Custom nRF52840 Board Design

1:06

Thinking deeply about your request.

Working on your request.

You want a carrier PCB that breaks out I2C, adds switched ground control, and routes battery power to the end connector.

I’ve built the plan and it’s ready to execute.
It covers the schematic first, then PCB prep.
Because this current page is a part project, start a new editable design here:

Create new project

Then click Start on the plan bar there.

Plan

#Goal

Design a carrier PCB project that integrates the Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 as a module, providing shared I2C connectivity via both a vertical UTP connector and a 2.54 mm JST I2C connector, while also incorporating an IRLZ44N MOSFET driven by XIAO pin 6 to switch ground for one I2C path and the UTP connection. Additionally, include a battery connector to enable solderless connection of battery power to the XIAO and route the battery outputs to the UTP connector. The design will begin with the schematic and progress to PCB layout.

#Implementation plan

Create New Project and Schematic Setup
1. Start a new editable carrier PCB design project using the Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 as a module (without modifying the original part project).
2. Add the XIAO nRF52840 module from the parts library with proper footprint and pin assignments.
Add and Connect I2C Components
1. Place a vertical UTP connector footprint and a 2.54 mm JST I2C connector footprint on the schematic.
2. Connect XIAO pins 4 and 5 to the I2C SCL and SDA nets.
3. Wire these I2C nets to both the UTP and JST connectors.
Integrate MOSFET Circuit
1. Place an IRLZ44N MOSFET component in the schematic.
2. Connect XIAO pin 6 to the MOSFET gate.
3. Add two resistors to form the gate drive network (specific resistor values to be determined based on design criteria).
4. Route the MOSFET so that it switches the ground connection for the first I2C port (JST) and for the UTP connector as required.
Incorporate Battery Connector
1. Add a battery connector to the schematic.
2. Connect the battery plus to the XIAO power input and route battery plus and minus to the UTP connector.
3. Confirm that the battery connector allows connection without direct soldering of wires.
Schematic Validation
1. Review and validate all connections to ensure the XIAO, connectors, MOSFET, resistors, and battery paths are correctly implemented.
2. Check that shared I2C connections and the MOSFET controlled ground switching are properly configured.
PCB Layout Preparation
1. Assign appropriate footprints to all schematic components.
2. Define board constraints and layout guidelines.
3. Arrange the XIAO module, connectors, MOSFET circuit, and battery connector on the PCB.
4. Ensure that the routing is optimized for signal integrity and manufacturability.

#Success criteria

The schematic correctly reflects the required interconnections for shared I2C, MOSFET gated ground switch, and battery connectivity.
The MOSFET gate network includes two resistors and is correctly controlled by XIAO pin 6.
The PCB layout shows proper placement and routing of all components including connectors and power paths, ready for further manufacturing steps.

31 days

dropfontaine

start

3 days

flux

0:47

Thinking deeply about your request.

Creating an execution plan.

Drafting a high-level plan.

Preparing the PCB layout plan.

I've made a plan, and started work on it.

Plan

#Goal

Design a carrier PCB project that integrates the Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 as a module, providing shared I2C connectivity via both a vertical UTP connector and a 2.54 mm JST I2C connector, while also incorporating an IRLZ44N MOSFET driven by XIAO pin 6 to switch ground for one I2C path and the UTP connection. Additionally, include a battery connector to enable solderless connection of battery power to the XIAO and route the battery outputs to the UTP connector. The design will begin with the schematic and progress to PCB layout.

#Implementation plan

Create New Project and Schematic Setup
1. Start a new editable carrier PCB design project using the Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 as a module (without modifying the original part project).
2. Add the XIAO nRF52840 module from the parts library with proper footprint and pin assignments.
Add and Connect I2C Components
1. Place a vertical UTP connector footprint and a 2.54 mm JST I2C connector footprint on the schematic.
2. Connect XIAO pins 4 and 5 to the I2C SCL and SDA nets.
3. Wire these I2C nets to both the UTP and JST connectors.
Integrate MOSFET Circuit
1. Place an IRLZ44N MOSFET component in the schematic.
2. Connect XIAO pin 6 to the MOSFET gate.
3. Add two resistors to form the gate drive network (specific resistor values to be determined based on design criteria).
4. Route the MOSFET so that it switches the ground connection for the first I2C port (JST) and for the UTP connector as required.
Incorporate Battery Connector
1. Add a battery connector to the schematic.
2. Connect the battery plus to the XIAO power input and route battery plus and minus to the UTP connector.
3. Confirm that the battery connector allows connection without direct soldering of wires.
Schematic Validation
1. Review and validate all connections to ensure the XIAO, connectors, MOSFET, resistors, and battery paths are correctly implemented.
2. Check that shared I2C connections and the MOSFET controlled ground switching are properly configured.
PCB Layout Preparation
1. Assign appropriate footprints to all schematic components.
2. Define board constraints and layout guidelines.
3. Arrange the XIAO module, connectors, MOSFET circuit, and battery connector on the PCB.
4. Ensure that the routing is optimized for signal integrity and manufacturability.

#Success criteria

The schematic correctly reflects the required interconnections for shared I2C, MOSFET gated ground switch, and battery connectivity.
The MOSFET gate network includes two resistors and is correctly controlled by XIAO pin 6.
The PCB layout shows proper placement and routing of all components including connectors and power paths, ready for further manufacturing steps.

Add USB ESD

Run ERC/DRC

Set board size

3 days

D9_MISO_P1.14

P1.11_TX_D6

P0.29_A3_D3

D8_SCK_P1.13

P0.04_SDA_A4_D4

D7_RX_P1.12

P0.05_SCL_A5_D5

3V3

P0.28_A2_D2

P0.03_A1_D1

P0.02_A0_D0

GND

D10_MOSI_P1.15

Reviews

Ground
A common return path for electric current. Commonly known as ground.
jharwinbarrozo
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Net Portal
Wirelessly connects nets on schematic. Used to organize schematics and separate functional blocks. To wirelessly connect net portals, give them same designator. #portal
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Power Net Portal
Wirelessly connects power nets on schematic. Identical to the net portal, but with a power symbol. Used to organize schematics and separate functional blocks. To wirelessly connect power net portals, give them the same designator. #portal #power
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Generic Resistor
A generic fixed resistor ideal for rapid circuit topology development. Its footprint automatically adapts based on the selected package case code—supporting 0402, 0603, 0805, 1203, and many other standard SMD packages, as well as axial horizontal and vertical configurations. Save precious design time by seamlessly add more information to this part (value, footprint, etc.) as it becomes available. Standard resistor values: 1.0 ohm, 10 ohm, 100 ohm, 1.0k ohm, 10k ohm, 100k ohm, 1.0M ohm 1.1 ohm, 11 ohm, 110 ohm, 1.1k ohm, 11k ohm, 110k ohm, 1.1M ohm 1.2 ohm, 12 ohm, 120 ohm, 1.2k ohm, 12k ohm, 120k ohm, 1.2M ohm 1.3 ohm, 13 ohm, 130 ohm, 1.3k ohm, 13k ohm, 130k ohm, 1.3M ohm 1.5 ohm, 15 ohm, 150 ohm, 1.5k ohm, 15k ohm, 150k ohm, 1.5M ohm 1.6 ohm, 16 ohm, 160 ohm, 1.6k ohm, 16k ohm, 160k ohm, 1.6M ohm 1.8 ohm, 18 ohm, 180 ohm, 1.8K ohm, 18k ohm, 180k ohm, 1.8M ohm 2.0 ohm, 20 ohm, 200 ohm, 2.0k ohm, 20k ohm, 200k ohm, 2.0M ohm 2.2 ohm, 22 ohm, 220 ohm, 2.2k ohm, 22k ohm, 220k ohm, 2.2M ohm 2.4 ohm, 24 ohm, 240 ohm, 2.4k ohm, 24k ohm, 240k ohm, 2.4M ohm 2.7 ohm, 27 ohm, 270 ohm, 2.7k ohm, 27k ohm, 270k ohm, 2.7M ohm 3.0 ohm, 30 ohm, 300 ohm, 3.0K ohm, 30K ohm, 300K ohm, 3.0M ohm 3.3 ohm, 33 ohm, 330 ohm, 3.3k ohm, 33k ohm, 330k ohm, 3.3M ohm 3.6 ohm, 36 ohm, 360 ohm, 3.6k ohm, 36k ohm, 360k ohm, 3.6M ohm 3.9 ohm, 39 ohm, 390 ohm, 3.9k ohm, 39k ohm, 390k ohm, 3.9M ohm 4.3 ohm, 43 ohm, 430 ohm, 4.3k ohm, 43K ohm, 430K ohm, 4.3M ohm 4.7 ohm, 47 ohm, 470 ohm, 4.7k ohm, 47k ohm, 470k ohm, 4.7M ohm 5.1 ohm, 51 ohm, 510 ohm, 5.1k ohm, 51k ohm, 510k ohm, 5.1M ohm 5.6 ohm, 56 ohm, 560 ohm, 5.6k ohm, 56k ohm, 560k ohm, 5.6M ohm 6.2 ohm, 62 ohm, 620 ohm, 6.2k ohm, 62K ohm, 620K ohm, 6.2M ohm 6.8 ohm, 68 ohm, 680 ohm, 6.8k ohm, 68k ohm, 680k ohm, 6.8M ohm 7.5 ohm, 75 ohm, 750 ohm, 7.5k ohm, 75k ohm, 750k ohm, 7.5M ohm 8.2 ohm, 82 ohm, 820 ohm, 8.2k ohm, 82k ohm, 820k ohm, 8.2M ohm 9.1 ohm, 91 ohm, 910 ohm, 9.1k ohm, 91k ohm, 910k ohm, 9.1M ohm #generics #CommonPartsLibrary
jharwinbarrozo
1.5M
Generic Capacitor
A generic fixed capacitor ideal for rapid circuit topology development. You can choose between polarized and non-polarized types, its symbol and the footprint will automatically adapt based on your selection. Supported options include standard SMD sizes for ceramic capacitors (e.g., 0402, 0603, 0805), SMD sizes for aluminum electrolytic capacitors, and through-hole footprints for polarized capacitors. Save precious design time by seamlessly add more information to this part (value, footprint, etc.) as it becomes available. Standard capacitor values: 1.0pF, 10pF, 100pF, 1000pF, 0.01uF, 0.1uF, 1.0uF, 10uF, 100uF, 1000uF, 10000uF 1.1pF, 11pF, 110pF, 1100pF 1.2pF, 12pF, 120pF, 1200pF 1.3pF, 13pF, 130pF, 1300pF 1.5pF, 15pF, 150pF, 1500pF, 0.015uF, 0.15uF, 1.5uF, 15uF, 150uF, 1500uF 1.6pF, 16pF, 160pF, 1600pF 1.8pF, 18pF, 180pF, 1800pF 2.0pF, 20pF, 200pF, 2000pF 2.2pF, 22pF, 220pF, 2200pF, 0.022uF, 0.22uF, 2.2uF, 22uF, 220uF, 2200uF 2.4pF, 24pF, 240pF, 2400pF 2.7pF, 27pF, 270pF, 2700pF 3.0pF, 30pF, 300pF, 3000pF 3.3pF, 33pF, 330pF, 3300pF, 0.033uF, 0.33uF, 3.3uF, 33uF, 330uF, 3300uF 3.6pF, 36pF, 360pF, 3600pF 3.9pF, 39pF, 390pF, 3900pF 4.3pF, 43pF, 430pF, 4300pF 4.7pF, 47pF, 470pF, 4700pF, 0.047uF, 0.47uF, 4.7uF, 47uF, 470uF, 4700uF 5.1pF, 51pF, 510pF, 5100pF 5.6pF, 56pF, 560pF, 5600pF 6.2pF, 62pF, 620pF, 6200pF 6.8pF, 68pF, 680pF, 6800pF, 0.068uF, 0.68uF, 6.8uF, 68uF, 680uF, 6800uF 7.5pF, 75pF, 750pF, 7500pF 8.2pF, 82pF, 820pF, 8200pF 9.1pF, 91pF, 910pF, 9100pF #generics #CommonPartsLibrary
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Generic Inductor
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15.8k
Terminal
An electrical connector acting as reusable interface to a conductor and creating a point where external circuits can be connected.
natarius
RMCF0805JT47K0
47 kOhms ±5% 0.125W, 1/8W Chip Resistor 0805 (2012 Metric) Automotive AEC-Q200 Thick Film #forLedBlink
jharwinbarrozo
1.2M
875105359001
10uF Capacitor Aluminum Polymer 20% 16V SMD 5x5.3mm #forLedBlink #commonpartslibrary #capacitor #aluminumpolymer #radialcan
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1.2M
CTL1206FYW1T
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Project Name

Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 Sense

Description

Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 Sense is carrying Bluetooth 5.0 wireless capability and is able to operate with low power consumption. Featuring onboard IMU and PDM, it can be your best tool for embedded Machine Learning projects.

Properties

Part Type

Microcontroller

Manufac… Number

102010469

Manufac…er Name

seeed studio

Datasheet URL

files.seeedstudio.com/wiki/XIAO-BLE/nRF52840_PS_v1.5.pdf

Purchase Url

seeedstudio.com/Seeed-XIAO-BLE-Sense-nRF52840-p-5253.html

Designator Prefix

Pricing & Availability

Distributor	Qty 1

Controls