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T430 Revision A wiring

Revision A replaced the nRF52840 DK with a HolyIOT 18010 module. It proved the keyboard, TrackPoint movement, USB, Bluetooth, LEDs, battery power, and update path on a custom board. It includes a backlight control circuit, but the backlight caused resets during testing and remains disabled in release firmware.

Use these files for exact construction details:

Revision A is historical. Do not use it as the starting point for Revision B.

Interfaces

The board connects:

  • the T430 16-by-8 keyboard matrix;
  • separate Fn and power-button inputs;
  • TrackPoint DATA, CLOCK, RESET, and three buttons;
  • the power, speaker-mute, and microphone-mute LEDs;
  • three Bluetooth profile LEDs;
  • keyboard backlight PWM and power control;
  • USB 2.0 device data; and
  • SWD through a Tag-Connect footprint.

The nRF52840 uses 3.0 V logic. The keyboard matrix uses internal pull-ups. TrackPoint DATA and CLOCK cross between 3.0 V and 5 V through BSS138 level shifters. Never connect a 5 V signal directly to the module.

Power

Revision A uses these rails:

RailPurpose
USB_VBUS_RAWProtected USB input and presence detection
VSYSCharger power-path output
VSYS_SWMain switched system supply
VCCRegulated 3.0 V logic and module supply
+5VBoost output for TrackPoint and backlight

The latching power button controls the main P-channel MOSFET. The T430 power button remains a firmware input. The reset button only drives nRESET.

The charger remains connected when the main system power is off. Use only a protected single-cell 4.2 V Li-ion or LiPo battery with the marked polarity.

Programming and updates

The Tag-Connect footprint provides SWDIO, SWCLK, nRESET, VCC sense, and ground. The target powers itself; an external debugger must not drive the 3.0 V rail.

SWD installs or recovers the UF2 bootloader. Normal development uses USB and UF2. See Revision A programming.

Known Revision A issues

  • TrackPoint reset polarity requires a firmware workaround.
  • The original charger and power path are replaced in Revision B.
  • Fine-pitch assembly and connector inspection need better test coverage.
  • TrackPoint and backlight current require separate measurement points.
  • Repeated development must not depend on holding a Tag-Connect probe.

The Revision A bring-up record contains the measurements and resulting Revision B requirements.