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| Parallax Forums > Public Forums > Propeller Chip > TriBladeProp PCB: Uses 3 Propeller ICs for a Single Board Computer (SBC) | Forum Quick Jump
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Cluso99
We live onboard
      
Date Joined Apr 2008
Total Posts : 2276
| Posted 2/19/2009 8:17 PM (GMT -8) |   | | Renamed thread from "MultiBladeProp - TriBladeProp (3 Prop PCB)" 22Mar2009
Each Prop circuit is called a "Blade".
I have been able to squeeze everything I wanted on my SixBladeProp into two identical TriBladeProp pcbs. 
Put simply, the TriBladeProp is 3 Propeller circuits on one PCB with various options for SRAM, SPI Flash, microSD and USB (PropPlug equivalent), plus VGA, TV, Mouse and Keyboard connectors. The Propeller chips may communicate to each other by ultra-high speed serial.
Update 5 August 2009: Latest code posted here as follows...
- Blade #2 software for ZiCog v091 including all source and the binary (uses PropPlug equivconnected to PC and PropTerm)
- microSD files (part 1/2) CPM 2.2 & CPM3
- microSD files (part 2/2)
- posted on page 6 is draft assembly instructions including formating and copying the files to microSD card.
Update 19 Apr 2009: Attached below is the latest BOM, suppliers part numbers and costs. Note not all parts are required, depending on otpions chosen. (It is in tab seperated text format so it can be imported into Excel)
Update 6 Mar 2009: Specifications (also attached to this post), schematics and BOMs are located at the end of this thread (Page 3 - about 4th March 2009)
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Post Edited (Cluso99) : 8/5/2009 8:22:19 AM GMT File Attachment : tribladeprop_spec_375p.doc 32KB (application/msword) This file has been downloaded 362 time(s). File Attachment : TriBladeProp BOM Costing.txt 5KB (text/plain) This file has been downloaded 196 time(s). File Attachment : zicog_demo009_rr091.zip 216KB (application/x-zip-compressed) This file has been downloaded 76 time(s). File Attachment : microSD_20090805a.zip 1.60Mb (application/x-zip-compressed) This file has been downloaded 63 time(s). File Attachment : microSD_20090805b.zip 749KB (application/x-zip-compressed) This file has been downloaded 65 time(s). | | Back to Top | | |
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SRLM
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2008
Total Posts : 2716
| Posted 2/19/2009 10:02 PM (GMT -8) | | Probably too late, but an idea:
What about a single place to plug in the prop-plug, and a hardware switch to select which blade to program? I think it would be a pain to have to move the plug around all the time, or to program the other propellers from a central propeller (at least for non-advanced users). Of course, it would only be for the group of three. | | Back to Top | | |
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Cluso99
We live onboard
Date Joined Apr 2008
Total Posts : 2276
| Posted 2/20/2009 8:06 PM (GMT -8) | | Just a quick explanation while I am taking a break...
The circuit diagram is pretty much the same as I posted for the SixBladeProp, 1 prop each for sheet 1, 2 and 3.
All Blades (props) are seperate - no interconnections, except by links/wires. Blade 3 is designed to be the I/O prop, and perhaps the controller/loader of the other Blades (props). All I/O is brought out to a connector. Overlaying this connector is provision for 2 "Spin Studio" style connectors (for those that asked). Blade 2 is the workhorse and has provision for 1 or 2 512Kx8 SRAMs (Static RAMs) with direct pin access (no latches) for speed of access. 1 SRAM can be replaced (although I hope it may co-exist) with a microSD card and/or an SPI Flash 1-64Mbit. The Flash I recommend can be read 2 bits at a time !!! Due to lack of pins, the only interface to the other Blade(s)/Prop(s) will be via the normal serial interface (P30 & P31), which can also be used to load the software. Blade 1 is intended to be the Terminal Prop. It has VGA or TV, plus mouse and keyboard. It also has provision for 1 512Kx8 SRAM using a 74HC573 latch to latch the upper A11-18 address pins. This allows 2048 byte blocks (pages) to be accessed without the need to update the latch, thereby speeding up access. The SRAM uses the mouse and keyboard pins. If you are using the TV option, then they can be connected to the upper 4 (unused) VGA pins. If you are using the VGA, they will need to be wired to another prop (Blade 3) if you require them.
All Blades (Props) may have I2C Eeproms connected. All Blades (Props) may have 5.00MHz (or whatever) crystals connected. However, if you use all 3 Blades, I recommend that only Blade 3 have an I2C Eeprom and a crystal, and that it load the other Blades with code and generate the oscillator for them.
So, basically, you can have 1, 2 or 3 prop circuits running on this pcb, either seperate or linked - your choice. It is very flexible.
As soon as the pcb is away for manufacture, I will update the schematics.  I am getting a few extra pcbs done.
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Bob Lawrence (VE1RLL)
Registered Member
Date Joined Aug 2007
Total Posts : 420
| Posted 2/21/2009 5:42 PM (GMT -8) | | | | |
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James Michael Huselton
Registered Member
Date Joined Nov 2007
Total Posts : 613
| Posted 2/21/2009 5:45 PM (GMT -8) | | | | |
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Cluso99
We live onboard
Date Joined Apr 2008
Total Posts : 2276
| Posted 2/21/2009 8:30 PM (GMT -8) | | James,
Sorry, I am still doing the final pcb layout as I want to get that to production before I update the schematics (from the SixBlade version).
Once I have updated the schematics I will post them and email each of you who have emailed me. Sorry, it was quicker for me to just type what I have done in english.
Bob has described what is on the TriBladeProp fairly accurately.
I posted a photo of the SixBladeProp which I have just received back. I am not going to produce these as I can do better with the available space on the overall production panel size - pcbs are basically charged on panel size. The TriBladeProp is basically the SixBladeProp cut horizintally in half, but both halves are now identical because of the extra space, and a few additions as well. 
My first software project will be to get Blade 1 running a VT100 Terminal (I think from OBC) on vga or tv, and Blade 2 running heaters Altair 8080 CP/M. Since I have a large SRAM on Blade 2 I want the emulation have a full 64KB RAM (including simulated ROM) plus a 360KB (or 420KB) RAM simulated Floppy Drive, plus microSD and/or 1MByte Flash. It should fly!!! Later, I will add Blade 3 for more I/O.
I am sure others, like baggers may find uses for the SRAM on Blade 1 for video, or the SRAM for C (ICCx) or LMM.
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SRLM
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2008
Total Posts : 2716
| Posted 2/21/2009 9:48 PM (GMT -8) | | | The original design was for six Propellers on a single PCB. Cluso made a designers decision, and changed it to a three Propeller per PCB design. If you want the six Propeller solution, you just add together two three chip boards. | | Back to Top | | |
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Cluso99
We live onboard
Date Joined Apr 2008
Total Posts : 2276
| Posted 2/21/2009 10:11 PM (GMT -8) | | SRLM - Exactly
James - nothing has been sent - the PCBs have not been sent to manufacture as I am still completing the layout. I am hoping to have them in my hands in 2 weeks, ready for shipping. In addition to new schematics, I also need to make a BOM (Bill of Materials) as a couple of components have changed since I specified the parts for the Six.
Possibly the confusion has been because I had a pair of SixBladeProp PCBs manufactured. During the manufacture of these I discovered what the actual manufacturers panel size was, and it allowed me to add a few features and make the Six in an identical set of three (Tri). The Tri can better utilise the panel size and are therefore cheaper than half a 6, and if you really want 6, just put 2 Tri's together (or more).
Almost all components can be obtained from 2 suppliers, Digikey and Future Electronics. The exceptions are TV (RCA), VGA, MiniDin6 (PS2) connectors and the Power connector. I am sure these are probably available from these 2 suppliers - I just have not had the time to check - anyone like to do this for me??? And while I am asking, I thought the DC connector on the Prop Proto Board was 2.5mm although I saw on another thread where they were suggesting 2.1mm was more common. In Australia, 2.5mm is more common and center positive is normal. I am using center positive. The pinout for 2.1 and 2.5 are identical, but I would prefer to recommend the more common one. Any ideas???
Postedit: Digikey: RCA Yellow CP-1403-ND, VGA 609-2802-ND, MiniDin6 CP-4060-ND, Power 2.5mm CP-202B-ND, mini USB-B WM17115-ND, microSD HR1941CT-ND (I am not using microSD 3M5607CT-ND or mini USB-B H2961CT-ND as they are too difficult for inexperienced users to solder)
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Post Edited (Cluso99) : 2/22/2009 9:55:41 AM GMT | | Back to Top | | |
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SRLM
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2008
Total Posts : 2716
| Posted 2/22/2009 2:10 PM (GMT -8) | | | For the power jack, I'd use the size that parallax uses for the BOE and Protoboard. | | Back to Top | | |
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rjo_
Registered Member
Date Joined Feb 2007
Total Posts : 1572
| Posted 2/23/2009 6:22 AM (GMT -8) | | Cluso99...
I think the protocol is to debug and design in this forum and when the design is fixed and the price arranged, move it over to the Sandbox.
Great work.
Rich | | Back to Top | | |
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SRLM
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2008
Total Posts : 2716
| Posted 2/23/2009 2:22 PM (GMT -8) | | The completed projects forum is for things that are completed and have full documentation.
The sandbox is for things that don't fit in any other forum, which includes, but is not limited to, other microcontroller based projects (of which there are only a few).
I think this thread is fine for the propeller forum for the entire life of the project. | | Back to Top | | |
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rjo_
Registered Member
Date Joined Feb 2007
Total Posts : 1572
| Posted 2/23/2009 5:23 PM (GMT -8) | | Ken,
That is absolutely beautiful. So, in addition to this little board... you also have little tubes filled with fluid and sensors to measure it all?
Rich | | Back to Top | | |
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