+helocast Posted July 12, 2018 Share Posted July 12, 2018 I know the trend has been mini ... cost is an issue, even designing multi-function cards to reduce slot count. I look at the polls too. But I've been slowly moving forward with alternates - even if it ends up cost prohibitive to produce in mass the same time as applying power/fan mods to existing but dwindling PEBs. Metal forming isn't my forte nor do I have the equipment to reimagine existing products. I do love the mental challenge and the design process though. I took Thiery's Hyper-AMS idea and combined it with a 68-pin round cable, widen data path to replace the PEB interface. This would be a removable card, but not accessible - add another slot and give 9 back to the user. 14-16 lines leftover to bring out a lot of the inaccessible PEB backplane. Convinced myself may as well throw in a full 16-bit wide data path and perhaps expand AMA.A - AMC.A up to the equivalent addressing of A23-A0 with still plenty of ground/shield mixing on data pairs within cabling. Of course, a standard console couldn't utilize the additional signals, but I would have solid footing as I continue MB redesign to accommodate/utilize those. Weight would be an issue, which is why clear, acrylic cell cast square stock and sheet would help keep price down. $30 Meanwell 133 watt triple rail ( +5V @10 amps, +15V @ 4.5 amps, -15V @ 1 amp) power supply would do. I needed a +8V and a +12V supply, but those can be had with two more buck converters from the strong 5V rail - make each individual PEB slot able to jumper between +15V and +12, also +8 and +5 for those cards out there that people have removed regulators from to reduce heat. That should allow a mix of original + new designs. Perhaps adding a 16-pin card edge connector to a couple of the slots would allow future multi cards access to the benefits of a 68-pin cable interface. Heck lets get rid of most of the internal drive power cables too and let the PCB carry the drive power to a molex connector ... it was doing that already. Just one of another vaporware projects that keep my bench happy strewn with parts and schematics. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x24b Posted July 15, 2018 Share Posted July 15, 2018 Good luck with all that. I love a good long drawn out project with huge goals. It gives you a goal in life and you know what you'll be doing for the duration. The 16-bit data bus idea is interesting and I'd like to see what you come up with. I understand that each bit on the chain has its own CRU number for access? Is that still a thing with your design, or is it ALL re-imagined? I should stop talking now because my knowledge dropped off at the term CRU. Have Fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Ksarul Posted July 17, 2018 Share Posted July 17, 2018 Though nothing was ever created for it, you might also want to look at the Rave99 PE2 It also expanded the bus to 16-bits, so it might help a little to maintain pin compatibility--and it would help adoption of cards using the expanded capability too. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickyDean Posted July 17, 2018 Share Posted July 17, 2018 I have always thought it would be possible to create an adapter to utilize pc style ISA cards into the TI PEB box and Rave99 motherboard. Something on the back burner, I'd lie to tinker with, after I get my cars, Geneves, TI and other projects done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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