>> First impression could be a quite twisted design for it's final >> function, don't you think ? It has it's mysterious aspects. Why is there both a discreet implementation of a 5V linear regulator AND a 7805-style 5V regulator ? Startup issues? Given USB specs, why can't the 10f controlling the switcher operate directly from Vusb ? Later on, there are all those multiple resistors in series. IIRC, Olin made some remark about that being done to limit the number of different parts used on the board, but I bet it does a fine job of confusing someone just beginning to do circuit analysis... BillW -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist