How to Design a Switching Regulator PCB

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[@davidcircuity6473]

Thanks John, Most appreciated. It would speed things along for us if you also posted the component mfr part numbers. Excellent video.

[@solulogic]

What did you add, let say if you want to limit dc voltage to 12 to 15 volts before entering into the buck, i have a design who imuse a buck and 12 volts to supply heater into the lcd, but i want to limit the DC input line to 12 to 15 volts , 500ma, may i use a zener.

[@PredictableDesigns]

You could use a zener to prevent momentary spikes on the input voltage but you don't want to do that if the voltage will be a steady-state 15volts since the zener will just burn current. I'd instead just be sure to use a buck that can handle up to 15v.

[@hossammoghrabi1021]

nice channel really.
please make a video about if i want to bring a product to market and have designed and done all by myself but need licenses like hdcp and hdmi but cannot afford it.

[@PredictableDesigns]

Thanks for the feedback and video suggestion!

[@rjpeterson1]

John, excellent video. I’ve been researching buck converters for a few days and your video has helped immensely.

[@PredictableDesigns]

Great to hear!

[@garyquinn8014]

Thanks, that's just what I wanted - I'm just starting to make PCB layouts and this video is a great introductory lesson on using KiCad.
Just one small suggestion: Could you say shortcuts you're using (select/move components, remove text, etc, etc)?
Sure I can look them up but it would be great if you mentioned them while you use them.

[@PredictableDesigns]

Glad to hear and thanks for the feedback. For most of these videos my goal is to teach the fundamentals and not specifics of using certain software. Thanks!

[@Dazza_Doo]

I'm learning PCB software, I've tried KiCad (wasn't a fan), I'm trying DipTrace (kind of a fan). The issue I have with DipTrace is that finding components with Search is a tooth puller. If I select the Jclpcb basic components for example, good luck in finding an 8050 smd capacitor from the Menu. Another issue I had was getting the component library up to date for an ESP32-C3-Mini-1. Even when I added it to the Library, it forgot about it the next time I loaded the program, so it didn't save it. I had to add another folder the library system for a work around.
Also I would consider the ESP32 line up a common IC component - so I guess I'm looking for a Better Search Engine and up to date Components lists. Should I give KiCad another go or would you recommend something else?

[@PredictableDesigns]

Yeah I'm not a big fan of the component search function in either KiCad or Diptrace. But I tend to like it better in Diptrace.

[@Dazza_Doo]

@@PredictableDesigns I've been testing every PCB software I can find, and I like the Search in Target3001 - and it integrates really well. I had planned on using 2 programs, switching with Gerber files on the go. I looked at what formats these Parts Libraries have and been back tracking software that way. Siemens PADS $50/month and Proteus build your own package starting at 300 for a basic version. Push and Shove placement I've found in both Proteus (Professional $1000) and Target3001, same functionality difference in Cost.

[@moeswartz888]

Great video! Is there a way to filter the output further in order to minimize voltage spikes or is this simply impossible?

[@PredictableDesigns]

Thank you! Yes, and it's very common to use a linear regulator after the switching regulator to clean up the supply voltage. Get the voltage close to your target using the switcher then follow it up with a linear reg. So maybe 12V to 5V with switcher then 5V to 3.3V with linear.

[@DIYerGuy]

Great video John. It would be nice, perhaps for a future video, to take the same IC and show how to work the equations to produce a 5 V output at 1 amp, or perhaps 2 amps (if the IC can handle it without some sort of pass transistor).

[@PredictableDesigns]

Thank you for the suggestion! I will consider such a video in the near future.

[@DIYerGuy]

Thanks John, looking forward to it when you can (actually I look forward to any of your videos).