Here is some more information about the SixBladeProp pcb... (a copy of what I sent to an order)
I was up in the air about thru hole vs smt. SMT is so much cheaper and more readily available but is a pain to assemble - I've done lots by hand in the past. But you can't just decide to add a part later, because often there is a specific order for placing the parts due to height and accessibility. So thru hole won out, and I am pleased with the decision.
I had the board over 50% layed out (in ExpressPCB) when Peter made me an offer I couldn't refuse - but I had to use Protel so I had to start again (my Protel was in Sydney). I had a timeframe to get it to Peter so it was rushed a bit. Anyway, Peter tweeked it and added a couple of nice bits.
Meanwhile, I have been adding another 1"x7" strip to go along the top edge which uses smt to add USB (PropPlug equiv), +5V and +3V3 power (also on the main pcb), microSD card socket, and I am still going. This strip could be cut off,·so I am just providing holes to wire them to the Blades as desired. I will place at least 2 of each items on the strip.·The USB has·PropPlug holes in the PropPlug format and includes the reset transistor. The microSD uses a 6pin format used by Digilent.
I am trying to make this pcb as flexible as possible. It can probably be cut down the middle if required to make 2 almost identical sets of blades (1-3 and 4-6), or you could even cut it up completely into 6 plus the strip into pieces. And what do you think about this 1" strip?
Anything you want on this strip? More USB or microSD or Power?, What about SPI·1-64Mbit Flash (currently wired as either/or with I2C Eeprom) - if I add this, then I will make it both thru hole and SMT.
The production panel size is 14.z" x 16.z"
I'll freeze the pcb as soon as I have the first protos in my hand and happy with them, so hopefully a week away from order.
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Provision for the SPI 1-64Mbit Flash is already on Blades 1, 2, 4 & 5 but uses an overlapping footprint with the I2C. And the one I recommended can also be read 2 bits at a time (double speed) as Din becomes D1 output.
Yes, power distribution is fine (0.020" traces) in a grid pattern and terminated with required decoupling capacitors. (I have designed pcbs for plugging into the bus of ICL mini-computers.)
The common oscillator clock can be disabled by drilling by hand the via at each prop. It is located between power and ground traces and is 0.020" trace (proper techniques, although only 5.00MHz or 6.00MHz). However, my latest thinking is using an output pin from 1 prop to drive the others so you will need to run a wire for this. Saves the oscillator cost.
As soon as I have the actual pcb I will post photos.
I cannot wait to try Heaters emulation with separate video prop and I/O prop. We can have a 360KB (or 448KB) SRAM Floppy Should fly....!!! And 2GB microSD.
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I now expect to get my first SixBladeProp pcbs tomorrow. The delay has been due to an early trip to Sydney (and birth of our first granchild)·
Production of the panel size has allowed me to increase the pcb size slightly. This means that I have now been able to make two sets of 3 props (Blades) identical. So, the SixBladeProp is now a ThreeBladeProp. Use two ThreeBladeProps to get a SIxBladeProp, three for a NineBladeProp,·etc. Each ThreeBladeProp is 2.8" (or 2.9") x 8"·with mounting to conform to the prop proto board 3x4", but in 3x8". This means the mounting holes are close to the edge of the long sides of the pcbs. The boards can be stacked. I can produce 10 boards on a panel, two wide by 5 high.·The connectors will interfere with one another between the two sections, but it is possible to have 5 x ThreeBladeProps on the one pcb for a total of 15 Props !!!
I am considering whether to keep them in two panels of 5 x ThreeBladeProp pcbs with a "V-groove" cut between them, meaning they can be broken apart with slightly rougher edges (requires quick file or sand on the edge), or individual pcbs. This means a group of ThreeBladeProps can be on the one pcb and power linked accross between them. If broken apart, they can be stacked. Do you have an opinion?
Specifications (subject to change): (refers to·previous·information published in this thread)
Blade #3: ·Blade 1:· Identical to the old Blade 3 - trying to place 3 2 Spin Studio connectors also.
Blade #2:· Identical to the old Blade 2, with WE, CE2, CE3 moved to props P27-29. Has provision for 2 x 512KB SRAMs, or 1 x 512KB SRAM and a microSD connector or SPI 1-64Mbit Flash (see below)
Blade #3:·Blade 3:· Identical to the old Blade 1, with VGA/TV connector. 2 PS2 connectors provided to be linked to this or another Blade. Has provision for 1 x 512KB SRAM with 74HC573 address latch.
With the extra length and width, the pcb has the following:
* 1 x PropPlug equivalent using the FT232RL (surface mount SOIC) and mini USB-B (surface mount). Holes to connect to any Blade.
* 1 x microSD connector - SMT - 2 overlapping footprints - one has the pins in the center of the connector so not so easy to solder (Mouser), the other has pins on the edge but is not as sturdy for the miniSD card (Farnell).
* 1 x DC input connector with 5V and 3V3 regulators LM1117 SMT and Thru hole provided.
* 2 x PS2 (MiniDin 6) connectors for keyboard and mouse. Serial lines terminating in pads for user to connect.
* 1 x VGA and TV connector for video use. 8 output lines connect to Blade 3.
* 1 x SPI 1-64Mbit flash chip, 8 pin. Circuit connections terminate in pads for the user to wire.
* All Blades have an option to mount a thru' hole I2C 24C256/512/1024 and 2 pullup resistors.
The 2 x PS2 connectors and VGA are on the right hand end of the pcb. The TV connector is on the lower edge. The mini USB, microSD, and power connectors are on the top edge.
The oscillator is intended to be provided by one of the Blades (prop) output pins, not a crystal oscillator.
All parts are thru' hole unless noted above.
PCB pricing is estimated to be A$30 (US$20) per ThreeBladeProp plus shipping at cost (express international post) and any taxes in your country (if required), provided I can get enough orders. Anticipated ship date would be 2 weeks from today.
Comments
[noparse][[/noparse]POC] single wire high speed serial link
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=328063&p=1
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Links to other interesting threads:
· Home of the MultiBladeProps (SixBladeProp)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators (Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100) - index
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)
My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz
I was up in the air about thru hole vs smt. SMT is so much cheaper and more readily available but is a pain to assemble - I've done lots by hand in the past. But you can't just decide to add a part later, because often there is a specific order for placing the parts due to height and accessibility. So thru hole won out, and I am pleased with the decision.
I had the board over 50% layed out (in ExpressPCB) when Peter made me an offer I couldn't refuse - but I had to use Protel so I had to start again (my Protel was in Sydney). I had a timeframe to get it to Peter so it was rushed a bit. Anyway, Peter tweeked it and added a couple of nice bits.
Meanwhile, I have been adding another 1"x7" strip to go along the top edge which uses smt to add USB (PropPlug equiv), +5V and +3V3 power (also on the main pcb), microSD card socket, and I am still going. This strip could be cut off,·so I am just providing holes to wire them to the Blades as desired. I will place at least 2 of each items on the strip.·The USB has·PropPlug holes in the PropPlug format and includes the reset transistor. The microSD uses a 6pin format used by Digilent.
I am trying to make this pcb as flexible as possible. It can probably be cut down the middle if required to make 2 almost identical sets of blades (1-3 and 4-6), or you could even cut it up completely into 6 plus the strip into pieces. And what do you think about this 1" strip?
Anything you want on this strip? More USB or microSD or Power?, What about SPI·1-64Mbit Flash (currently wired as either/or with I2C Eeprom) - if I add this, then I will make it both thru hole and SMT.
The production panel size is 14.z" x 16.z"
I'll freeze the pcb as soon as I have the first protos in my hand and happy with them, so hopefully a week away from order.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Links to other interesting threads:
· Home of the MultiBladeProps (SixBladeProp)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators (Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100) - index
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)
My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz
I also want SPI 1-64Mbit Flash memory (I believe I got the drift).
If i don't get these things, well, all I have to say is: brilliant job, just brilliant.
Thanks to you, all.
James Michael Huselton
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JMH
Yes, power distribution is fine (0.020" traces) in a grid pattern and terminated with required decoupling capacitors. (I have designed pcbs for plugging into the bus of ICL mini-computers.)
The common oscillator clock can be disabled by drilling by hand the via at each prop. It is located between power and ground traces and is 0.020" trace (proper techniques, although only 5.00MHz or 6.00MHz). However, my latest thinking is using an output pin from 1 prop to drive the others so you will need to run a wire for this. Saves the oscillator cost.
As soon as I have the actual pcb I will post photos.
I cannot wait to try Heaters emulation with separate video prop and I/O prop. We can have a 360KB (or 448KB) SRAM Floppy
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Links to other interesting threads:
· Home of the MultiBladeProps (SixBladeProp)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators (Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100) - index
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)
My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz
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JMH
Production of the panel size has allowed me to increase the pcb size slightly. This means that I have now been able to make two sets of 3 props (Blades) identical. So, the SixBladeProp is now a ThreeBladeProp. Use two ThreeBladeProps to get a SIxBladeProp, three for a NineBladeProp,·etc. Each ThreeBladeProp is 2.8" (or 2.9") x 8"·with mounting to conform to the prop proto board 3x4", but in 3x8". This means the mounting holes are close to the edge of the long sides of the pcbs. The boards can be stacked. I can produce 10 boards on a panel, two wide by 5 high.·The connectors will interfere with one another between the two sections, but it is possible to have 5 x ThreeBladeProps on the one pcb for a total of 15 Props !!!
I am considering whether to keep them in two panels of 5 x ThreeBladeProp pcbs with a "V-groove" cut between them, meaning they can be broken apart with slightly rougher edges (requires quick file or sand on the edge), or individual pcbs. This means a group of ThreeBladeProps can be on the one pcb and power linked accross between them. If broken apart, they can be stacked. Do you have an opinion?
Specifications (subject to change):
(refers to·previous·information published in this thread)
With the extra length and width, the pcb has the following:
* 1 x PropPlug equivalent using the FT232RL (surface mount SOIC) and mini USB-B (surface mount). Holes to connect to any Blade.
* 1 x microSD connector - SMT - 2 overlapping footprints - one has the pins in the center of the connector so not so easy to solder (Mouser), the other has pins on the edge but is not as sturdy for the miniSD card (Farnell).
* 1 x DC input connector with 5V and 3V3 regulators LM1117 SMT and Thru hole provided.
* 2 x PS2 (MiniDin 6) connectors for keyboard and mouse. Serial lines terminating in pads for user to connect.
* 1 x VGA and TV connector for video use. 8 output lines connect to Blade 3.
* 1 x SPI 1-64Mbit flash chip, 8 pin. Circuit connections terminate in pads for the user to wire.
* All Blades have an option to mount a thru' hole I2C 24C256/512/1024 and 2 pullup resistors.
The 2 x PS2 connectors and VGA are on the right hand end of the pcb. The TV connector is on the lower edge. The mini USB, microSD, and power connectors are on the top edge.
The oscillator is intended to be provided by one of the Blades (prop) output pins, not a crystal oscillator.
All parts are thru' hole unless noted above.
PCB pricing is estimated to be A$30 (US$20) per ThreeBladeProp plus shipping at cost (express international post) and any taxes in your country (if required), provided I can get enough orders. Anticipated ship date would be 2 weeks from today.
Anyone interested should email me at·cluso@bluemagic.biz
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Links to other interesting threads:
· Home of the MultiBladeProps (SixBladeProp)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators (Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100) - index
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)
My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz
Post Edited (Cluso99) : 2/20/2009 4:27:18 AM GMT
Here are the photos
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Links to other interesting threads:
· Home of the MultiBladeProps (SixBladeProp)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators (Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100) - index
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)
My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz
MultiBladeProp - TriBladeProp (3 Prop PCB)
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=786418
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Links to other interesting threads:
· Home of the MultiBladeProps (SixBladeProp)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators (Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100) - index
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)
My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz