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

[Benedikt Stockebrand]

Hi Pavel and list,

Павел Шатов <meisterpaul1 at yandex.ru> writes:

> Yes, having modular design with modules, that can be worked on
> independently is vital for our project.

good!

>> 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?

Sorry, but I've missed that one.  OK, so that's at least one option for
the CPU/RAM part.

> Another module will be the baseboard (carrier), that we will need to
> develop ourselves, it will require a factory-made PCB.

Out of curiosity: How much bandwidth to we actually need between the
CPU/RAM part and the FPGA(s)?  I understand that EIM is something other
than I2C (relax Joachim, everything is fine, no need to get excited:-),
but what throughput do we actually need/use there?

> The baseboard will contain landing spot for core CPU+RAM module,
> an FPGA (or two) and expansion connector(s).

Maybe we can also put the FPGAs (plus directly associated circuitry like
decoupling caps) on separate modules to make them more easily
replaceable, i.e. switch between types and possibly even manufacturers?

> 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.

Sounds good, but right now I think Fredrik is the one here who's taking
care of this; this is largely his call.


Cheers,

    Benedikt

PS BTW, I'm making slow but reasonably steady progress with the HWRNG
   test software framework.  With some luck I'll find time over the
   weekend to clean things up and document things to a point that I can
   show the access class I've got so far.  No promises, though...

-- 
Benedikt Stockebrand,                   Stepladder IT Training+Consulting
Dipl.-Inform.                           http://www.stepladder-it.com/

          Business Grade IPv6 --- Consulting, Training, Projects

BIVBlog---Benedikt's IT Video Blog: http://www.stepladder-it.com/bivblog/