Both sides previous revision
Previous revision
Next revision
|
Previous revision
|
builderpages:trick-1:start [2017/09/24 07:41] trick-1 |
builderpages:trick-1:start [2019/11/15 19:24] (current) trick-1 |
* The Apple II - I still have a II//e and a II europlus that I have restored and collected a variety of cards for over the years. I have also designed (opto coupled parallel I/O card) and in the process of finalising a build of a Transputer link card with modification from Das Transputer Buch. // | * The Apple II - I still have a II//e and a II europlus that I have restored and collected a variety of cards for over the years. I have also designed (opto coupled parallel I/O card) and in the process of finalising a build of a Transputer link card with modification from Das Transputer Buch. // |
* //Transputers - I caught the transputer bug in the late 1990's and today have a modest collection of which most runs Helios. // | * //Transputers - I caught the transputer bug in the late 1990's and today have a modest collection of which most runs Helios. // |
* //Building electronic things - Now this is where RetroBrewComputers has just recently come into my life {{https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/images/smileys/icon_smile.gif?nolink&}}// | * //Building electronic things - Now this is where RetroBrewComputers has just recently come into my life // |
* //Other computing related things such as SunOS/FreeBSD/OpenBSD/Ubuntu and Nvidia CUDA/Parallella/Intel Xeon Phi Clusters // | * //Other computing related things such as SunOS/FreeBSD/OpenBSD/Ubuntu and Nvidia CUDA/Parallella/Intel Xeon Phi Clusters // |
//**RetroBrewComputer Build** // | //**RetroBrewComputer Build** // |
| |
* //SBCV2 - Fully built and operational running romwbw 2.71. Currently running the Z80 at 4Mhz. Powered directly from the backplane <del>PSU at this stage</del>.// | * //SBCV2 - Fully built and operational running romwbw 2.71. Currently running the Z80 at 4Mhz. Powered directly from the backplane <del>PSU at this stage</del>.// |
* //12-Slot Backplane 505-6508 - Built and 1/2 populated with connectors. {{https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=dacc63&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=f81a38&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=f2469c&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=0d060e&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=59ac1a&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=4285a3&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=builderpages:trick-1:backplane.jpg?linkonly|:builderpages:trick-1:backplane.jpg}} // | * //12-Slot Backplane 505-6508 - Built and 1/2 populated with connectors. {{https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=646ca3&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=c5963d&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=02413e&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=2f2fe0&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=6bc3fe&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=480284&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=dacc63&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=f81a38&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=f2469c&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=0d060e&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=59ac1a&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=4285a3&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=builderpages:trick-1:backplane.jpg?linkonly|:builderpages:trick-1:backplane.jpg}} // |
* //ECB Bus Monitor - working {{https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=08f173&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=f14e57&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=9cc45d&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=63f6c6&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=16b8d4&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=8002ee&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=builderpages:trick-1:busmon.jpg?linkonly|:builderpages:trick-1:busmon.jpg}} // | * //ECB Bus Monitor - working {{https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=e9ba0c&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=eb2f1f&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=831fa6&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=bfc05d&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=eaa775&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=4c98a9&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=08f173&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=f14e57&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=9cc45d&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=63f6c6&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=16b8d4&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=8002ee&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=builderpages:trick-1:busmon.jpg?linkonly|:builderpages:trick-1:busmon.jpg}} // |
* //ECB Disk I/O V3.0 - working {{https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=8b55a6&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=78d8e0&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=1998bc&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=db340e&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=54a6fe&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=d5b98b&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=builderpages:trick-1:diskio.jpg?linkonly|:builderpages:trick-1:diskio.jpg}} // | * //ECB Disk I/O V3.0 - working {{https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=5743b0&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=de2cc4&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=26a8d2&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=ccd66a&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=f5bc64&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=1f66f6&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=8b55a6&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=78d8e0&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=1998bc&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=db340e&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=54a6fe&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=d5b98b&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=builderpages:trick-1:diskio.jpg?linkonly|:builderpages:trick-1:diskio.jpg}} // |
* //ECB cvdu - working {{https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=53b05a&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=fb4e25&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=4ad45d&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=57578b&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=993133&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=659364&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=builderpages:trick-1:cvdu.jpg?linkonly|:builderpages:trick-1:cvdu.jpg}} // | * //ECB cvdu - working {{https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=00bc7b&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=4f6b0a&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=68c75b&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=7a14a7&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=72792f&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=1548c0&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=53b05a&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=fb4e25&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=4ad45d&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=57578b&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=993133&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=659364&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=builderpages:trick-1:cvdu.jpg?linkonly|:builderpages:trick-1:cvdu.jpg}} // |
* //ECB propio - Pending Propeller programming {{https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=30ec65&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=1fa137&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=007bff&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=a24969&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=d12c23&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=878fa0&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=builderpages:trick-1:propio.jpg?linkonly|:builderpages:trick-1:propio.jpg}} // | * //ECB propio - Pending Propeller programming {{https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=0514d5&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=5e88bd&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=8622fc&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=ae9fda&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=174d89&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=0e1f1a&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=30ec65&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=1fa137&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=007bff&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=a24969&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=d12c23&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?tok=878fa0&media=https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=builderpages:trick-1:propio.jpg?linkonly|:builderpages:trick-1:propio.jpg}} // |
* ECB ProtoBoard III - working | * ECB ProtoBoard III - working |
* EuroCard Rack - I got a great deal from this gumtree seller in Australia who has a range of racks/PSU/card guides, front pannel hardware etc [[https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/blacktown-area/other-electronics-computers/din41612-eurocard-frame-card-guides-183mm-jg1/1129976514|https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/blacktown-area/other-electronics-computers/din41612-eurocard-frame-card-guides-183mm-jg1/1129976514]] | * EuroCard Rack - I got a great deal from this gumtree seller in Australia who has a range of racks/PSU/card guides, front pannel hardware etc [[https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/blacktown-area/other-electronics-computers/din41612-eurocard-frame-card-guides-183mm-jg1/1129976514|https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/blacktown-area/other-electronics-computers/din41612-eurocard-frame-card-guides-183mm-jg1/1129976514]] |
* 250W ATX Slimline Switch Mode Power Supply with ATX socket on breadboard and switch between the green wire and ground (sorry that's really not technical) | * 250W ATX Slimline Switch Mode Power Supply with ATX socket on breadboard and switch between the green wire and ground (sorry that's really not technical) |
| * MiniMax8085 - tested and working well |
| |
Yet to be built | Built but yest to be tested |
| |
* In hand and some assembly started. | * ECB ProtoBoard III x1 |
* ECB ProtoBoard III x1 | * ECB 68030 |
* ECB 68030 | * ECB MF-PIC |
* ECB MF-PIC | * SBC6120-rbc-edition - This is now built |
* SBC6120-rbc-edition - Thanks to Andrew the kit of parts has arrived. Looking forward to building this up. | * ECB VGA3 |
* MiniMax8085 | |
* ECB VGA3 | Pending final parts |
* ECB Dual-SD-Card | |
* ECB 4UART-USB | * ECB 4UART-USB |
* CPU280 | * ECB Dual-SD-Card |
* CPU280 IDE (I forget right now what that's called) | * ECB Sprite Video Card |
* Pending purchase | |
* 3 Slot ECB Backplane | To be built |
| |
| * CPU280 |
| * REH-RBC-IDE |
| * 3 Slot ECB Backplane |
| |
This is a rather bad photo but shows my initial setup in an ABS Rack Case. This is now in a metal EuroCard Rack case (photo pending) | This is a rather bad photo but shows my initial setup in an ABS Rack Case. This is now in a metal EuroCard Rack case (photo pending) |
| |
{{:builderpages:trick-1:ecb_system.jpg?nolink&500x375}} | {{:builderpages:trick-1:ecb_system.jpg?nolink&500x375|ecb_system.jpg}} |
| |
September 2017 Update | September 2017 Update |
The following is the current setup | The following is the current setup |
| |
{{:builderpages:trick-1:rbcsep2017.jpg?nolink&400x300}} | {{:builderpages:trick-1:rbcsep2017.jpg?nolink&400x300|rbcsep2017.jpg}} |
| |
**Transputer's a 5 second Introduction** | |
| |
A Transputer is a CPU originally designed by INMOS in the late 1980's. The CPU was designed with parallel computing in mind. Defining features of a Transputer are | |
| |
* 32bit CPU (T4xx/T8xx) | |
* 4x 10/20Mbit/s serial links for communication to up to 4 other Transputers | |
* Programmable in Occam, C, Pascal | |
* Run O/S such as Minix and Helios | |
| |
For more on the Transputer [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transputer|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transputer]] and also Axel Muhr's excellent site [[http://www.geekdot.com/hardware/transputer/|http://www.geekdot.com/hardware/transputer/]] | |
| |
**What is a TRAM** | |
| |
A TRAM is basically a standard carrier for an INMOS Transputer and the circuit for its function such as Compute with memory, SCSI, ethernet, serial etc. The following link provides some information regards the TRAM specification. [[http://www.transputer.net/tn/29/tn29.html#x1-50003.1|http://www.transputer.net/tn/29/tn29.html#x1-50003.1]] | |
| |
Example of TRAM can be seen plugged into the Tram Carrier Card below. | |
| |
TRAM's are silly expensive on ebay! So probably not the place to start if you don't have any. Much better to wait for the ECB Transputer CPU Card. | |
| |
**Basic Transputer System** | |
| |
A basic Transputer system consists | |
| |
* Host - in this case the ECB based machine | |
* Host Adapater Card or Transputer link Interface (see ECB Transputer Link Interface below) | |
* Transputer Network - TRAM Carrier Boards or non-TRAM based CPU Cards (see ECB TRAM Carrier Card and Transputer CPU Card below) | |
| |
the basic setup is | |
| |
[Host CPU] <→ [BUS] <→ [Transputer Link Interface] <→ [Transputer Network] | |
| |
The HOST CPU communicates to the Transputer network via the Transputer LInk Interface. | |
| |
**ECB Transputer Link Interface (aka TLI )** | |
| |
This is something I want to try and bring to the community as it will allow communication from an ECB system to a Transputer network. | |
| |
It is slow progress and maybe one day I will hopefully finish the board design. I have started to design the link interface leveraging the prototype board work that is already in existence and borrowing heavily from Das Transputer Buch (yes that book really is a fantastic source of information). | |
| |
The link interface would allow the connection of an ECB based system to a Transputer network. The ECB Tram Carrier Card is a candidate. | |
| |
Mar/17 - Design almost finalised, just need to complete the bus connections before sending to PCBWay ([[http://www.pcbway.com/|http://www.pcbway.com/]]) for the first run. | |
| |
**ECB TRAM Carrier Card (aka 4TC2 )** | |
| |
The idea here is to create a simple ECB card that can support 1-4 INMOS TRAM's. <del>Have started work but original design needs some revision to make it more aligned with standard practices.</del> | |
| |
Have finalised a design | |
| |
* Supports 4 TRAM's | |
* cascade to multiple boards | |
* Power from EuroConnector or external standalone | |
* Breakout for all unused links | |
| |
I sent the files to PCBway ([[http://www.pcbway.com/|http://www.pcbway.com/]]) for manufacture. Once tested will put this up in the ECB boards section with all the right gerber files. | |
| |
Gerber files for version 0.4 of the board {{:builderpages:trick-1:4tc2v0.4.zip|:builderpages:trick-1:4tc2v0.4.zip}} | |
| |
Jan/17 - Boards arrived from PCBway, well packed, professionally made and in cool red! Have assembled and tested 1 unit. Some minor layout, screen print and design issues to resolve but they work! | |
| |
[[https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=builderpages:trick-1:4tc2_0.4_bare.jpg|{{:builderpages:trick-1:4tc2_0.4_bare.jpg?direct&500x375}}]] | |
| |
Feb/17 - Version 0.4 of the board is now confirmed fully working however a number of design modifications have been made and Version 0.5 of the board is pending. | |
| |
{{:builderpages:trick-1:4tc2_0.4_1tram.jpg?nolink&500x375}} | |
| |
v0.4 plugged into Axel @ Geekdot's Apple II Transputer Link Card | |
| |
{{:builderpages:trick-1:4tc2-aii.jpg?nolink&500x375}} | |
| |
Proof of life. Simple BASIC program using PEEK/POKE to interact and confirm that there is a Transputer connected. | |
| |
{{:builderpages:trick-1:atc2-alive.jpg?nolink&500x375}} | |
| |
The following is the image of the version 0.4 board with 4 INMOS TRAM's installed. | |
| |
{{:builderpages:trick-1:4tc2.jpg?nolink&500x375}} | |
| |
Jul/17 - Version 0.5 of the board has been finalised and sent for manufacture ([[http://www.pcbway.com|http://www.pcbway.com]]). | |
| |
Jul/17 - Version 0.5 boards have arrived. | |
| |
{{:builderpages:trick-1:4tc2_0.5_bare.jpg?nolink&500x375}} | |
| |
The following files are what have been sent. Please note that this version has had some modifications and re-routing from v0.4 of the board and as yet have not been tested. | |
| |
* Schematic {{:builderpages:trick-1:ecb_tram_carrier.pdf|:builderpages:trick-1:ecb_tram_carrier.pdf}} | |
* Gerber Files {{:builderpages:trick-1:4tc2v0.5.zip|:builderpages:trick-1:4tc2v0.5.zip}} | |
| |
**ECB Transputer CPU Card (TCPU)** | |
| |
This card is in initial design phase but is aiming to be | |
| |
* 1-2x Transputer CPUs on board | |
* Minimum 1MB SRAM | |
* head and tail connector | |
* breakout of unused links | |
* Power from EuroConnector or external for standalone | |
| |
This is ideal for those who want to put a Transputer in their system but maybe cannot get hold of a TRAM module. | |
| |
//**ECB Transputer CPU Card -TCPUv0.1** // | |
| |
6/7/2017 Have decided that the first development version will be just the Transputer, link connections, power and mandatory support circuit all other pins from the Transputer will be broken out into a header so that I can experiment with memory and other peripherals. | |
| |
KiCAD and Gerber Files {{:builderpages:trick-1:ecbtcpu_version_0.1.zip|:builderpages:trick-1:ecbtcpu_version_0.1.zip}} | |
| |
7/7/2017 Version 0.1 files have been sent to manufacture at ([[http://www.pcbway.com|http://www.pcbway.com]])… | |
| |
Jul/17 0.1 boards have arrived…. | |
| |
{{:builderpages:trick-1:ecb_t-cpu.jpg?direct&500x375}} | |
| |
Sep/17 Version 0.1 board finally built, tested and working!. | |
| |
errata so far | |
| |
* Error should have been presented as notError - need to add a 74LS04 inverter to the next version of the board | |
* Link0 not presetned in the uplink header. Link3 is there instead. | |
* Link Speed Jumpers need to be added | |
* Tidy up link locations and label | |
| |
The following shows the current state. You can see the 74LS04 on a vero board behind the main board. Also the brown wire jumper down to the breakout where the link speed connections ended up. Plugged into my IIe running the basic test code and those magic words "32 BIT TRANSPUTER FOUND" | |
| |
{{:builderpages:trick-1:ecbtran0.1.jpg?nolink&400x300}} | |
| |
**ECB Manual Cross Bar Switch (MCBS)** | |
| |
This card has been designed but is yet to be manufactured for testing. This is mainly because I have not built enough ECB based Transputer cards to warrant doing so. In theory it is a manual version of the INMOS IMSC004 Cross Bar Switch. Obviously not software configurable. | |
| |
The card allows the connection of all unused links from other ECB Transputer boards via a single ribbon cable and then allow for the link configuration to be set with jumper cables. This will allow for maximum configuration of a given set of Transputers cards from either Final version of TCPU or 4TC2v0.5 and above. | |
| |
The following are the KiCAD Design and Gerber Files. I have never had this board fabricated but as you can see it is rather simple. | |
| |
KiCAD {{:builderpages:trick-1:ecb_crosspatch_20170706.zip|:builderpages:trick-1:ecb_crosspatch_20170706.zip}} | |
| |
Gerber {{:builderpages:trick-1:ecbtcrosspatch.zip|:builderpages:trick-1:ecbtcrosspatch.zip}} | |
| |