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Adding Power to E-blocks

Power connections are always routed separately between E-blocks using simple screw terminals. This facilitates the interoperation of E-blocks with different voltage levels (notably 3.3V and 5V) and power sources.

Most upstream E-blocks have 5V outputs provided by a voltage regulator. These E-blocks are powered by applying a higher voltage via a power jack (usually positive outer) or using screw terminal blocks.

As 0V is connected to all blocks through the 9 way D-type connectors it is only necessary to connect power to all E-blocks. Most upstream E-blocks have a regulator that produces 5V, and many downstream E-blocks have 5V loop through screw terminals which allow users to keep power wires tidy. To neaten up more permanent systems power wires can be looped under E-blocks and under the backplanes.

On this photograph you can clearly see the red power wires linking the E-blocks together. This design routes 14V from the Multiprogrammer to the Proto board. Be careful when doing this as there is a chance you can damage the PICmicro microcontroller on your Multiprogrammer board if you get the connections wrong.