ST FPGA GLUE Development

[Icky]

Yesterday I prepped my DEV ST motherboard for development of the GLUE chip similar to the MMU and Blitter FPGA work we have been working on. In addition we have created an FPGA Development section on the forum for all the FPGA projects https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=80

Below is a picture of the mother board with the GLUE and MMU socketed and able to test with original chips using plug in @exxos funky adaptors. @PaulJ and @PhilC bet this picture reminds you of the towers on the ALPHA.

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Using the FPGA Dev Kit boards with buffer board combo as in the MMU thread the plug-in FPGA combo just fits with the case peg, bit of a tight fit, not that the top case would ever fit on top of this configuration

Now this board is good to do all FPGA testing but ideally I would like to get an H4 setup for such an environment but that is a later stage/project once we have the MMU and GLUE firmware in a better state. You may notice the Blitter socket is slightly different and am going to change that to the same header / jumper combo.

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EDIT: For reference is a link to the GLUE Pinout from the IC section on the forum

[PaulJ]

Below is a picture of the mother board with the GLUE and MMU socketed and able to test with original chips using plug in @exxos funky adaptors. @PaulJ and @PhilC bet this picture reminds you of the towers on the ALPHA.

I bet @exxos is dying of envy.

[Icky]

Finally got round to getting some new Shock Absorber boards made, what with assembly shop etc issues and life in general getting in the way on all projects. Basically they are 3V3 <-> 5V translator boards for the QMTech FPGA Dev kit boards and made to go in the PLCC layout on H4 / H5 boards. This enables us to test cores on the H5 whilst we continue to work on the Blitter FPGA boards (Sparkalaphobia) being assembled.

The Shock Absorber allows for Blitter, MMU and GLUE layouts. JLC have run out of the translator chips so have to assemble myself

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[exxos]

The Shock Absorber allows for Blitter, MMU and GLUE layouts. JLC have run out of the translator chips so have to assemble myself

Easy on the voltera

[JezC]

Easy on the voltera

...when it works!

[sporniket]

Nice.

[Icky]

Voltera worked out well and have built up first PLCC adaptor. Used the Blitter socket to help keep the pins inline for soldering.

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Next phase to replace the PLCC sockets of the GLUE and MMU to be like the Blitter socket and build up some more boards.

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I have found that PLCC sockets fit nicely in those pin sockets and work well so swapping and testing FPGA and originals is nice and easy. Blitter in PLCC in sockets below.

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[rpineau]

Very nice