Difference between revisions of "Coduino"

From Hackstrich
(status updates.)
(Updating design notes.)
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The Coduino (''Co''processor for Ar''duino'' systems) will be an Arduino-compatible CPU/support on a shield, to enable multiprocessor stacks.  It may also be made in multi-CPU version (2 or 4 CPUs on a shield) for really cool projects.
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The Coduino (''Co''processor for Ar''duino'' systems) is 4 Arduino-compatible systems on a shield, to enable multiprocessor stacks.
  
 
== Project Status ==
 
== Project Status ==
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== Specs/Brainstorming ==
 
== Specs/Brainstorming ==
* Will use ATMega328p for compatibility with the Duemilanove board.
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* Uses ATMega328p for compatibility with the Duemilanove board.
** As of March 2011 these are available again in TQFP and QFN packages.
 
 
* Standard boot loader will be used.
 
* Standard boot loader will be used.
 
* Serial only in the first revision, no USB-Serial on the board itself (FTDI cables are easy to get now).
 
* Serial only in the first revision, no USB-Serial on the board itself (FTDI cables are easy to get now).
* Will communicate with the master Arduino (bottom of the stack) via I2C (with jumpers to disconnect this), leaving all other pins available.
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* Communicates (optionally) with the master Arduino (bottom of the stack) via I2C (with jumpers to disconnect this), leaving all other pins available.
* Main headers will just 'stack-through' the master Arduino, the I/O from the Coduino will be broken out on separate headers (maybe with a 'base board' that can connect to stack shields on the Coduino via a cable?).
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* Main headers just 'stack-through' the master Arduino, the I/O from the Coduino is broken out on separate headers (maybe with a 'base board' that can connect to stack shields on the Coduino via a cable?).
* Board could have capability for 1, 2, or 4 (or 3 really, but I like more even numbers) processors, and just get stuffed with the desired number for cost control.
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* Board has 4 processors, could stuff half of them for a lower-cost version, though I don't think it would lower the cost that much in the end
* I2C would be connected through to each MCU as the communication interface
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* Each processor has a local reset button, and can also be optionally linked to a master reset using jumpers
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* All 4 processors run off a single oscillator using a 4:1 fanout buffer, so they will stay synced up instruction-by-instruction
  
 
[[Category:Status/Waiting for Time]]
 
[[Category:Status/Waiting for Time]]
 
[[Category:Current Projects]]
 
[[Category:Current Projects]]
 
[[Category:Projects]]
 
[[Category:Projects]]

Revision as of 04:08, 27 February 2012

The Coduino (Coprocessor for Arduino systems) is 4 Arduino-compatible systems on a shield, to enable multiprocessor stacks.

Project Status

  • 2012-02-24: First board assembled, runs 'blink' on all 4 CPUs successfully.
  • 2012-02-22: Parts arrived.
  • 2012-02-21: Ordered parts from Digikey.
  • 2011-10-18: PCBs received.
  • 2011-09-30: Completed routing board, added all required silkscreen, submitted to Laen for prototype manufacturing. Need to order parts now.
  • 2011-09-29: Almost done routing board.
  • 2011-09-26: Started routing board.
  • 2011-09-25: Added master reset button and power LED. Schematic passes checklist.
  • 2011-09-23: Started working on schematic, now 90% complete. Need to add a master reset button and a power LED.
  • Pre-Sept 2011: Put specs and BOM together.

Specs/Brainstorming

  • Uses ATMega328p for compatibility with the Duemilanove board.
  • Standard boot loader will be used.
  • Serial only in the first revision, no USB-Serial on the board itself (FTDI cables are easy to get now).
  • Communicates (optionally) with the master Arduino (bottom of the stack) via I2C (with jumpers to disconnect this), leaving all other pins available.
  • Main headers just 'stack-through' the master Arduino, the I/O from the Coduino is broken out on separate headers (maybe with a 'base board' that can connect to stack shields on the Coduino via a cable?).
  • Board has 4 processors, could stuff half of them for a lower-cost version, though I don't think it would lower the cost that much in the end
  • Each processor has a local reset button, and can also be optionally linked to a master reset using jumpers
  • All 4 processors run off a single oscillator using a 4:1 fanout buffer, so they will stay synced up instruction-by-instruction