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Decode

fread·visvitalis·new-parts/decode/decode.kicad_pcb

Decode PCB layout, top view — open source board by fread
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About the Decode PCB

Decode is an open source PCB design by fread, published on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board measuring 96.5 × 82.6 mm, with 39 components from 11 distinct parts.

By type, the board carries 14 connectors, 12 diodes, 10 relays, 2 resistors and 1 capacitor.

From the project

A very simple modular relay computer

This project contains plans for PCB modules to build a relay processor, complete with assembler and emulator. While the actual processor is made out of relays (and the occasional diode), memory is emulated by ESP-based boards. Their firmware also provides for loading programs and monitoring memory contents via a USB-TTY connection.

Processors are, fundamentally, not that complicated. At any rate, you can build one out of much less than the billions of transistors required for a desktop CPU. And it's a worthwhile endeavour, too, being actually able to understand a whole processor, albeit a…

Decode bill of materials (BOM)

39 components, 11 distinct parts.

QtyPartRefs
1
BHR-10-VUA
J1
2
Conn_01x01
J2, J4
1
Conn_01x03
J3
9
Conn_01x04
J5, J6, J7, J9, J10, J11, J12, J13 +1
1
Conn_02x04_Odd_Even
J8
10
J104D2C12VDC.15S
K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, K7, K8 +2
9
SMAJ14CA
D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8 +1
3
D
D9, D10, D11
1
470uF
C1
1
47R
R1
1
680R
R2

Decode design files

The KiCad project lives in the fread/visvitalis repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.

Decode: common questions

How big is the Decode PCB?

The Decode measures 96.5 × 82.6 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.

How many components are on the Decode?

39 components, from 11 distinct parts. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.

Where can I download the Decode design files?

From the fread/visvitalis repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout and the schematic; the links under Design files point to each one.

Can I use the Decode design in my own project?

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

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