Cable link

CableClub·cable-link·hardware/cable-link.kicad_pcb

About the Cable link PCB

Cable link is an open source RP2040/RP2350 PCB design by CableClub, published on GitHub under the Apache-2.0 license. It is a 4-layer board measuring 36 × 46 mm, with 40 components from 21 distinct parts.

Its main chip is the RP2040, from the RP2040/RP2350 family. Other key parts include the ATECC608A-SSHDA, W25Q128JVS, AMS1117-3.3 and TXS0108EPW. By type, the board carries 19 capacitors, 9 resistors, 5 ICs, 4 connectors, 1 crystal and 1 switch.

It belongs with the retro computing designs in this gallery.

From the project

Hardware and Firmware for the GB/GBA link cable

Gerber Generation for PCBWay Position Generation for PCBWay

Main components on the Cable link

ATECC608A-SSHDA W25Q128JVS RP2040 AMS1117-3.3 TXS0108EPW

Cable link bill of materials (BOM)

40 components, 21 distinct parts.

Qty	Part	Footprint	Refs
1	ATECC608A-SSHDA	SOIC-8_3.9x4.9mm_P1.27mm	U1
1	W25Q128JVS	SOIC-8_5.23x5.23mm_P1.27mm	U2
1	RP2040	RP2040-QFN-56	U3
1	AMS1117-3.3	SOT-223-3_TabPin2	U4
1	TXS0108EPW	TSSOP-20_4.4x6.5mm_P0.65mm	U5
1	12mhz	Crystal_SMD_3225-4Pin_3.2x2.5mm	Y1
1	USB	TYPE-C-31-M-12	J1
1	SWD	20021221-00010C4LF	J2
1	GBA-LINK	GBA-LINK	J3
1	GC9A01	PinHeader_1x08_P2.54mm_Vertical	J4
1	USB_BOOT	SW_Push_1P1T_NO_6x6mm_H9.5mm	SW1
1	B5819W	D_SOD-123	D1
13	100n	C_0402_1005Metric	C1, C4, C5, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11 +5
2	22p	C_0402_1005Metric	C2, C3
2	1u	C_0402_1005Metric	C6, C15
2	10u	CP_EIA-3216-18_Kemet-A	C16, C17
2	1k	R_0402_1005Metric	R1, R2
1	DNF	R_0402_1005Metric	R3
2	56k	R_0402_1005Metric	R4, R5
2	10k	R_0402_1005Metric	R6, R7

Show 1 more

Qty	Part	Footprint	Refs
2	27	R_0402_1005Metric	R8, R9

Cable link design files

The KiCad project lives in the CableClub/cable-link repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.

Layouthardware/cable-link.kicad_pcb

Cable link: common questions

What microcontroller does the Cable link use?

The Cable link is built around the RP2040, from the RP2040/RP2350 family.

How big is the Cable link PCB?

The Cable link measures 36 × 46 mm, has 4 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.

How many components are on the Cable link?

40 components, from 21 distinct parts. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.

Where can I download the Cable link design files?

From the CableClub/cable-link repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout; the links under Design files point to each one.

Can I use the Cable link design in my own project?

Yes, under the terms of its Apache-2.0 license, which CableClub chose for the repository.

Can I test firmware for the Cable link 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.