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Warning and Disclaimer when using your own Laptop/MacBook

Warning

Warning and Disclaimer Regarding Personal Laptops and Computers

In previous years, there have been rare instances where students' laptops suffered hardware damage while connected to course hardware. While the exact cause remains unconfirmed, inductive voltage spikes backfeeding through USB power and data lines from inductive components (such as servo motors) can irreparably damage connected computer interfaces.

Unfortunately, neither the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (SoEEE) nor Centre for Engineering Education (CEE) can accept liability for damage to personal IT equipment under these circumstances. If you connect custom circuits to your personal computer, you do so entirely at your own risk and accept full responsibility for any potential consequences.

To eliminate the risk of damaging your personal equipment, we strongly recommend using the university lab PCs for all practical exercises.

For further context and technical background on this issue, consult the following external resources:

https://chipwired.com/can-arduino-damage-your-computer/

Using a inline USB isolator module can mitigate these risks by electrically isolating the host computer's power and communication lines from the micro-controller circuit. One such device is the DFRobot Industrial USB Isolator (FIT0860):

https://www.dfrobot.com/product-2444.html

This device is available from numerous UK on-line suppliers for approximately £20 to £25

Note: USB Isolator Availability

Please note that the department will not provide USB isolators for the Arduino laboratory activities in this module. If you choose to work on your personal computer, you may purchase an isolator independently or use the provided university laboratory PCs.

Other USB isolators range from £15 for hobbyist-grade boards to over £200 for industrial-grade units. Exercise caution when purchasing unbranded alternatives, as they may not provide adequate isolation or surge protection.

In addition to using a USB isolator, follow these best practices to minimize the risk of damaging your computer:

  • Disconnect USB before altering circuits: Do not make or change circuit connections while the Arduino is plugged into your PC.
  • Inspect wiring for short circuits: Double-check all wiring and power connections for short circuits before connecting the Arduino USB cable to your computer.
  • Power motors and servos externally: Do not power high-current actuators (such as the MG996 servo, DC motor, or multiple SG90 servos) directly from the Arduino 5V pin. Always use the provided external DC power supply.
  • Isolate power domains: When using an external DC supply while connected to a PC via USB, ensure the external supply powers the load components directly. Connect only the signal lines and ground (GND) reference back to the Arduino.
  • Disconnect external power before USB connection: If your system is powered by an external power supply or battery pack, disconnect the power supply input lines from the circuit before plugging in the USB cable.

While these precautions significantly reduce risk, an inline USB isolator remains the most reliable safeguard against hardware failure.

To reiterate, severe damage events are rare. However, connecting uncertified, custom-built electronic circuits to a computer always carries an inherent risk.

For more information regarding this issue, please speak to the Lab Academic Lead during scheduled laboratory sessions..

Over the years, hundreds of students have used their personal devices without incident, with only one or two isolated hardware failures reported. Following the best practices outlined above and using a USB isolator is the most effective way to safeguard your personal computer when working with microcontrollers, though no method offers 100% protection against custom wiring errors.

We strongly recommend using university laboratory computers for these activities.