[Arm-netbook] A10 breakout PCB with 200 pin SO-DIMM and patch panel done

[jm]

On Wed, 2013-02-06 at 23:37 +0000, luke.leighton wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > A10 breakout PCB with 200 pin SO-DIMM and patch panel done.
> 
>  awesome - that was fast!

I never seen anything work as fast as KiCAD.

The project files and data files are all stored as text files, so it is
possible to make a modification to the schematic or to PCB, and save it,
and then see what the changes were by using something like kdiff to
compare files and from that work out how each component or drawing
element is stored. After that, you can work with text files for some
repetitive operations and/or complex operations instead of using the
GUI. 

For example, most of the geometric data and pin name for the 400+ pin
A10 schematic symbol was processed inside a LibreOffice spread sheet.
A lot quicker than hand eye coordination.

Likewise, the geometric elements for the SO-DIMM were copied from one
SoM1 board to SoM2 board, and all the geometric relations were kept in
tact by copying relevant text data between the two projects.


If anyone has other ideas for improvements, let me know / send the
suggestion as a schematic / pcb file with foot prints.

I am going to start on the power chip because you said it defaults
without software to an operational mode.
Also add in the DRAM.

But I wanted to ask an opinion first - is it better to have soldered RAM
or DRAM module? I prefer DRAM module. If anyone has KiCAD files for DRAM
modules, please share or let me know where to get them. Probably end up
making both versions with the soldered DRAM version first.

Also will be present the RS232 TTL, 40 pin FPC LCD connector, F-lock
power connector, decoupling capacitors, integral TF card socket, xtals,
simple power LED and one LED that can be blinked if software is written
to do it, and a reset button. A micro USB may get added.

Nothing is bolted down on concrete. This forms a basic minimalist system
that can boot to try out further software and hardware ideas, and to
share with anyone wanting to make their own derivatives.