I have an industrial PC which has some usb ports, and I want to use that port to get 5V and convert it to the 3.3V (with decoupling caps). But now I need to use that 5V to drive 12 relays on my board.
My question is that, Can I directly use that 5V, or should I add some filters or sth? I worry about the computer, when I connect them, can any current flow back and destroy the computer? Here is the schematic of my power port and 3.3V output.
Officially, an USB device has 1 power unit (100mA) when nothing more was negotiated. It's slightly more complicated if you add standby power requirements to the equation, since this power is time limited, but I have yet to see a host that enforces this.
After the 1 power unit (100mA) you can ask for more. This can be rejected.
However, many PC USB 2.0 ports are always capable of 500mA unless otherwise specified. An USB 3.0 can negotiate up to 900 mA, most likely this will be available without special enumeration.
Higher voltages with USB PD Type C are not possible, you must use an USB PD Controller for that.
One other consideration is the maximum inrush specification. I recall for USB 2.0 this being 4.7uF, which is quite low.
Enough XY-problem. You are talking about an industrial PC. This is most likely fed from a 24V uninterrupted supply bus which you can also use for this. That is much more suitable and standard way of doing things.
Can I use the power from a computer USB port to run my board?
YES, providing you remain within the intial power delivery limit, or negotiate a higher current from the port (more work).
You need to understand the Power Delivery (PD) spec, but you could start reading here.
To prevent backflow of power you would typically use a series FET within your power supply.
Obviously there are many existing USB peripherals (which are themselves embedded systems) that connect to USB. One problem you face is that if you have to negotiate higher current, then there may be a problem when the Host computer sleeps, or powers off. You might lose power under various circumstances that may be difficult to manage.
One suggestion to consider if you are building a professional solution is to tap into +5VStandby. This requires a plug in board within the computer, but allows power all the time except when unplugged. I use this to run a Raspberry Pi from my computer, and it is always on.
If you are using relays within you embedded system then you obviously handle any back-EMF problems within your board. No other implications exist for the upstream power other than staying within the power rating.
NOTE: As suggested in another answer you should NEVER parallel USB port power connections.
Your circuit can be used as long as the current draw does not exceed the limits of USB specification. Check which type of USB you have and if you can indeed switch your relays using this, you may need to connect multiple USB ports in parallel to achieve this you are better off using an external supply.
Regarding input voltage protection, check your LDO if it has reverse current protection,for example this one does: TPS7B7702 .
If it does not, you'll need to add a Schottky diode between USB and LDO input to prevent reverse current. Naturally, this will lead to some drop across the diode.
If you dont have any warranty lef then:
Why use USB, Just cut a Red wire for 5V, an Orange Wire for 3.3V, and Black wire for ground directly from PSU. Attach wires and bring them outside the case. Solder them and insulate them properly.
