 │── GND 13│ ADDR1 ── GND
│ │
│ ┌──────────────┐ │
└─────────┤ EP (pin 25) ├──────────────┘
│ GND │
└──────────────┘

Critical Pin Connections:
┌──────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Pin │ Connection │
├──────────────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ VDD (24) │ VBUS_IN + C2 (100nF) to GND │
│ CC1 (2) │ USB-C CC1, also to CC1DB (pin 1) │
│ CC2 (4) │ USB-C CC2, also to CC2DB (pin 5) │
│ CC1DB (1) │ Tie to CC1 (enables dead battery mode) │
│ CC2DB (5) │ Tie to CC2 (enables dead battery mode) │
│ VBUS_EN_SNK (16) │ To gate drive (R12) → Q1 gate │
│ VREG_2V7 (23)│ C30 (1µF) to GND │
│ VREG_1V2 (21)│ C34 (1µF) to GND │
│ VSYS (22) │ GND (connect to ground when not used) │
│ RESET (6) │ GND (or NC) - Active-HIGH, has internal pull-down │
│ DISCH (9) │ R13 (470Ω) to VBUS_OUT (for VBUS discharge) │
│ ADDR0 (12) │ GND │
│ ADDR1 (13) │ GND (I2C address = 0x28) │
│ GND (10) │ System GND │
│ EP (25) │ System GND (thermal pad) │
│ VBUS_VS_DISCH (18) │ R14 (470Ω) to VBUS_IN (voltage sense/discharge) │
│ NC pins │ 3,7,8,11,14,15,17,19,20 - Not connected │
└──────────────┴──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Connection List

Power Supply: - USB-C VBUS (pins A9, B9)VBUS_IN RailSTUSB4500 VDD (pin 24) - C1 (10µF ceramic): VBUS_INGND (bulk filtering) - C2 (100nF ceramic): VDD (pin 24)GND (close to IC) Internal Regulators: - VREG_2V7 (pin 23)C30 (1µF)GND - VREG_1V2 (pin 21)C34 (1µF)GND - VSYS (pin 22)GND (connect to ground when not used) CC Lines: - USB-C CC1 (pin A5)STUSB4500 CC1 (pin 2)CC1DB (pin 1) (tie CC1 and CC1DB together) - USB-C CC2 (pin B5)STUSB4500 CC2 (pin 4)CC2DB (pin 5) (tie CC2 and CC2DB together) - D4 (USBLC6-2SC6): Pin 1 → USB-C CC1, Pin 6 → STUSB4500 CC1/CC1DB, Pin 3 → USB-C CC2, Pin 4 → STUSB4500 CC2/CC2DB, Pin 2 → GND, Pin 5 → VBUS_IN Load Switch (Power Path Control): - VBUS_INR11 (100kΩ)Q1 Gate (pull-up, default OFF) - VBUS_EN_SNK (pin 16)R12 (56kΩ)Q1 Gate - Q1 GateC35 (100nF)GND (soft-start) - Q1 (AO3401A): Source = VBUS_IN, Drain = VBUS_OUT - Result: Q1 conducts when VBUS_EN_SNK goes HIGH after PD success VBUS Discharge: - DISCH (pin 9)R13 (470Ω)VBUS_OUT - Purpose: Quickly discharge VBUS when cable disconnected VBUS Voltage Sense: - VBUS_INR14 (470Ω)VBUS_VS_DISCH (pin 18) - Purpose: VBUS voltage monitoring and secondary discharge path Configuration: - RESET (pin 6)GND (or NC) - Active-HIGH, has internal pull-down - ADDR0 (pin 12)GND - ADDR1 (pin 13)GND - I2C address = 0x28 (for NVM programming) Ground: - USB-C GND (pins A1, B12)System GND - STUSB4500 GND (pin 10)System GND - STUSB4500 EP (pin 25)System GND (thermal + ground) NVM Programming (One-time Setup): The STUSB4500 requires NVM programming to configure the 15V PDO: | PDO | Voltage | Current | Purpose | | ---- | ------- | ------- | ------------------ | | PDO1 | 5V | 1.5A | Fixed (mandatory) | | PDO2 | 15V | 3A | Target voltage | | PDO3 | 20V | 1.5A | Fallback option | Programming methods: 1. STSW-STUSB002 GUI tool (requires STEVAL-ISC005V1 eval board) 2. Arduino/MCU via I2C using community libraries 3. Pre-programmed parts from some distributors

Diagram2: USB-PD +15V → +13.5V Buck Converter (LM2596S-ADJ #1)

3GND5ON1VIN2VOUT4FBU2LM2596SC6100nF+C5100µFL1100µH4.5AR110kΩR21kΩC3122nF+C3470µF25VD1SS34+15V+13.5V
Enlarge
3GND5ON1VIN2VOUT4FBU2LM2596SC6100nF+C5100µFL1100µH4.5AR110kΩR21kΩC3122nF+C3470µF25VD1SS34+15V+13.5V

Key Points:

  • Two-stage design: Buck converter (U2) reduces voltage with high efficiency, then linear regulator (LM7812) provides low-noise final output
  • Capacitor order: C5/C6 (input filter) → [U2 + L1] → C3 (buck output filter) → [LM7812] → output capacitors
  • C3 role: Filters switching ripple from buck converter before feeding the linear regulator
  • Switching node: Junction at OUTPUT pin 2, where L1 and D1 cathode connect
  • D1 flyback path: Provides current path when U2's internal switch is OFF (D1 cathode → switching node; D1 anode → GND)
  • L1 output and D1 anode are completely separate paths - they do NOT connect to each other
View ASCII art circuit

Buck Converter IC: ┌──────────────────────┐ +15V IN ────────────┤1 VIN OUTPUT 2├─── Switching Node ──┬─→ L1 (100µH, 4.5A) ─→ +13.5V │ │ │ │ FB 4├─── Tap │ │ │ (feedback) │ ┌──┤3 GND │ │ │ │5 ON/OFF (tie to GND) │ D1 SS34 │ └──────────────────────┘ cathode GND LM2596S-ADJ │ (TO-263-5L) anode │ GND Input Capacitors (C6 closest to IC): +15V ──┬────────────────┬─── To IC Pin 1 │ │ C5 C6 100µF 100nF electrolytic ceramic (farther) (CLOSE!) │ │ GND GND Output Filter: ┌─── To Linear Regulator (LM7812) │ +13.5V ──────────┼─── C3 (470µF/25V) │ electrolytic │ │ │ GND │ Signal Path: +15V → [U2] → L1 → +13.5V → C3 → [LM7812] → +12V OUT Feedback Network (Voltage Divider with Compensation): +13.5V ──┬─── R1 (10kΩ) ───┬─── R2 (1kΩ) ─── GND │ │ └─── C31 (22nF) ──┤ │ Tap → To IC Pin 4 (FB) Components: - R1 (10kΩ) with C31 (22nF) in parallel: Creates pole-zero compensation (Type II) - R2 (1kΩ): Sets feedback tap voltage - C31 (22nF ceramic): Feedback compensation capacitor in parallel with R1 - Improves transient response and loop stability - Reduces switching noise on feedback line - Prevents oscillation Tap voltage = +13.5V × R2/(R1+R2) = 13.5V × 1kΩ/11kΩ = 1.23V U2 maintains FB pin at 1.23V reference by adjusting duty cycle

Connection List

Input Power: - +15V inputU2 (LM2596S-ADJ) pin 1 (VIN) - GNDU2 pin 5 (ON/OFF) (always-on: tie to GND or leave floating) Output Path (Buck Converter Topology): 1. U2 pin 2 (OUTPUT)L1 (100µH, 4.5A) → Junction point 2. Junction point → C3 (470µF/25V)GND (output filter capacitor) 3. Junction point → +13.5V output (to next stage) Flyback Diode (Freewheeling Diode): - D1 (SS34 Schottky): - Cathode → Junction between OUTPUT (pin 2) and L1 - Anode → GND - Purpose: Provides path for inductor current when switch turns off Input Capacitors: - C5 (100µF electrolytic): +15V inputGND (bulk input filter) - C6 (100nF ceramic): +15V inputGND (high-frequency decoupling) Output Capacitor: - C3 (470µF/25V electrolytic): Connected in parallel between +13.5V outputGND - Purpose: Output filtering, ripple reduction, and energy storage for transient response - Important: C3 is NOT in series with the output - it's a shunt element that allows AC ripple current to flow to GND Feedback Network (Voltage Setting): - Voltage divider: +13.5V outputR1 (10kΩ)Tap pointR2 (1kΩ)GND - U2 pin 4 (FB) → Connected to tap point (junction between R1 and R2) - The tap point voltage = 13.5V × R2/(R1+R2) = 13.5V × 1kΩ/11kΩ = 1.23V - Chip maintains FB pin at 1.23V by adjusting duty cycle - Output voltage formula: VOUT = 1.23V × (1 + R1/R2) = 1.23V × (1 + 10kΩ/1kΩ) = 13.53V Ground: - U2 pin 3 (GND)System GND - All capacitor negative terminals → System GND - D1 anodeSystem GND Key Points: - The inductor L1 is on the OUTPUT side of pin 2 (OUTPUT), not the input side - D1 cathode connects to the junction between OUTPUT (pin 2) and L1 (the "switching node") - When U2's internal switch is ON: Current flows VIN → Switch → OUTPUT → L1 → C3 → Load - When U2's internal switch is OFF: Inductor current flows through D1 (L1 → D1 → GND → L1)

Diagram3: +15V → +7.5V Buck Converter (LM2596S-ADJ #2, U3)

3GND5ON1VIN2VOUT4FBU3LM2596SC8100nF+C7100µFL2100µH4.5AR35.1kΩR41kΩC3222nF+C4470µF16VD2SS34+15V+7.5V
Enlarge
3GND5ON1VIN2VOUT4FBU3LM2596SC8100nF+C7100µFL2100µH4.5AR35.1kΩR41kΩC3222nF+C4470µF16VD2SS34+15V+7.5V

Key Points:

  • Switching node is the junction at OUTPUT pin 2
  • Path 1: Switching node → L2 → +7.5V output (main current path)
  • Path 2: Switching node → D2 cathode; D2 anode → GND (flyback/freewheeling path)
  • D2 has exactly 2 connections: cathode to switching node, anode to GND
  • L2 output and D2 anode are completely separate paths - they do NOT connect to each other
View ASCII art circuit

Input: +15V ──┬─── C9 (100µF) ─── GND │ └─── C10 (100nF) ─── GND Controller: U3 (LM2596S-ADJ) +15V ────────┤ VIN (1) OUTPUT (2) ├─── Switching Node FB (4) ├───→ Tap (see feedback network below) GND ─────────┤ GND (3) │ ON/OFF (5) (always-on: tie to GND or leave floating) Switching Node splits into TWO paths: Path 1 (to output): Switching Node ──→ L2 (100µH, 4.5A) ──→ +7.5V Out Path 2 (flyback): Switching Node ──→ D2 cathode (SS34 Schottky) D2 anode ──→ GND Output Filter: +7.5V Out ──→ C7 (470µF/25V) ──→ GND ### Feedback Network (Voltage Divider with Compensation) Feedback Network (Voltage Divider with Compensation): +7.5V ──┬─── R3 (5.1kΩ) ──┬─── R4 (1kΩ) ─── GND │ │ └─── C32 (22nF) ──┤ │ Tap → To IC Pin 4 (FB) Components: - R3 (5.1kΩ) with C32 (22nF) in parallel: Creates pole-zero compensation (Type II) - R4 (1kΩ): Sets feedback tap voltage - C32 (22nF ceramic): Feedback compensation capacitor in parallel with R3 - Improves transient response and loop stability - Reduces switching noise on feedback line - Prevents oscillation Tap voltage = +7.5V × R4/(R3+R4) = 7.5V × 1kΩ/6.1kΩ = 1.23V U3 maintains FB pin at 1.23V reference by adjusting duty cycle

Connection List

Input Power: - +15V inputU3 (LM2596S-ADJ) pin 1 (VIN) - GNDU3 pin 5 (ON/OFF) (always-on: tie to GND or leave floating) Output Path (Buck Converter Topology): 1. U3 pin 2 (OUTPUT)L2 (100µH, 4.5A) → Junction point 2. Junction point → C4 (470µF/25V)GND (output filter capacitor) 3. Junction point → +7.5V output (to L7805 linear regulator) Flyback Diode (Freewheeling Diode): - D2 (SS34 Schottky): - Cathode → Junction between OUTPUT (pin 2) and L2 - Anode → GND - Purpose: Provides path for inductor current when switch turns off Input Capacitors: - C5 (100µF electrolytic): +15V inputGND (bulk input filter, shared with U2) - C6 (100nF ceramic): +15V inputGND (high-frequency decoupling, shared with U2) Output Capacitor: - C4 (470µF/25V electrolytic): Connected in parallel between +7.5V outputGND - Purpose: Output filtering, ripple reduction, and energy storage for transient response - Important: C4 is NOT in series with the output - it's a shunt element that allows AC ripple current to flow to GND Feedback Network (Voltage Setting): - Voltage divider: +7.5V outputR3 (5.1kΩ)Tap pointR4 (1kΩ)GND - U3 pin 4 (FB) → Connected to tap point (junction between R3 and R4) - The tap point voltage = 7.5V × R4/(R3+R4) = 7.5V × 1kΩ/6.1kΩ = 1.23V - Chip maintains FB pin at 1.23V by adjusting duty cycle - Output voltage formula: VOUT = 1.23V × (1 + R3/R4) = 1.23V × (1 + 5.1kΩ/1kΩ) = 7.5V Ground: - U3 pin 3 (GND)System GND - All capacitor negative terminals → System GND - D2 anodeSystem GND Key Points: - The inductor L2 is on the OUTPUT side of pin 2 (OUTPUT), not the input side - D2 cathode connects to the junction between OUTPUT (pin 2) and L2 (the "switching node") - When U3's internal switch is ON: Current flows VIN → Switch → OUTPUT → L2 → C4 → Load - When U3's internal switch is OFF: Inductor current flows through D2 (L2 → D2 → GND → L2) - This stage provides +7.5V to the L7805 linear regulator for final +5V output

Diagram4: +15V → -13.5V Inverting Buck-Boost (LM2596S-ADJ, U4)

3GND5ON1VIN2OUT4FBU4LM2596S+C9100µFC10100nFL3100µH+C11470µFD3SS34R61kΩC3322µFR510kΩ+15VIN-13.5VOUT
Enlarge
3GND5ON1VIN2OUT4FBU4LM2596S+C9100µFC10100nFL3100µH+C11470µFD3SS34R61kΩC3322µFR510kΩ+15VIN-13.5VOUT

Key Points:

  • Inverting buck-boost topology: LM2596S-ADJ configured to convert positive input to negative output in a single stage
  • Bootstrapped ground: IC GND pin connected to negative output (-13.5V), allowing FB pin to regulate correctly
  • High efficiency: Single-stage conversion eliminates intermediate -15V stage
  • Same IC family: Uses LM2596S-ADJ (same as Diagram2/3 buck converters)
  • Input voltage: +15V from USB-PD
  • Output voltage: -13.5V (feeds LM7912 linear regulator for final -12V output)
  • Current capability: 800mA+ (sufficient for -12V rail)
  • Switching frequency: 150kHz (LM2596 default)
View ASCII art circuit

Inverting Buck-Boost Configuration (LM2596S-ADJ, U4): Critical Concept: IC GND pin is connected to -13.5V output (bootstrapped) System GND (0V) is the reference point for input and feedback Input Power Path: ┌──────────────────┐ │ LM2596S-ADJ │ +15V IN ─────────────────────┤1 VIN │ │ (U4) │ │ │ │ ON/OFF 5 ──┼──○ (Float = ON) │ │ │ FB 4──┼─── (see feedback network below) │ │ │ OUT 2──┼─── (see switching section below) │ │ │3 IC GND ─────────┼──── -13.5V OUT └──────────────────┘ (Bootstrapped: IC GND pin at -13.5V, NOT 0V!) Input Capacitors (bridge between +15V and -13.5V, in parallel): +15V IN ──┬─── C9 (100µF electrolytic) ───┬─── -13.5V OUT │ │ (IC GND pin 3) └─── C10 (100nF ceramic) ───────┘ ⚠️ Critical: Input capacitors C9/C10 span from +15V to -13.5V (28.5V total stress!) IC GND pin is NOT at system ground - it's at -13.5V Buck-Boost Switching Section: ┌─────────────────────────┐ │ U4 pin 2 (OUT) │ └──────┬──────────────────┘ │ Switching Node (junction point) │ ┌────────────┴────────────┐ │ │ [ L3 ] D3 Cathode Inductor │ 100µH Schottky │ SS34 │ 3A 40V │ │ │ D3 Anode │ │ System GND (0V) -13.5V OUT (= IC GND pin 3) Output Filter Capacitor (between System GND (0V) and -13.5V): System GND (0V) ──── C11 (470µF electrolytic) ──── -13.5V OUT (+ to System GND (0V)) Operation Sequence: 1. SW ON: Current flows VIN → U4 switch → OUT → L3 → System GND (0V) (D3 is reverse-biased, energy stored in L3) 2. SW OFF: Inductor current continues flowing L3 → D3 → -13.5V OUT (D3 conducts, transferring energy to output capacitor) Detailed Component Connections: Input Filter Capacitors (parallel connection): +15V IN ─┬─── C9 (100µF electrolytic) ───┬─── -13.5V OUT │ (bulk filter, │ (IC GND pin 3) │ farther from IC) │ │ │ └─── C10 (100nF ceramic) ───────┘ (high-freq decoupling, CLOSE to IC!) ⚠️ Critical: Input caps see VIN + |VOUT| = 15V + 13.5V = 28.5V total! Use 50V rated capacitors for safety margin ⚠️ Electrolytic C9 polarity: Positive (+) terminal → +15V IN Negative (-) terminal → -13.5V OUT (IC GND pin 3) Output Filter Capacitor: System GND (0V) ──── C11 (470µF electrolytic) ──── -13.5V OUT (output filter) (IC GND pin 3) ⚠️ Electrolytic C11 polarity: Positive (+) terminal → System GND (0V) Negative (-) terminal → -13.5V OUT Note: Only one output capacitor needed - linear regulator (LM7912) provides additional filtering downstream Feedback Network (Voltage Divider with Compensation): System GND (0V) ──┬─── R5 (10kΩ) ───┬─── FB pin 4 (to U4) │ │ └─── C33 (22nF) ──┤ │ R6 (1kΩ) │ -13.5V OUT Components: - R5 (10kΩ) with C33 (22nF) in parallel: Creates pole-zero compensation (Type II) - R6 (1kΩ): Sets feedback tap voltage - C33 (22nF ceramic): Feedback compensation capacitor in parallel with R5 - Improves transient response and loop stability - Reduces switching noise on feedback line - Prevents oscillation FB Pin Voltage Calculation: - IC regulates FB to +1.23V above IC GND (-13.5V) - Output voltage: VOUT = -1.23V × (1 + R5/R6) - With R5=10kΩ, R6=1kΩ: VOUT = -1.23V × 11 = -13.53V ✓ FB pin absolute voltage (relative to system GND): VFB = -13.5V + 1.23V = -12.27V (relative to system GND) But FB is +1.23V relative to IC GND (what matters!) ✓ Complete Pin Connections: - Pin 1 (VIN): +15V input power - Pin 2 (OUT): Switch output → L3 inductor → System GND (0V) - Pin 3 (IC GND): -13.5V output (bootstrapped ground) - Pin 4 (FB): Feedback divider tap (R5/R6) - Pin 5 (ON/OFF): Floating (internal pull-up enables regulator) Component Selection: - U4: LM2596S-ADJ (same IC as Diagram2/3) - L3: 100µH inductor, 4.5A saturation current rating (same as Diagram2/3) - D3: SS36 Schottky diode, 3A, 60V (catch diode from SW to -13.5V, provides 110% margin at 28.5V stress) - C9: 100µF electrolytic, 50V rating (input bulk, sees VIN+|VOUT| = 28.5V) - C10: 100nF ceramic, 50V X7R (input decoupling) - C11: 470µF electrolytic, 25V rating (output filter - single cap, LM7912 filters downstream) - R5: 10kΩ ±1% (feedback upper resistor) - R6: 1kΩ ±1% (feedback lower resistor) - C33: 22nF ceramic, 25V X7R (feedback compensation, parallel with R5) Key Design Notes: 1. Bootstrapped Ground: IC GND pin connects to negative output, not system ground 2. Input Voltage Stress: Input caps see VIN + |VOUT| = 28.5V (use 50V rating) 3. Diode Selection: D3 must handle VIN + |VOUT| reverse voltage (60V provides 110% margin at 28.5V stress) 4. FB Pin Safety: FB is always +1.23V above IC GND (safe, within spec) 5. Single Stage: Eliminates intermediate -15V conversion, improves efficiency 6. Output Polarity: Output capacitor C11 has + terminal to System GND (0V), - terminal to -13.5V

Connection List

Input Power: - +15V inputU4 (LM2596S-ADJ) pin 1 (VIN) - U4 pin 3 (IC GND)-13.5V output (bootstrapped ground, NOT system GND!) - U4 pin 5 (ON/OFF) → Floating (internal pull-up enables regulator) Output Path (Inverting Buck-Boost Topology): 1. U4 pin 2 (OUT)L3 (100µH, 3A)System GND (0V) 2. System GND (0V)C11 (470µF)-13.5V output (filter capacitor) 3. -13.5V output → To LM7912 linear regulator (Diagram7) Catch Diode (Freewheeling Path): - D3 (SS34 Schottky, 3A, 40V): - Cathode → Junction between OUT (pin 2) and L3 - Anode → -13.5V output (IC GND) - Purpose: Provides energy transfer path when switch turns off Input Capacitors: - C9 (100µF electrolytic, 50V): Between +15V input and -13.5V output (IC GND) - Critical: Sees VIN + |VOUT| = 28.5V total voltage! - C10 (100nF ceramic, 50V): Between +15V input and -13.5V output (high-frequency decoupling) Output Capacitor: - C11 (470µF electrolytic, 25V): Between System GND (0V) and -13.5V output - Polarity: Positive terminal to System GND (0V), negative terminal to -13.5V - Single capacitor sufficient - LM7912 linear regulator provides additional filtering Feedback Network (Voltage Setting): - Voltage divider: System GND (0V)R5 (10kΩ)Tap pointR6 (1kΩ)-13.5V output - U4 pin 4 (FB) → Connected to tap point (junction between R5 and R6) - The tap point voltage = 1.23V above IC GND (FB regulation point) - Output voltage formula: VOUT = -1.23V × (1 + R5/R6) = -1.23V × 11 = -13.53V Key Topology Points: - Parallel paths from switching node: OUT pin splits into TWO parallel branches: 1. L3 inductor path: OUT → L3 → System GND (0V) 2. Diode path: OUT → D3 cathode; D3 anode → -13.5V OUT (IC GND) - Switch ON phase: Current flows VIN → Switch → OUT → L3 → System GND (0V) - D3 is reverse-biased (cathode at +voltage, anode at -13.5V) - Energy stored in L3 magnetic field - Switch OFF phase: Inductor maintains current flow L3 → D3 → -13.5V OUT - D3 conducts forward (provides return path for inductor current) - Energy transferred from L3 to output capacitor - Result: Negative output voltage relative to System GND (0V) Voltage Reference Points: - System GND (0V): Reference point for measurements and feedback network top - IC GND (U4 pin 3): Connected to -13.5V output (bootstrapped) - FB pin: Regulated to +1.23V above IC GND = -12.27V relative to system GND (but IC sees +1.23V, which is safe!)

Diagram5: +13.5V → +12V Linear Regulator (L7812, U6)

2GND1IN3OUTU6LM7812C14470nF+C20470µF+C21470µFC17100nFPTC1TVS1R71kΩLED2Green+13.5V+12VOUT
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2GND1IN3OUTU6LM7812C14470nF+C20470µF+C21470µFC17100nFPTC1TVS1R71kΩLED2Green+13.5V+12VOUT

Capacitor Placement (Critical for PCB layout):

  • C26/C17 (ceramic): Place RIGHT NEXT to IC pins (minimize trace length for high-freq filtering)
  • C20/C21 (electrolytic): Can be placed farther from IC (bulk storage, less sensitive to distance)

Key Points:

  • Two-stage design: Buck converter (U2) provides efficient voltage reduction, linear regulator (U6) provides low-noise final output
  • Input capacitor order: C20 (bulk, farther) and C26 (ceramic, close to IC)
  • Output capacitor order: C17 (ceramic, close to IC) and C21 (bulk, farther)
  • LED indicator: Green LED (LED2) with 1kΩ current-limiting resistor shows +12V rail is active
  • Dropout voltage: LM7812 requires ~2V dropout, so 13.5V input provides 1.5V headroom

Protection Circuit (+12V Rail, 1.2A target, 1.5A max):

  • Protection layers: LM7812 current limiting (~2.2A max) → LM7812 thermal shutdown (150°C) → PTC1 trips (>4A) → USB-PD adapter protection
  • PTC1: C20808 (SMD1210P200TF) - 2.0A hold, 4A trip, auto-reset fuse with 67% margin above 1.2A operation
  • TVS1: SMAJ15A (unidirectional, 15V) - Overvoltage protection (cathode to +12V OUT, anode to GND)
  • Operation: Normal (<2.0A) = PTC low resistance, LED on; Overload (2.0A-4A) = PTC heats/trips in 1-5s; Short circuit (>4A) = LM7812 current limiting + PTC trips in 0.5-5s; Auto-reset after 30-60s cooling
View ASCII art circuit

Regulator IC: ┌──────────────────┐ +13.5V IN ──────────┤1 IN OUT 3├──────────── +12V OUT │ │ ┌──┤2 GND │ │ └──────────────────┘ GND LM7812 (TO-263-2) Input Capacitors (C26 closest to IC): +13.5V ──┬────────────────┬─── To IC Pin 1 │ │ C20 C26 470µF 470nF electrolytic ceramic (farther) (CLOSE!) │ │ GND GND Output Capacitors (C17 closest to IC): From IC Pin 3 ──┬────────────────┬─── +12V │ │ C17 C21 100nF 470µF ceramic electrolytic (CLOSE!) (farther) │ │ GND GND Status LED: +12V ──── R14 (1kΩ) ──── LED2 (Green) ──── GND Protection Circuit: +12V OUT ─── PTC1 ───┬─→ To Load (2.0A hold) │ (4A trip) │ ┌┴┐ TVS1 (SMAJ15A) │ │ Cathode up └┬┘ Anode down │ GND

Connection List

Regulator: - U6 (L7812CD2T-TR): +13.5V input → Pin 1 (IN), Pin 3 (OUT) → +12V output, Pin 2 (GND) → GND Input Capacitors (connected in parallel between +13.5V and GND): - C14 (470nF ceramic): High-frequency noise filtering - C20 (470µF electrolytic): Input bulk stabilization Output Capacitors (connected in parallel between +12V and GND): - C17 (100nF ceramic): High-frequency decoupling - C21 (470µF electrolytic): Output stabilization and transient response Status LED: - LED2 (Green): +12VR7 (1kΩ)LED2 anodeLED2 cathodeGND - LED current: I = (12V - 2V) / 1kΩ ≈ 10mA

Diagram6: +7.5V → +5V Linear Regulator (L7805, U7)

2GND1IN3OUTU7LM7805C15470nF+C22470µF+C23470µFC18100nFPTC2TVS2R81kΩLED3Blue+7.5V+5VOUT
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2GND1IN3OUTU7LM7805C15470nF+C22470µF+C23470µFC18100nFPTC2TVS2R81kΩLED3Blue+7.5V+5VOUT

Capacitor Placement (Critical for PCB layout):

  • C27/C18 (ceramic): Place RIGHT NEXT to IC pins (minimize trace length for high-freq filtering)
  • C22/C23 (electrolytic): Can be placed farther from IC (bulk storage, less sensitive to distance)

Key Points:

  • Two-stage design: Buck converter (U3) provides efficient voltage reduction, linear regulator (U7) provides low-noise final output
  • Input capacitor order: C22 (bulk, farther) and C27 (ceramic, close to IC)
  • Output capacitor order: C18 (ceramic, close to IC) and C23 (bulk, farther)
  • LED indicator: Blue LED (LED3) with 330Ω current-limiting resistor shows +5V rail is active
  • LED current: I = (5V - 2.8V) / 330Ω = 6.67mA (improved brightness vs previous 1kΩ design)
  • Dropout voltage: LM7805 requires ~2V dropout, so 7.5V input provides 2.5V headroom

Protection Circuit (+5V Rail, 0.5A target, 1A max):

  • Protection layers: LM7805 current limiting (~1A max) → LM7805 thermal shutdown (150°C) → PTC2 trips (>2.2A) → USB-PD adapter protection
  • PTC2: C70119 (mSMD110-33V) - 1.1A hold, 2.2A trip, auto-reset fuse
  • TVS2: SD05 (unidirectional, 5V standoff) - Overvoltage protection optimized for DC power rail
  • Operation: Normal (<1.1A) = PTC low resistance, LED on; Overload (1.1A-2.2A) = PTC heats/trips in 1-5s; Short circuit (>2.2A) = LM7805 current limiting + PTC trips in 1-5s; Auto-reset after 30-60s cooling
View ASCII art circuit

Regulator IC: ┌──────────────────┐ +7.5V IN ───────────┤1 IN OUT 3├──────────── +5V OUT │ │ ┌──┤2 GND │ │ └──────────────────┘ GND LM7805 (TO-263-2) Input Capacitors (C27 closest to IC): +7.5V ───┬────────────────┬─── To IC Pin 1 │ │ C22 C27 470µF 470nF electrolytic ceramic (farther) (CLOSE!) │ │ GND GND Output Capacitors (C18 closest to IC): From IC Pin 3 ──┬────────────────┬─── +5V │ │ C18 C23 100nF 470µF ceramic electrolytic (CLOSE!) (farther) │ │ GND GND Status LED: +5V ──── R8 (330Ω) ──── LED3 (Blue) ──── GND Protection Circuit: +5V OUT ─── PTC2 ───┬─→ To Load mSMD110-33V │ (1.1A hold) │ (2.2A trip) │ │ ┌┴┐ TVS2 (SD05) │ │ Unidirectional └┬┘ │ GND

Connection List

Regulator: - U7 (L7805ABD2T-TR): +7.5V input → Pin 1 (IN), Pin 3 (OUT) → +5V output, Pin 2 (GND) → GND Input Capacitors (connected in parallel between +7.5V and GND): - C15 (470nF ceramic): High-frequency noise filtering - C22 (470µF electrolytic): Input bulk stabilization Output Capacitors (connected in parallel between +5V and GND): - C18 (100nF ceramic): High-frequency decoupling - C23 (470µF electrolytic): Output stabilization and transient response Status LED: - LED3 (Blue): +5VR8 (330Ω)LED3 anodeLED3 cathodeGND - LED current: I = (5V - 2.8V) / 330Ω = 6.67mA (improved brightness, 3× brighter than previous 1kΩ design)

Diagram7: -13.5V → -12V Linear Regulator (CJ7912, U8)

1GND2IN3OUTU8LM7912C16470nF+C24470µF+C25470µFC19100nFPTC3TVS3R91kΩLED4Red-13.5V-12VOUT
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1GND2IN3OUTU8LM7912C16470nF+C24470µF+C25470µFC19100nFPTC3TVS3R91kΩLED4Red-13.5V-12VOUT

Capacitor Placement (Critical for PCB layout):

  • C28/C19 (ceramic): Place RIGHT NEXT to IC pins (minimize trace length for high-freq filtering)
  • C24/C25 (electrolytic): Can be placed farther from IC (bulk storage, less sensitive to distance)

Important: Negative Voltage Component Polarities

  • Electrolytic capacitors REVERSED: C24 and C25 have negative terminal to negative voltage, positive terminal to GND
  • LED polarity REVERSED: LED4 anode to GND (0V, highest potential), cathode through R16 to -12V (lowest potential)

Key Points:

  • Two-stage design: Buck converter (U4) provides efficient voltage reduction, linear regulator (U8) provides low-noise final output
  • Input capacitor order: C24 (bulk, farther) and C28 (ceramic, close to IC)
  • Output capacitor order: C19 (ceramic, close to IC) and C25 (bulk, farther)
  • LED indicator: Red LED (LED4) with 1kΩ current-limiting resistor shows -12V rail is active
  • LED current: I = (0V - 2V - (-12V)) / 1kΩ = 10mA (current flows from GND through LED to -12V)
  • Dropout voltage: LM7912 requires ~2V dropout, so -13.5V input provides 1.5V headroom
  • LM7912 pinout: Different from positive regulators - pin 1=GND, pin 2=IN, pin 3=OUT (79xx series)

Protection Circuit (-12V Rail, 0.8A target, 1A max):

  • Protection layers: LM7912 current limiting (~1A max) → LM7912 thermal shutdown (150°C) → PTC3 trips (>3.0A) → USB-PD adapter protection
  • PTC3: C883133 (BSMD1206-150-16V) - 1.5A hold, 3.0A trip, auto-reset fuse with 88% margin above 0.8A operation
  • TVS3: SMAJ15A (unidirectional, 15V) - Anode to -12V OUT, Cathode to GND (reversed for negative rail)
  • Operation: Normal (<1.5A) = PTC low resistance, LED on; Overload (1.5A-3.0A) = PTC heats/trips in 1-5s; Short circuit (>3.0A) = LM7912 current limiting + PTC trips in 0.5-5s; Auto-reset after 30-60s cooling
View ASCII art circuit

Regulator IC: ┌──────────────────┐ -13.5V IN ──────────┤2 IN OUT 3├──────────── -12V OUT │ │ ┌──┤1 GND │ │ └──────────────────┘ GND LM7912 (TO-252-3) Input Capacitors (C28 closest to IC): -13.5V ──┬────────────────┬─── To IC Pin 2 (IN) │ │ C24 C28 470µF 470nF electrolytic ceramic (farther) (CLOSE!) Polarity: - to -13.5V, + to GND │ │ GND GND Output Capacitors (C19 closest to IC): From IC Pin 3 (OUT) ──┬────────────────┬─── -12V │ │ C19 C25 100nF 470µF ceramic electrolytic (CLOSE!) (farther) Polarity: - to -12V, + to GND │ │ GND GND Status LED (reversed polarity for negative rail): GND ──── LED4 Anode (Red) ──── LED4 Cathode ──── R16 (1kΩ) ──── -12V Protection Circuit: -12V IN ─── PTC3 ───┬─→ -12V OUT BSMD1206-150-16V │ (1.5A hold) │ (3.0A trip) │ │ ┌┴┐ TVS3 (SMAJ15A) │ │ Anode up (reversed) └┬┘ Cathode down │ GND

Connection List

Regulator: - U8 (CJ7912): Pin 1 (GND) → GND, Pin 2 (IN) ← -13.5V input, Pin 3 (OUT) → -12V output - Note: LM7912 pinout differs from LM7812/7805: pin 1=GND, pin 2=IN, pin 3=OUT (79xx negative regulators) Input Capacitors (connected in parallel between -13.5V and GND): - C16 (470nF ceramic): High-frequency noise filtering - C24 (470µF electrolytic): Input bulk stabilization - Polarity: Negative terminal to -13.5V, Positive terminal to GND Output Capacitors (connected in parallel between -12V and GND): - C19 (100nF ceramic): High-frequency decoupling - C25 (470µF electrolytic): Output stabilization and transient response - Polarity: Negative terminal to -12V, Positive terminal to GND Status LED: - LED4 (Red): GNDLED4 anodeLED4 cathodeR9 (1kΩ)-12V - LED current: I = (0V - (-12V) - 2V) / 1kΩ = 10mA - Note: LED is reversed compared to positive rails (anode to GND, cathode to negative voltage)