HardLabs

Interface

shirriff·alto-disk-emulator·interface/interface.kicad_pcb

Interface PCB layout, top view — open source NXP board by shirriff

About the Interface PCB

Interface is an open source NXP PCB design by shirriff, published on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board measuring 61 × 86 mm, with 15 components from 8 distinct parts.

Its main chip is the Teensy4.1, from the NXP family. Other key parts include the 74LVC245 and 74ACT240. By type, the board carries 5 ICs, 4 capacitors, 4 resistors and 2 connectors.

From the project

A Diablo disk emulator for use with a Xerox Alto

Note: This is still under development and is not working yet

The concept is a small box that you can plug into the Alto's disk interface, replacing the Diablo disk. The box will emulate the disk drive, using a disk image from a SD card.

The hardware design is in the interface directory. It is based on a Teensy 4.1 microcontroller and uses a LCD touch screen as the user interface.

Interface, from the project README
From the project README

Main components on the Interface

Teensy4.174LVC24574ACT240

Interface bill of materials (BOM)

15 components, 8 distinct parts.

QtyPartRefs
1
Teensy4.1
U1
2
74LVC245
U2, U3
2
74ACT240
U4, U5
1
Conn_01x40_Female
J1
1
Screen connector
J2
4
.1uF
C1, C2, C3, C4
1
180
R1
3
100
R2, R3, R4

Interface design files

The KiCad project lives in the shirriff/alto-disk-emulator repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.

Interface: common questions

What microcontroller does the Interface use?

The Interface is built around the Teensy4.1, from the NXP family.

How big is the Interface PCB?

The Interface measures 61 × 86 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.

How many components are on the Interface?

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

Where can I download the Interface design files?

From the shirriff/alto-disk-emulator repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout; the links under Design files point to each one.

Can I use the Interface design in my own project?

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

Can I test firmware for the Interface without the hardware?

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

More boards in alto-disk-emulator

Similar boards