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I'm designing a PCB which is based on NodeMCU board in its core.

On NodeMCU there are some GND pins, most of them are to serve digital outputs/inputs, or external sensors which operate on 3.3V.

Vin pin on the NodeMCU can get higher voltage (5+) which goes through a voltage regulator into the rest of the board.

My question: When planning the connections to GND - should or shouldn't I bridge the different GND pins - between the 3.3V circuits and the 'outer' 5V input the comes before the voltage regulator?

Many thanks!

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  • \$\begingroup\$ But some are more equal than others... \$\endgroup\$ – Solar Mike Dec 28 '19 at 22:49
  • \$\begingroup\$ ... connect them all together, that will give the return currents the shortest path back to the source possible. I think if you continuity test the board you will find they are all connected internally anyway. \$\endgroup\$ – vicatcu Dec 28 '19 at 23:04
  • \$\begingroup\$ Really only the manufacturer can answer that. Typically you would connect all grounds, though it may be less critical for a module than it would be for a bare IC where it is typically an absolute requirement. \$\endgroup\$ – Chris Stratton Dec 29 '19 at 5:17
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks everyone for looking into it and for the ideas. That's actually what I'm looking for - the 'official' answer the I can count on. I'll try to check continuenty of all my groudns later today and update myself. Manufacturer info can also be helpful. and last thing: I think this is a fundemental issue and question. Maybe if more of the viewers of it would 'upvote' for it - we would have more attention and better information will come here... :-) Again, Thanks to everyone who is trying to help. \$\endgroup\$ – Offer Dec 29 '19 at 11:22
  • \$\begingroup\$ draw a simple block diagram or share the schematics. in general yes. GND from 5 V will be connected to GND of all the components. \$\endgroup\$ – User323693 Dec 30 '19 at 7:36

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