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Which is the right way to do it?

First

or

Second

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    \$\begingroup\$ It depends on the PSU. If the outputs are floating it is (possibly) a good idea to keep 'em floating, so option number one is good. If you want to reference the 5V to the 24V then add a wire that ties the grounds together, but you need to verify if that's ok for your PSU. \$\endgroup\$ Commented Oct 6, 2016 at 7:31
  • \$\begingroup\$ I use 6S LiPo battery. I want to supply the power for my drone flight controller through switching DC-DC converter. Where should I connect the ground wire from the FC, to the converter or to the battery? \$\endgroup\$ Commented Oct 6, 2016 at 8:26
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    \$\begingroup\$ In this case ground is probably common, but again, it entirely depends on the topology of the DCDC converter. \$\endgroup\$ Commented Oct 6, 2016 at 9:19

1 Answer 1

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The top is probably better, although depending on circumstances, you might want to use the bottom. If the 5 V supply is isolated, then the top scheme is required.

The reason I prefer the top scheme (assuming non-isolated supply) is due to regulation. The power supply will regulate the voltage between its power and ground output on the 5 V side. Even though the ground output there is tied to the ground input, it won't be at exactly the same voltage. Whatever current the supply is drawing causes a voltage drop across its ground input lead, and there can be small internal voltage drops and noise added. The only place you are guaranteed all the specs of the power supply output is between the two terminals in the right side of the supply in your top diagram.

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