Macropad
About the Macropad PCB
Macropad is an open source AVR/Arduino PCB design by vlee6, published on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board measuring 58.5 × 80.9 mm, with 52 components from 17 distinct parts.
Its main chip is the ATMEGA32U4-A, from the AVR/Arduino family. Other key parts include the USB6B1. By type, the board carries 18 diodes, 11 switches, 10 resistors, 8 capacitors, 2 ICs and 2 connectors.
It belongs with the keyboards and displays & leds designs in this gallery.
From the project
Low-Profile, Feature-Packed, Macropad
For my first-ever PCB project, I've designed a 9 key low-profile macropad with a rotary encoder and oled screen. My intention was to keep costs minimal while retaining features found in most contemporary macropads. I began this journey after soldering my very own low-profile Lily58 build. While the Lily58 takes up minimal desk space and is very ergonomic, I found myself suffering from the small key count and lack of special features such as rotary encoders. Since I couldn't find any affordable alternative online, I set out to build my very own low-profile macropad to complete my desk setup.
Main components on the Macropad
Macropad bill of materials (BOM)
52 components, 17 distinct parts — part numbers from the project's BOM.
| Qty | Part | Footprint | Refs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USB6B1 | USB_Port_Protector_USB6B1 | U1 |
| 1 | ATMEGA32U4-A ATmega32U4-A | TQFP-44_10x10mm_P0.8mm | U3 |
| 1 | 16MGHZ 16mghz | Crystal_SMD_X322516MLB4SI | Y1 |
| 1 | USB_C_RECEPTACLE_USB2.0_16P USB_C_Receptacle_USB2.0_16P | USB_C_HRO_TYPE-C-31-M-12 | J1 |
| 1 | Display | SSD1306_LCD_Display_128x32 | J2 |
| 9 | C5333465 Keyswitch | Hotswap_Choc_V1_Plated_1.00u | S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 +1 |
| 1 | SW_Push | SW_Tactile_TSB008A2530A | SW1 |
| 1 | C143789 RotaryEncoder_Switch | RotaryEncoder_Bourns_PEC11R-4xxxF-Sxxxx | SW2 |
| 9 | C7420318 Diode | Diode_SOD-123 | D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8 +1 |
| 9 | WS2812B-2020 | LED_WS2812B-2020_PLCC4_2.0x2.0mm | D10, D11, D12, D13, D14, D15, D16, D17 +1 |
| 3 | 100N 100n | C_0402_1005Metric | C1, C2, C3 |
| 1 | 1u | C_0402_1005Metric | C4 |
| 2 | 12P 12p | C_0402_1005Metric | C5, C6 |
| 2 | 10N 10n | C_0402_1005Metric | C7, C9 |
| 6 | 10K 10k | R_0402_1005Metric | R1, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10 |
| 2 | 22 | R_0402_1005Metric | R2, R3 |
| 2 | 5K1 5k1 | R_0402_1005Metric | R4, R5 |
Macropad design files
The KiCad project lives in the vlee6/Macropad repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.
Macropad: common questions
What microcontroller does the Macropad use?
The Macropad is built around the ATMEGA32U4-A, from the AVR/Arduino family.
How big is the Macropad PCB?
The Macropad measures 58.5 × 80.9 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.
How many components are on the Macropad?
52 components, from 17 distinct parts, with part numbers taken from the project's own BOM. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.
Where can I download the Macropad design files?
From the vlee6/Macropad repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout, the schematic and the BOM; the links under Design files point to each one.
Can I use the Macropad design in my own project?
The repository has no license, so all rights stay with vlee6. Use it as a reference, and ask the author before reusing the design.
Can I test firmware for the Macropad without the hardware?
Yes. HardLabs builds a simulation of the board from its netlist and BOM, so you can run and debug AVR/Arduino firmware against it before you order a PCB.
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