[Cryptech Tech] PCB prototyping machine [Was: BCP prototyping machine]

[Warren Kumari]

On Wed, Feb 25, 2015 at 2:35 AM, Павел Шатов <meisterpaul1 at yandex.ru> wrote:
> On 24.02.2015 23:08, Benedikt Stockebrand wrote:
>>
>> Sure not, and perfboard isn't all that much better, either.  But: If we
>> can do a modular design where individual modules can be replaced, and if
>> *some* of these modules can actually be done with anything more
>> convenient than ordering PCB prototypes, then I expect that would be
>> rather helpful; maybe not to your part of the project, but at least to
>> what Fredrik and myself are working on.
>>
>> I have tried not to get myself drawn into the FPGA part of the project
>> simply because I currently find it hard to find time for the stuff I've
>> already familiarized myself with, so I don't have an idea if we can
>> separate the FPGA (with its peripherals) from the MCU (with its
>> peripherals, like the RAM you mention), but I do know that Fredrik and I
>> can split the avalanche noise generator into at least two boards which
>> I've actually built using breadboard and then perfboard and then a
>> custom prototype PCB: The voltage supply (either using boost converter
>> or a charge pump) and the analog part of the actual noise generator,
>> plus the MCUs we've been using.
>
>
> Yes, having modular design with modules, that can be worked on independently
> is vital for our project.
>
>> Put all of that on a single module with only low speed connectors going
>> off that module?
>
>
> Yes, that is what I suggest. Have you seen my suggestion to use CPU+RAM
> module from http://www.imx6rex.com/ on the list? This module can be the core
> module of our Alpha Board, that end users are not supposed to modify.


I'm a little uncomfortable with the "that end users are not suppose to
modify" wording there.
I'm assuming that you are just meaning just for the Alpha Board, and
that this is simply a ready made, convenience option? And that it
would be replaced with a non-prebuilt solution later in the project?

I realize I may be being overly picky, but use of the words "are not
supposed to modify" and suggestions to buy a ready made widget with
all sorts of built in magic sets of alarm bells.

W

> Another module will be the baseboard (carrier), that we will need to develop
> ourselves, it will require a factory-made PCB. The baseboard will contain
> landing spot for core CPU+RAM module, an FPGA (or two) and expansion
> connector(s). End users can develop their own extension modules and attach
> them to the baseboard using extension connectors. We can even use the
> expansion connector from Novena with the same pinout to be able to attach
> your noise generator to our new baseboard.
>
> --
> With best regards,
> Pavel Shatov
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> Tech at cryptech.is
> https://lists.cryptech.is/listinfo/tech



-- 
I don't think the execution is relevant when it was obviously a bad
idea in the first place.
This is like putting rabid weasels in your pants, and later expressing
regret at having chosen those particular rabid weasels and that pair
of pants.
   ---maf