ESP32 Controller Design for LED Matrix

0:00

Work done
  • Added ESP32 module shortlist: U1 (ESP32-WROOM-32E-N16) and U2 (ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R8).
  • Implemented USB-C 5V-sink skeleton with Rd: USB1 + R1/R2 (5.1kΩ each) and USB ESD: D1.
  • Added 5V input options: barrel jack J1 and screw terminal J2.
  • Added 5V rail protection/current limiting: U3 (TPS25940) producing P5V_PANEL.
  • Added 3.3V regulation: U4 (AP2112K-3.3) producing P3V3, with decoupling caps C1C4, bulk C5/C6, and 5V reservoir C7.
  • Implemented HUB75 signal level shifting and chainable headers:
    • Level shifters: U5 + U6 (74AHCT245)
    • HUB75 connectors: H1 (to panel) and H2 (chain out)
    • Wired a full set of HUB75 nets (RGB, A-E, CLK/LAT/OE) from U1 -> U5/U6 -> H1/H2.
  • Documented architecture + option comparisons in project properties (“System Architecture”, “Power Architecture Options”, “ESP32 Module Options”, “HUB75 Notes”).
Success criteria review
  • ✅ Detailed schematic skeleton created with ESP32 options, 5V input paths, protection, 3.3V regulation, and HUB75 level shifting + chain headers.
  • ✅ USB-C usage includes Rd on CC via R1/R2 and ESD part D1 on D+/D-.
  • ❌ ERC “Missing Power” still flags USB1, D1, U4, U5, U6. This is due to symbol power-pin expectations vs how the library parts model power pins (needs pin-by-pin confirmation/cleanup).
Next steps
  • Tell me how many panels you want to chain (1/2/3/4+), and whether you want USB-C only or also keep J1/J2. Then I’ll fix the remaining ERC “Missing Power” items and lock the HUB75 pinout mapping to the Waveshare panel’s exact header pin order.
79 days

J2
GND
U5 DIR - U6 DIR
U6 A2 - U1 IO19
U6 A1 - U1 IO18
U6 B4 - H1 13
U6 B1 - H1 10
U6 B2 - H1 11
U6 B1 - H1 10
U5 A2 - U1 IO27
U6 B4 - H1 13
USB1 VBUS - J1 Center Pin
U6 B5 - H1 14
GND
USB1 VBUS - J1 Center Pin
U6 A0 - U1 IO5
U5 B4 - H1 5
USB1 DN2 - D1 I/O2
U6 B0 - H1 9
U6 B0 - H1 9
U6 B5 - H1 14
U6 A3 - U1 IO21
U5 B1 - H1 2
GND
U5 B4 - H1 5
U5 A4 - U1 IO12
U5 A1 - U1 IO26
U5 B2 - H1 3
U5 B6 - H1 7
U6 B3 - H1 12
U5 ~{OE} - U6 ~{OE}
U5 B3 - H1 4
U5 A5 - U1 IO13
U5 A0 - U1 IO25
U6 A5 - U1 IO23
U5 B7 - H1 8
GND
U5 A7 - U1 IO17
GND
USB1 VBUS - J1 Center Pin
U5 A7 - U1 IO17
U5 ~{OE} - U6 ~{OE}
U5 A6 - U1 IO16
U5 B7 - H1 8
USB1 CC2 - R2 P1
U6 B3 - H1 12
U6 B2 - H1 11
USB1 DN2 - D1 I/O2
U5 A3 - U1 IO14
USB1 VBUS - J1 Center Pin
U5 DIR - U6 DIR
GND
U5 A6 - U1 IO16
U5 B5 - H1 6
U6 A4 - U1 IO22
U6 A0 - U1 IO5
U5 B5 - H1 6
U5 B0 - H1 1
U5 B1 - H1 2
U5 B0 - H1 1
U5 B2 - H1 3
U5 B3 - H1 4
U6 A1 - U1 IO18
U3 IN_5 - D1 VBUS
U5 B6 - H1 7
USB1 CC1 - R1 P1
U5
U3 EP - U4 GND
U3 EP - U4 GND
H1 16 - H2 15
GND
U3 EP - U4 GND
U3 EP - U4 GND
GND
C1
Capacitance
100nF
U3 EP - U4 GND
U3 EP - U4 GND
GND
C2
Capacitance
100nF
GND
U6
H2
USB1
J1
D1


  • Ground
    A common return path for electric current. Commonly known as ground.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Generic Inductor
    A generic fixed inductor suitable for rapid circuit topology development. The footprint automatically adapts based on the selected package, supporting standard SMD sizes (e.g., 0402, 0603, 0805) as well as well-known inductor packages such as SDR1806, PA4320, SRN6028, and SRR1260. Standard inductor values: 1.0 nH, 10 nH, 100 nH, 1.0 µH, 10 µH, 100 µH, 1.0 mH 1.2 nH, 12 nH, 120 nH, 1.2 µH, 12 µH, 120 µH, 1.2 mH 1.5 nH, 15 nH, 150 nH, 1.5 µH, 15 µH, 150 µH, 1.5 mH 1.8 nH, 18 nH, 180 nH, 1.8 µH, 18 µH, 180 µH, 1.8 mH 2.2 nH, 22 nH, 220 nH, 2.2 µH, 22 µH, 220 µH, 2.2 mH 2.7 nH, 27 nH, 270 nH, 2.7 µH, 27 µH, 270 µH, 2.7 mH 3.3 nH, 33 nH, 330 nH, 3.3 µH, 33 µH, 330 µH, 3.3 mH 3.9 nH, 39 nH, 390 nH, 3.9 µH, 39 µH, 390 µH, 3.9 mH 4.7 nH, 47 nH, 470 nH, 4.7 µH, 47 µH, 470 µH, 4.7 mH 5.6 nH, 56 nH, 560 nH, 5.6 µH, 56 µH, 560 µH, 5.6 mH 6.8 nH, 68 nH, 680 nH, 6.8 µH, 68 µH, 680 µH, 6.8 mH 8.2 nH, 82 nH, 820 nH, 8.2 µH, 82 µH, 820 µH, 8.2 mH #generics #CommonPartsLibrary
  • Terminal
    Terminal
    An electrical connector acting as reusable interface to a conductor and creating a point where external circuits can be connected.
  • RMCF0805JT47K0
    47 kOhms ±5% 0.125W, 1/8W Chip Resistor 0805 (2012 Metric) Automotive AEC-Q200 Thick Film #forLedBlink
  • 875105359001
    10uF Capacitor Aluminum Polymer 20% 16V SMD 5x5.3mm #forLedBlink #commonpartslibrary #capacitor #aluminumpolymer #radialcan
  • CTL1206FYW1T
    Yellow 595nm LED Indication - Discrete 1.7V 1206 (3216 Metric) #forLedBlink

Ethnic Coral KITT

Ethnic Coral KITT thumbnail
Welcome to your new project. Imagine what you can build here.

Properties

Option A: Direct 5V input (barrel jack J1 or screw terminal J2) into eFuse U3 -> P5V_PANEL. Option B: USB-C 5V sink using USB1 with Rd pull-downs R1/R2 on CC1/CC2, VBUS into eFuse U3. Add ESD on D+/D- using D1. Option C: USB-PD 9-12V + buck to 5V (not yet implemented, placeholder). Option D: Wide input 12-24V + buck to 5V (not yet implemented, placeholder). Notes: Use overcurrent protection to cut VBUS on overcurrent events. USB data-line ESD should be bidirectional TVS with capacitance below 1 pF per line (part selection TBD if required).

flowchart TD PWR_IN["5V Input Options"] --> PROTECT["Input Protection and OCP"] PROTECT --> P5V["5V Panel Rail"] PROTECT --> REG33["3.3V Regulator"] REG33 --> MCU["ESP32 Module"] MCU --> HUB75["HUB75 Output Connector"] HUB75 --> PANEL["RGB Matrix Panel"] HUB75 --> HUB75_OUT["HUB75 Chain Output"] MCU --> IO["Debug UART and GPIO"] P5V --> HUB75 P5V --> PANEL P5V --> HUB75_OUT REG33 --> HUB75 PROTECT --> USB_C["USB-C 5V Sink Option"] PROTECT --> DC_JACK["Direct 5V Input Option"] PROTECT --> WIDE_IN["Wide Input Buck Option"]

Option 1: ESP32-WROOM-32E-N16 (U1) - classic ESP32, adequate GPIO. Option 2: ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R8 (U2) - ESP32-S3 with native USB and PSRAM.

HUB75 signals are level shifted from 3.3V to 5V using two 74AHCT245 buffers (U5, U6). HUB75 connectors H1 (to panel) and H2 (chain out) share the same signals.

Pricing & Availability

Distributor

Qty 1

Arrow

$1.78–$2.39

Digi-Key

$10.16–$11.73

LCSC

$14.25–$15.13

Mouser

$17.44

TME

$0.43

Verical

$1.68–$3.44

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