[hpsdr] Atlas Update - From whence we have come

[Philip Covington]

Hi Alex,

On 5/9/06, Alex <harvilchuck at yahoo.com> wrote:
<snip>

> There are still a number of basic questions unanswered, things like, but not
> limited to:
> What are the form factors for the plug-in cards?

We chose 100mm x 100mm (I call it 3U100), but I would not restrict it
to that size only.  I could see where we could get by with a 3U50
sized card in some cases.  I have a bunch of 3U220 prototyping cards
that I will probably use for certain things.  It really depends on
what type of case you intend to use.  Personally, I am not sure I am
going to use a PC type case - I will probably construct something
custom for my own use.

> What are the specifics of the ATLAS bus (some of it is written down, but
> there are a bunch of blanks)?

Please be more specific (ask more specific questions).  What are the
blanks you need filled in?

> Is a 10MHz or a 1pps reference signal going to be supported? If so, it it
> going to be distributed over the backplane?

It certainly can be.  The OZY board will have a few optional LVDS
drivers to allow clocks to be distributed over twisted pair via a 2
pin header.

> Are the JTAG connectors going to be put in a common location on the top of
> each plug-in card?

We have a JTAG chain.  I would expect some boards may have local JTAG
headers, but that is up to the designer.

> Does OZY have the throughput to handle both a MERCURY and a JANUS board
> operating at the same time?

Yep.

> What the project need is some design documentation, so that folks who want
> to design a curcuit know how to integrate it in. I'd be tickled pink with
> some block diagrams!

If you are volunteering then I will pledge my full cooperation in
answering questions about the stuff I am working on.  It certainly
would be nice to have some detailed documentation of the current
projects.  Chris and Horst have done an excellent job in this
direction already.

> So, yes, I would hold my order until the group has a baselined design for
> JANUS, OZY and ATLAS. JANUS is going through a redesign currently! If I have
> to I'll run a set of boards myself.

Yes, since all the design files are open that is an option.  They will
cost a little more than a group buy, but the cost should not be too
prohibitive since you will probably have to have the boards done in
groups of three minimum.

Sierra Proto Express will do "no touch" 2 layer boards for $32/ea, min
qty 3 and 4 layer boards for $51/ea, min qty 3.  For the ATLAS that
would be $153 plus shipping.

> I am more than happy to work on documentation, but it's going to take lots
> of questions and the corresponding answers.
> A valid answer to a question can be "we don't know yet".
>
> Alex, N3NP

Also, the ATLAS + OZY will support other uses than SDR.  Some of the
things I have planned (if I ever have the time) is a VNA, Digital
Oscilloscope + Logic Analyzer, a PLC replacement using an embedded
micro in the FPGA, a CNC controller/sequencer for machine tools,
etc...

73 de Phil

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