[Cryptech Core] Fwd: CRYPTECH Alpha timetable

[Павел Шатов]

On 18.04.2015 2:11, Randy Bush wrote:
> 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
>

This is way too long. 3-4 months for schematic capture is insane. Have 
you told them, that we have Novena and Rex modules? One can copy and 
paste as much as possible and then add an FPGA. Two people working 75% 
of full time should be able to prepare schematic in less than a month.

I don't understand case design problem. Can't we use something like 
these? http://www.gainta.com/en/plastic_housing/

--
With best regards,
Pavel Shatov