[Cryptech Core] Fwd: CRYPTECH Alpha timetable

[Randy Bush]

we have been cautiously talking to jakob wexler, an israeli board layout
guy about the alpha.  he has volunteered to do layout once an electrical
engineer has done the schematic.

next friday, we can try to validate his estimates on the call with bitsim.

randy


Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2015 20:48:53 +0300
From: Jacob <jacob at edamaker.com>
To: Fredrik Thulin <fredrik at thulin.net>
CC: Randy Bush <randy at psg.com>, Leif Johansson <leifj at sunet.se>
Subject: CRYPTECH Alpha timetable

Hi,

Just wanted to comment that the claim on the cryptech site that an alpha 
board would be ready in summer 2015 is not reasonable.

Note: I assume that firmware will be ready when the PCB is ready - 
including all internal FPGA/MCU test routines and modules I/O debug 
routines.

1.To get a schematic ready and approved would take roughly 3-4 months 
(and I am optimistic here, taking into consideration 2 people working on 
75% of full-time).
2. To layout the board: 3-4 months (expecting at least a couple of 
mid-course changes/corrections).
3. To procure the BOM (done in parallel with board layout): 2 months
4. To fabricate the board: 14 days
5. To have a couple of boards partially assembled with power circuits
(required to verify PDN (Power Distribution Network) before adding 
expensive comps like the FPGA) and verify "no shorts": 1 week
6. To fully assemble a couple of boards: 2 weeks
7. Lab operational testing and verification: 1 month (I am very 
optimistic here).
8. Some code modification for fixing anomalies and operational issues: 1 
month
9. Full firmware loading and crypto testing: 1 month.

Hoping for no gross design mistakes that would necessitate a board 
re-spin, total sequential time (by item numbers) is:
1+2+4+5+6+7+8+9: 11 months.

Based on my experience, I estimate that the alpha board will be fully 
operational no earlier than Summer 2016.

Also need to include an action item (can be done in parallel starting 
when the board layout is complete) for a case design and fabrication 
(probably machined / 3D printed for a prototype run, possibly injection 
molded for mass production).

Jacob