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TriBlade II - Thinking about a new revision - suggestions please — Parallax Forums

TriBlade II - Thinking about a new revision - suggestions please

Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,069
edited 2011-12-12 02:00 in Propeller 1
I have had a number of enquiries about my TriBlade pcbs. However I ran out a long time ago. The pcbs were sooo expensive due to the size, I have not wanted to outlay that expense again.

Quite some time ago I started the design of a replacement TriBlade that would remove some of the features never used, and therefore reduce the pcb size, and hence pcb cost. Nothing eventuated. Here are my current thoughts...

TriBlade II

A through hole pcb design where possible (exceptions include FT232RL, TO252 power regulators, microSD and perhaps RTC)

Prop 1:
  1. Prop, xtal, eeprom (pluggable xtal, able to be overclocked >=104MHz)
  2. I/O selectable via links/shunts...
    1. Keyboard (PS2 mode - dual footprint PS2 or USB)
    2. Mouse (PS2 mode - dual footprint PS2 or USB )
    3. TV (RCA and AV4 3.5mm connector combined with stereo)
    4. Stereo Out (AV4 3.5mm connector combined with TV)
    5. ADC Input (2 pins or 4 pins) ??? (any suggestions???)
    6. MicroSD ???
    7. Header for other unused pins
Prop 2:
  1. Prop, xtal, eeprom (pluggable xtal, able to be overclocked >=104MHz)
  2. 1 x 512KB 55ns SRAM
  3. MicroSD
  4. RTC DS1340C??? (any suggestions???)
  5. Compatible with RamBlade 3
Prop 3:
  1. Prop, xtal, eeprom (pluggable xtal, able to be overclocked >=104MHz)
  2. All I/O on pin headers.
PropPlug:
  1. FT232RL (smt) circuit with transistor reset circuitry
  2. miniUSB connector
  3. Self-contained circuit so can be used with other boards via cable header
Power Supply:
  1. External 5V-9V DC via 2.1mm center positive plug
  2. Onboard 5V and 3V3 regulators TO252 SMT
  3. Power switch
Other:
  1. 3 uncommited LEDs provided for testing/debugging
  2. Links/shunts to link P30/31 together between props and propplug
Other differences between TriBlade & TriBlade II:
  1. Prop 2 only has 1x 512KB SRAM, not 2, and no latches (i.e. faster)
  2. Prop 2 does not have optional Flash chip
  3. Prop 1 does not have SRAM option
  4. Prop 3 will have the more common 5v,Gnd,Pn..Pn+7 connectors to each port
Any comments or suggestions welcome

Availability: If enough interest... maybe late January, early February 2012

Comments

  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2011-12-11 19:41
    IIRC your original TriBlade used DIP Props.

    Will TriBlade II use DIP or SMT? (Sorry if I missed it. I looked through your discription a couple of times and couldn't find it.)

    I'm guessing you'll move to SMT to save on board size.

    BTW, I'm always very impressed with how nice your boards look.

    What's the advantages of using the 512KB SRAM? It uses a bunch of address lines, right? So is it a lot faster than using eight 23K256 SRAM chips in parallel? (Sorry, if this is a dumb question, I'm still trying to understand the many different memory types.)
  • Dr_AculaDr_Acula Posts: 5,484
    edited 2011-12-11 20:22
    I have a soft spot for the Triblade - it was/is the first propeller board I ever got.

    Since you are bringing out unused pins on prop 3 to a header, I wonder what your thoughts are about making this a Gadget Gangster format? You could do this as well as a standard header if you wanted.
  • Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,069
    edited 2011-12-11 21:55
    Duane: I said at the top of the post it was almost entirely a t/hole design. I have alternate smt modules that perform various sections of the TriBlade, but not on one pcb ATM.

    Drac: Unfortunately I do not think there is enough space to put on the pcb what I want and yet track to the Gadget Gangster footprint. I will however take a look see - good suggestion.
  • AleAle Posts: 2,363
    edited 2011-12-12 01:37
    Cluso, could you please add additional footprints for other regulators ?. I still have some unused triblades... sadly I never could used them as I wanted and always ended up wiring my own boards :(. If someone wants them (2 or 3 are available), just drop me a PM.
  • TorTor Posts: 2,010
    edited 2011-12-12 01:50
    The only part I don't like is the microSD.. microSD is OK in 100% permanent storage, like the install-in-phone-and-forget type, but for removable storage I find the micro variant hopeless. The cards are too small (and expensive too). So for those I like to use normal, full-size SD.

    Just my 0.002c
    -Tor
  • AleAle Posts: 2,363
    edited 2011-12-12 02:00
    a normal-sized SD footprint on the bottom side could be added, but which one ? there are several different socket :(, I seem to always have the wrong socket for the available footprints :(. Nothing to do :(... maybe add a 6x1 connector so we can plug a breakout board with the right SD connector :)
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