Macropad

Version 2

2022

Way back in 2020, V1 was my first PCB I’ve ever made, and looking back on it have 2 problems with it.

First, the small SMD pads for the battery, rotary encoder and the screen had a tendency to rip of if any force is applied to them.

My second problem with it is solely based on how I like to approach projects. At the time, the most I had ever done with electronics was basic Arduino circuits so using breakout boards was a reasonable step. When I decided to return to the project and make a second version, I wanted to go a little deeper, as at this point, I had taken a few EE classes and had a much better understanding of the core components.

One particular aspect of this project I am particularly proud of is the load sharing circuit. One design requirement I had was that the macropad was wireless so I wouldn’t have to have it plugged in at all times, and I wanted it to work while plugged in. To do this I designed the circuit, the schematic of which is below, that automatically switched from battery to USB power when it was plugged in and back once done charging seamlessly. My one issue with this is that I selected a MOSFET with a slightly unusual package so if the part was out of stock, I was going to have a hard time replacing it.