4 layers56 × 60 mm
4 layers56 × 60 mm
PCBA KNOT
intechstudio/knot58Knot is the bridge between old-school MIDI gear like synthesizers, groove boxes, guitar pedals and neat USB MIDI devices.
- Size
- 56 × 60 mm
- Copper layers
- 4
- Thickness
- 1 mm
- Parts
- 111
- Nets
- 90
- Pads
- 393
- Tracks, vias
- 808, 142
- Pours
- 12
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 8.0 (file 20240108)
- Created
- 23 Jul 2022
- Updated
- 26 Feb 2026
Overview
PCBA KNOT is an open-source printed circuit board by intechstudio, from the intechstudio/knot repository on GitHub, published under the GPL-3.0 licence. It is a 4-layer board of 56 × 60 mm with 111 parts on 90 nets, routed with 808 tracks and 142 vias.
It is built around the ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U-N4, TPS5430DDA and BL1551B, with the SESRV05-4, 74HC165D and 74HC1G14GV among its other parts. Its parts include 26 capacitors, 21 resistors, 17 ICs, 5 diodes and 4 connectors. It belongs with the audio and music boards and the ESP32 boards of this library.
Main components
12
ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U-N4
SMD,19.2x18mm-103.5dBm -40℃~+85℃ 2.4GHz 20.5dBm 355mA 3V~3.6V 95mA Bluetooth5.0 ESP32-S3 UART、SPI、I2C、I2S、USB SMD,19.2x18mm WiFi Modules ROHSEspressif SystemsWiFi Modules
TPS5430DDA
ESOP-8-40℃~+125℃@(TJ) 1 1.221V~32.04V 3A 4.4mA 5.5V~36V 500kHz Adjustable Buck Buck Built-in No ESOP-8 DC-DC Converters ROHSTexas InstrumentsDC-DC Converters
BL1551B
SC-70-6-40℃~+125℃ 1 1.8V~5.5V 15.5pF 2.7Ω@5.0V 20ns 2:1 30ns 350MHz SC-70-6 Analog Switches, Multiplexers ROHSBLAnalog Switches, Multiplexers
SESRV05-4
SOT-23-6-55℃~+125℃ 0.4pF、0.8pF 12.5V、17.5V 1uA 5A 5V 6V 80W@8/20us ESD Four channels IEC 61000-4-2、IEC 61000-4-5、IEC 61000-4-4 SOT-23-6 ESD and Surge Protection (TVS/ESD) ROHSSEMIWAREESD And Surge Protection (TVS/ESD)
74HC165D
SO-16-40℃~+125℃ 1 28ns@6V,50pF 2V~6V 35MHz 500mW 74HC 8 Parallel or Serial to Serial SOIC-16 Shift Registers ROHSNexperiaShift Registers
74HC1G14GV
SOT-23-5-40℃~+85℃ 1 1.9V、4.18V、4.4V、5.68V、5.9V 100mV、100mV、100mV、260mV、330mV 10uA 2.6mA 2.6mA 2V~6V 74HC 9ns@6V,50pF Noise suppression function Schmitt trigger SOT-23-5 Inverters ROHSTECH PUBLICInvertersLN1134A332MR-G
SOT-23-5-40℃~+85℃ 1 180mV@(100mA) 3.3V 300mA 60dB@(1kHz) 70uA 7V Fixed Over Current Protection、Enable Positive SOT-23-5 Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators ROHSNATLINEARVoltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators
CS1E470M-CRE54
SMD,D6.3xL5.4mm-40℃~+105℃ 1000hrs@105℃ 25V 47uF 5.4mm 6.3mm ±20% SMD,D6.3xL5.4mm Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors - SMD ROHSSTMicroelectronicsAluminum Electrolytic Capacitors - SMDTD-1106SN-4.3H-250
SMD,6x3.3mm2.5N 3.3mm 4.3mm 6mm Gull Wing Rectangular Button SPST Surface Mount,Vertical White Without Bracket SMD,6x3.3mm Tactile Switches ROHSDEALONTactile Switches
MPZ2012S101AT000
0805-55℃~+125℃ 1 100Ω@100MHz 20mΩ 4A ±25% 0805 Ferrite Beads ROHSTDKFerrite Beads
914-492A2022S10200
SMD0℃~+85℃ 1 1,500 Cycles 10.6mm 4P Black Female Surface Mount, Right Angle Type-A USB 2.0 SMD USB Connectors ROHSJing Extension of the Electronic Co.USB Connectors
CA45-C6R3K337T
CASE-C-6032-25(mm)-55℃~+125℃ 330uF 500mΩ@100kHz 6.3V ±10% CASE-C-6032-25(mm) Tantalum Capacitors ROHSHunan Xiangyee in S&TTantalum Capacitors
README
README.mdKNOT - USB MIDI Host
Knot is the bridge between old-school MIDI gear like synthesizers, groove boxes, guitar pedals and neat USB MIDI devices. Leave out the computer from the equation and control instruments seamlessly with Grid - or any other - USB controller.
You can find more info on the website or in the Knot - Starter's Guide.
Electrical components
| Component | Part number | Preview | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNOT board | PCBA-KNOT |   | [Schematic] [STEP] [Gerber] [PCB Top] [PCB Bottom] [BOM] [Interactive BOM] |
Mechanical components
| Component | Part number | Type | Preview | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum housing | KNOT-HOUSING | Fabricated |  | [step] [stl] [pdf] [engraving] |
| Aluminum front panel | KNOT-FRONT | Fabricated |  | [step] [stl] [pdf] |
| Aluminum back panel | KNOT-BACK | Fabricated |  | [step] [stl] [pdf] |
Nightly Firmware version
The nightly firmware is an early release version of the stable release. As it is an early version, some issues could still persist. In the case of issues, please denote the usage of a nightly firmware in the issue report.
Updating the firmware
- Hold the mode button while plugging the device using the USB-C port of the Knot.
- The device is identified as a USB mass storage named KNOT-S3 (3 green LEDs).
- The file "INFO_UF2.txt" only contains information for the bootloader version, not the firmware itself.
- You can check the current firmware version, opening the file "CURRENT.UF2" with a text or hexadecimal application.
- The first lines will contain the firmware date text. (e.g "May 29 2024" for the firmware "v1.0.5").
- Download the file "knot_release.zip" from the latest release Stable Release and extract it.
- Do not rename the ".uf2" file and copy it to the KNOT-S3 mass storage.
- The device will update and reboot alone.
- 3 blinking white LEDs means that the update is finished and that the device is waiting to a USB MIDI device.
Knot features
- Standalone USB MIDI Host, works with Grid and any MIDI class compliant USB controller
- TRS MIDI input port
- TRS MIDI output port
- USB-C port for powering, updating the device
- DC in port for powering (6V or 15V with automatic polarity detection)
- Hardware A/B switch for changing the TRS wiring mode
- Mode button for updating the firmware
- 3 indicator LEDs, which will be utilized for various feedback
USB MIDI Device compatibility with Knot as a host
If you own a device you couldn't find in the list below, help us out by submitting a test of your own to support@intech.studio!
| Manufacturer | Device name | Compatibility with Knot | Tester | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intech Studio | Grid | Tested - OK | Intech | |
| Alesis | Qmini | Tested - Not working | Community | |
| AKAI | MPK Mini MK2 | Tested - OK | Community | |
| AKAI | MPK Mini Plus | Tested - OK | Community | |
| Arturia | Beatstep (non-Pro) | Tested - OK | Community | |
| Arturia | Keystep | Tested - OK | Community | |
| Arturia | MiniLab MK2 | Tested - OK | Community | |
| DoReMIDI | USB-C MIDI adapter | Tested - OK | Community | |
| Elektron | Digitakt | Tested - Not working | Community | |
| Korg | Electribe ES2 | Tested - OK | Intech | |
| Korg | Microkey Air 37 | Tested - OK | Community | |
| Korg | Nanokey 2 | Tested - OK | Community | |
| Korg | Nanopad 2 | Tested - Not working | Community | |
| Livid Instruments | DS-1 | Tested - OK | Community | |
| Midi Fighter | Midi Fighter Twister | Tested - OK | Community | |
| M-AUDIO | MIDISPORT UNO | Tested - OK | Intech | |
| M-AUDIO | Keystation MK3 (all key sizes) | Tested - Not working | Intech | |
| Novation | Circuit | Tested - OK | Community | |
| Novation | Launch Control XL2 | Tested - OK | Community | |
| Novation | Launchpad MK3 Mini | Tested - OK | Intech | |
| Novation | Launchpad MK2 | Tested - OK | Intech | |
| Novation | Launchkey 25 | Tested - Only Power | Intech | |
| Roland | MC-101 | Tested - OK | Community | |
| Sonicware | ELZ_1 | Tested - OK | Community | |
| Teenage Engineering | EP-133 | Tested - OK | Community | Knot supplies ample power to the device |
| Teenage Engineering | OP-1 | Tested - No MIDI | Community | |
| Teenage Engineering | OP-1 field | Tested - No MIDI | Community | |
| Teenage Engineering | OP-Z | Tested - OK | Community |
5-pin DIN/TRS MIDI Device compatibility
If you own a device you couldn't find in the list below, help us out by submitting a test of your own to support@intech.studio!
| Manufacturer | Device name | MIDI connector | Compatibility | Tester | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1010music | Blackbox | TRS type-B | Tested - OK | Community | |
| 1010music | Bluebox | TRS type-B | Tested - OK | Community | |
| Arturia | Beatstep (non-Pro) | TS "type-C" | Tested - !!! | Community | Needs 3.5mm TS to TRS adapter |
| Behringer | TD-3-AM | 5-pin DIN | Tested - OK | Intech | With adapter |
| Behringer | U-PHORIA UMC404HD | 5-pin DIN | Tested - OK | Intech | With adapter |
| Dreadbox | Nymphes | TRS type-B | Tested - OK | Community | |
| Elektron | Digitakt | 5-pin DIN | Tested - OK | Community | With adapter |
| Korg | Electribe ES2 | TRS type-B | Tested - OK | Intech | |
| Korg | Volca Series (Tested on Volca FM) | 5-pin DIN | Tested - OK | Intech | With adapter |
| Mutable Instruments | Yarns | 5-pin DIN | Tested - OK | Intech | With adapter |
| Polyend | Tracker | TRS type-B | Tested - OK | Intech | |
| Teenage Engineering | EP-133 | TRS type-A | Tested - OK | Community | |
| Teenage Engineering | OP-Z | TRS type-A | Tested - OK | Community | With Line Module |
| Woovebox | Woovebox | TRS type-A | Tested - OK | Community |
Parts
111| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 100n | suku_basics:CAP_0402 | C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C26, C27 |
| 7 | 5k1 | suku_basics:RES_0402 | R6, R7, R10, R11, R16, R17, R18 |
| 6 | BL1551B | suku_basics:SOT-363_SC-70-6 | U2, U3, U4, U5, U10, U11 |
| 6 | G | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_1.0x1.0mm_Drill0.5mm | TP3, TP6, TP13, TP18, TP21, TP25 |
| 4 | 10k | suku_basics:RES_0402 | R1, R2, R20, R21 |
| 4 | 1k | suku_basics:RES_0402 | R5, R8, R9, R12 |
| 3 | 10u | suku_basics:CAP_0402 | C2, C20, C25 |
| 3 | 220R | suku_basics:RES_0402 | R13, R14, R15 |
| 3 | CS1E470M-CRE54 | Capacitor_SMD:CP_Elec_6.3x5.7 | C17, C18, C19 |
| 3 | SESRV05-4 | suku_basics:SOT-23-6 | U6, U7, U9 |
| 3 | UI_WS2812C-2020 | suku_basics:UI_WS2812C-2020_LIGHTPIPE | D1, D2, D3 |
| 2 | 1u | suku_basics:CAP_0402 | C1, C22 |
| 2 | 3k3 | suku_basics:RES_0402 | R22, R23 |
| 2 | 5V | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_D1.0mm_Drill0.5mm | TP2, TP10 |
| 2 | 6N137 | suku_basics:OPTO_SMD-8_L9.8-W6.6-P2.54-LS10.3-BL | U12, U13 |
| 2 | AUDIO-TH_PJ-3200 | suku_basics:AUDIO-TH_PJ-3200 | Audio1, Audio2 |
| 2 | B340LA-13-F | Diode_SMD:D_SMA | D4, D5 |
| 2 | C2905169 | Button_Switch_SMD:SW_SPST_CK_RS282G05A3 | SW1, SW2 |
| 2 | D+ | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_D1.0mm_Drill0.5mm | TP12, TP15 |
| 2 | D- | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_D1.0mm_Drill0.5mm | TP11, TP14 |
| 2 | MPZ2012S101AT000 | suku_basics:FERRIT_0805 | FB1, FB2 |
| 2 | R | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_D1.0mm_Drill0.5mm | TP17, TP20 |
| 2 | T | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_D1.0mm_Drill0.5mm | TP16, TP19 |
| 1 | (NF) | Connector_PinHeader_1.27mm:PinHeader_2x05_P1.27mm_Vertical | J2 |
| 1 | 100n (NF) | suku_basics:CAP_0402 | C10 |
| 1 | 10k (NF) | suku_basics:RES_0402 | R19 |
| 1 | 10n | suku_basics:CAP_0402 | C21 |
| 1 | 74HC165 | suku_basics:SOIC-16_74HC165 | U8 |
| 1 | 74HC1G14GV | suku_basics:SOT-23-5-AND-TSSOP5 | U14 |
| 1 | C42567 | suku_basics:USB-A-SMD_AF-APPLE-10.6 | CN1 |
| 1 | CA45-C6R3K337T | suku_basics:CP_EIA-6032-15_Kemet-U | C24 |
| 1 | Conn_01x02 | suku_basics:OscilloscopeGround | J3 |
| 1 | DC-C033D-5.5A-2.0 | suku_basics:DC-IN-TH_DC-C033D-5.5A-2.0 | DC1 |
| 1 | DO | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_D1.0mm_Drill0.5mm | TP1 |
| 1 | ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U | suku_basics:ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U | U1 |
| 1 | GND | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_1.0x1.0mm_Drill0.5mm | TP9 |
| 1 | LN1134A332MR-G | suku_basics:SOT-23-5 | U17 |
| 1 | OSHWA | suku_basics:OSHWA_KNOT | LOGO1 |
| 1 | PMIC_MT9700 | suku_basics:SOT-23-5 | U16 |
| 1 | ROM | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_D1.0mm_Drill0.5mm | TP8 |
| 1 | RX | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_D1.0mm_Drill0.5mm | TP5 |
| 1 | SNR.8065.TYD220MT00 | Inductor_SMD:L_Bourns-SRN8040_8x8.15mm | L1 |
| 1 | ST-0-102-C03-N003-RS | suku_basics:SW-TH_ST-0-102-C03-N003-RS | SW4 |
| 1 | TC-1109DE-C-G | suku_basics:SW-TH_3P-L4.5-W7.0-P3.00-LS1.9 | SW3 |
| 1 | TPS5430DDA | Package_SO:TI_SO-PowerPAD-8_ThermalVias | U15 |
| 1 | TX | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_D1.0mm_Drill0.5mm | TP4 |
| 1 | TYPE-C-32-M-12 | suku_basics:USB_C_Korean_Hroparts_TYPE-C-31-M-12 | J1 |
| 1 | UF2 | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_D1.0mm_Drill0.5mm | TP7 |
| 1 | V1 | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_D1.0mm_Drill0.5mm | TP22 |
| 1 | V2 | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_D1.0mm_Drill0.5mm | TP23 |
| 1 | VBUS | TestPoint:TestPoint_THTPad_D1.0mm_Drill0.5mm | TP24 |
| 1 | WST2011 | suku_basics:SOT-23-6 | Q1 |
| 1 | WST3392 | suku_basics:SOT-23-6 | Q2 |
Questions
How big is the PCBA KNOT PCB?
It measures 56 × 60 mm and has 4 copper layers, 1 mm thick.
What parts does the PCBA KNOT use?
111 parts, built around the ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U-N4, TPS5430DDA, BL1551B and SESRV05-4. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the PCBA KNOT KiCad files?
From the intechstudio/knot repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is Electrical/Design/PCBA-KNOT/PCBA-KNOT.kicad_pcb and its schematic Electrical/Design/PCBA-KNOT/PCBA-KNOT.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the PCBA KNOT design in my own project?
Its repository publishes it under the GPL-3.0 licence: you may reuse it on that licence's terms (keep the author's notice, and for a copyleft licence share your changes alike).
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