I was intending to raise the issue of the Xtag connector. I favour having it off the module, and connected via the pins. Alternatively, there could be a small connector on the module with just the essential signals on it, and a little adapter could be supplied for the Xtag-2. The former keeps the cost down, at the expense of some I/O. I don't think that many users of this type of product will want lots of I/O, they will mainly be hobbyists. I also intend to provide a prototyping board for the module with a 40-way socket and lots of holes, which would include the XTAG-2 connector, 5V and 3.3V regulators, and a DC input connector. With my favoured solution, there is a problem if people want to use solderless breadboards (I don't like them) in that some sort of adapter will still be needed for the XTAG-2 connections. A solderless breadboard could be mounted on the prototyping board, or a similar board, of course
Leon
Dual In-line Adaptor Board?
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Last edited by leon_heller on Fri Dec 11, 2009 2:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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I think one of the big wins of these would be to allow people to use solderless breadboards. If you can find a way to do that I'd already place an order for 5 (at present).
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The problem with adding an smd JTAG is that it requires a JTAG programmer and an extra cable, this can act as a barrier to entry. However there is always a compromise between cost and functionality, what is the impact of adding an XC-5 like usb to the board on cost and board space Leon? Is it feasible to add this?
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Hi,
I may have posted about this before on Xlinkers - there is a very useful company in the USA, (beldynsys.com) that makes a wide range of SMT prototyping adapters. These include snap-apart cards for most types of SMT components as well as bigger prototype boards with a large grid of .100" pitch through-holes as well as a power supply area.
FWIW, I have quite often used their indivual small SMT cards expoxied on to the insulated side of single-sided printed circuit card to make quick prototypes that would fairly closely represent a 'real' PCB.
John
I may have posted about this before on Xlinkers - there is a very useful company in the USA, (beldynsys.com) that makes a wide range of SMT prototyping adapters. These include snap-apart cards for most types of SMT components as well as bigger prototype boards with a large grid of .100" pitch through-holes as well as a power supply area.
FWIW, I have quite often used their indivual small SMT cards expoxied on to the insulated side of single-sided printed circuit card to make quick prototypes that would fairly closely represent a 'real' PCB.
John
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I'd rather make it XTAG-2 compatible, to match all future XMOS products. It'll also save the cost of an FTDI chip. Users won't have access to a virtual PC COM port as they do with the XC-5, of course. If they need that they will have to interface an FTDI chip to the module, they are available on convenient break-out boards.
Leon
Leon
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Hi Leon,
I looked at this a while ago and designed a shcematic with a XS1-L1-64TQFP. Unfortunately due to the size of the package it won't easily fit on a 600mil wide DIP footprint.
I have attached a zipped pdf schematic which has a switch mode core supply, the PLL filtered and connected and the required reset cirucitry. JTAG is on the connector pins rather than having an on board XSYS header. I've used a 25MHz xtal to give a core frequency of 500MHz.
Regards,
Corin
I looked at this a while ago and designed a shcematic with a XS1-L1-64TQFP. Unfortunately due to the size of the package it won't easily fit on a 600mil wide DIP footprint.
I have attached a zipped pdf schematic which has a switch mode core supply, the PLL filtered and connected and the required reset cirucitry. JTAG is on the connector pins rather than having an on board XSYS header. I've used a 25MHz xtal to give a core frequency of 500MHz.
Regards,
Corin
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Thanks. It's a similar concept.
It would be nice if there was a QFN option for the single-core devices.
Leon
It would be nice if there was a QFN option for the single-core devices.
Leon
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Agreed on the QFN package, any estimate on pricing for your board Leon? looking forward to seeing it.
@Corin really 500Mhz! is that possible, how fast can it be clocked?
regards
Al
@Corin really 500Mhz! is that possible, how fast can it be clocked?
regards
Al
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Something like £30-£35, hopefully. It depends on how many I get made in a batch. I have a contact in China who might help me get a good manufacturing deal, even for what is a small order by their standards.
Leon
Leon
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I'm thinking of using this Molex connector for the XTAG adapter:
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/sear ... &R=5427012
and this cable:
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/sear ... &R=4591960
I've just ordered some so that I can check the PCB footprint, and the cable security.
Leon
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/sear ... &R=5427012
and this cable:
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/sear ... &R=4591960
I've just ordered some so that I can check the PCB footprint, and the cable security.
Leon