Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: iEthe on November 09, 2013, 11:21:30 PM

Title: USB Supply vs Battery
Post by: iEthe on November 09, 2013, 11:21:30 PM

Hi guys,

I`m attempting to build my own pcb for the purpose to be use with embedded pc. The thing is, i`m wondering whether it best to supply the uC from the pc (usb serial com, since i`m going to have the uC to communicate with the pc from time to time), or just take the regulated dc voltage from the battery? Please advise, thanks\

Regards

Title: Re: USB Supply vs Battery
Post by: vipulan12 on November 10, 2013, 07:42:51 AM

what is the embedded pc going to be used for?

Title: Re: USB Supply vs Battery
Post by: jwatte on November 10, 2013, 12:51:24 PM

If you're OK with the microcontroller only being on when the PC USB bus outputs power, and the power limitations of USB are OK for you, then using USB power is just as good as using regulated battery power.
A bonus might be that the USB power probably is regulated with an efficient DC DC converter, not an inefficient linear regulator, and thus might draw slightly less from the battery for the equivalent power than a linear regulator would.