Testing USB-C Switch Connections
Thought for 3 sec
Yes — usually yes. The large side physical pads / shell tabs of the USB-C connector J6 are normally connected to GND/shield, so they are a good place to solder the converter negative if your board connects them to GND.
Before soldering, confirm with the multimeter with power disconnected:
- Set meter to continuity or ohms.
- Put one probe on a known GND point, like:
- a GND pin on a header,
- negative side of an electrolytic capacitor,
- USB-C GND pin/pad if accessible.
- Put the other probe on the side metal pad/tab of J6.
- If it beeps or reads near 0 Ω, that pad is GND and you can use it.
Do not use it if it does not beep to GND.
Also: soldering to the side tabs can take more heat because they are large metal/mechanical pads. Make sure the joint is solid, and add strain relief for the battery/converter wires so they don’t rip the USB-C connector off the board.
Thought for 4 sec
Yes — if you mean the large mounting holes/through-holes for the USB-C connector shell tabs, those are usually tied to GND/shield and can often be used for the converter negative.
But confirm before soldering:
- Power disconnected.
- Multimeter in continuity mode.
- Probe one J6 mounting hole metal plating / shell tab hole.
- Probe a known GND point, like a GND header pin or the negative side of a capacitor.
- If it beeps / reads near 0 Ω, you can connect the converter GND there.
Do not use it if it does not beep to GND.
Also, avoid putting too much mechanical force on that hole/wire because it is part of the USB-C connector mounting. Add glue/strain relief if the wire might move.
Mark battery solder points
Verify J6 hole ground
Add battery connector
Check power safety
Choose converter module
