HardLabs

RV8

JOJOCAFE·RV8·Programmer/KICAD/RV8Programmer.kicad_sch

This repository ships a schematic but no board layout.

About the RV8 PCB

RV8 is an open source ESP32 PCB design by JOJOCAFE, published on GitHub. It is a board, with 15 components from 8 distinct parts.

Its main chip is the ESP32-WROOM32_RV8, from the ESP32 family. Other key parts include the 28C256, 74HC595, TXS0108E and TXS0108e5. By type, the board carries 7 capacitors, 5 ICs, 1 switch and 1 resistor.

It belongs with the usb & debug tools designs in this gallery.

From the project

Minimal 8-bit educational CPU — build a real computer from 74HC chips

One board, two modes: program ROM via RV8-Bus (in-system) OR via ZIF socket (standalone).

1. ❌ Disconnect Bus cable 2. Insert ROM into ZIF socket → lock 3. python3 tools/rv8flash.py -w program.bin 4. python3 tools/rv8flash.py -v program.bin 5. Remove ROM → plug into CPU board

1. ❌ ZIF empty (no ROM inserted) 2. Connect Bus cable to CPU board 3. Switch → PROG: python3 tools/rv8flash.py -w program.bin 4. Switch → RUN: python3 tools/rv8term.py (terminal)

Main components on the RV8

28C25674HC595TXS0108ETXS0108e5

RV8 bill of materials (BOM)

15 components, 8 distinct parts.

QtyPartRefs
1
28C256
U1
2
74HC595
U2, U3
1
TXS0108E
U4
1
TXS0108e5
U5
1
ESP32-WROOM32_RV8
ESP32-Wroom?
1
SW1
SW1
7
C
C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7
1
R
R2

RV8 design files

The KiCad project lives in the JOJOCAFE/RV8 repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.

RV8: common questions

What microcontroller does the RV8 use?

The RV8 is built around the ESP32-WROOM32_RV8, from the ESP32 family.

How many components are on the RV8?

15 components, from 8 distinct parts. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.

Where can I download the RV8 design files?

From the JOJOCAFE/RV8 repository on GitHub, which has the schematic and a netlist; the links under Design files point to each one.

Can I use the RV8 design in my own project?

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

Can I test firmware for the RV8 without the hardware?

Yes. HardLabs builds a simulation of the board from its netlist and BOM, so you can run and debug ESP32 firmware against it before you order a PCB.

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