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Small esc

blackjetrock·experimental-computer-for-schools·pcbs/small_esc/small_esc/small_esc.kicad_pcb

Small esc PCB layout, top view — open source RP2040/RP2350 board by blackjetrock

About the Small esc PCB

Small esc is an open source RP2040/RP2350 PCB design by blackjetrock, published on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board measuring 140 × 90 mm, with 47 components from 39 distinct parts.

Its main chip is the Pico, from the RP2040/RP2350 family. Other key parts include the AP1117-33. By type, the board carries 28 switches, 7 connectors, 5 diodes, 2 ICs, 2 capacitors and 2 resistors.

It belongs with the displays & leds designs in this gallery.

From the project

IBM Experimental computer for schools

The schools computer project ran from 1966 to 1970 and was an experimental machine that was never sold, although several were made and were used in schools in the UK. One machine was used for ten years before it failed. It was designed to be used in schools to teach the basics of computer design and programming. The hardware was based on the same components that the IBM system 360 used. The computer was programmed in machine code, and unlike modern machines the machine code is BCD based, not binary. There are 'extracodes' in the system that are analogous to subroutines, these provided…

Small esc, from the project README
From the project README

Main components on the Small esc

PicoAP1117-33

Small esc bill of materials (BOM)

47 components, 39 distinct parts.

QtyPartRefs
1
Pico
U1
1
AP1117-33
U2
3
Conn_01x04_Female
J1, J5, J6
1
Conn_01x13_Female
J2
1
Conn_01x10_Female
J3
1
Conn_01x03_Female
J4
1
Conn_01x02_Female
J7
1
load iar
SW1
1
load addr
SW2
1
load store
SW3
1
decr addr
SW4
1
incr addr
SW5
1
normal reset
SW6
1
clear
SW7
1
minus
SW8
1
point
SW9
1
1
SW10
1
2
SW11
1
3
SW12
1
4
SW13
Show 19 more
QtyPartRefs
1
5
SW14
1
6
SW15
1
7
SW16
1
8
SW17
1
9
SW18
1
0
SW19
1
A
SW20
1
B
SW21
1
C
SW22
1
ki reset
SW23
1
run
SW24
1
stop
SW25
1
dump
SW26
1
check
SW27
1
reload
SW28
1
SD_ebay-uSD-push_push_SMD
XS1
5
SS36
D1, D2, D3, D4, D5
2
100nF
C1, C2
2
4k7
R1, R2

Small esc design files

The KiCad project lives in the blackjetrock/experimental-computer-for-schools repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.

Small esc: common questions

What microcontroller does the Small esc use?

The Small esc is built around the Pico, from the RP2040/RP2350 family.

How big is the Small esc PCB?

The Small esc measures 140 × 90 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.

How many components are on the Small esc?

47 components, from 39 distinct parts. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.

Where can I download the Small esc design files?

From the blackjetrock/experimental-computer-for-schools repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout; the links under Design files point to each one.

Can I use the Small esc design in my own project?

The repository has no license, so all rights stay with blackjetrock. Use it as a reference, and ask the author before reusing the design.

Can I test firmware for the Small esc without the hardware?

Yes. HardLabs builds a simulation of the board from its netlist and BOM, so you can run and debug RP2040/RP2350 firmware against it before you order a PCB.

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