HardLabs

GeneSynth Motherboard

theacodes·genesynth·hardware/Genesynth/Genesynth.kicad_pcb

GeneSynth Motherboard PCB layout, top view — open source NXP board by theacodes

About the GeneSynth Motherboard PCB

GeneSynth Motherboard is an open source NXP PCB design by theacodes, published on GitHub under the Apache-2.0 license. It is a 2-layer board measuring 72.6 × 64 mm, with 14 components from 9 distinct parts.

Its main chip is the Teensy3.5, from the NXP family. Other key parts include the YM2612, LD1117S50 (Digital) and LD1117S50 (Analog). By type, the board carries 6 capacitors, 4 ICs, 2 connectors and 2 resistors.

It belongs with the audio, retro computing and displays & leds designs in this gallery.

From the project

A Sega Genesis inspired synthesizer

The hardware consists of three major components: the motherboard, the audio amplifier, and the display board.

The Teensy 3.5. The 3.5 was chosen due to its 5V operating voltage for ease of compatibility with the YM2612. A 3.6 could be used if logic-level converters were added. A pair of LDO Voltage Regulators. These take 9V power and step it down to independent 5V supplies for digital and analog components. Since this powers the Teensy, the Teensy's USB voltage lines must be cut. * The YM2612 itself. This chip should be socketed in case of a bad or damaged chip.

Main components on the GeneSynth Motherboard

Teensy3.5YM2612LD1117S50 (Digital)LD1117S50 (Analog)

GeneSynth Motherboard bill of materials (BOM)

14 components, 9 distinct parts.

QtyPartRefs
1
Teensy3.5
U1
1
YM2612
U2
1
LD1117S50 (Digital)
U3
1
LD1117S50 (Analog)
U4
1
Audio Daughterboard
J1
1
Display Daughterboard
J2
4
100nF
C1, C2, C5, C6
2
10uF
C3, C4
2
2.2k
R1, R2

GeneSynth Motherboard design files

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

GeneSynth Motherboard: common questions

What microcontroller does the GeneSynth Motherboard use?

The GeneSynth Motherboard is built around the Teensy3.5, from the NXP family.

How big is the GeneSynth Motherboard PCB?

The GeneSynth Motherboard measures 72.6 × 64 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.

How many components are on the GeneSynth Motherboard?

14 components, from 9 distinct parts. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.

Where can I download the GeneSynth Motherboard design files?

From the theacodes/genesynth repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout; the links under Design files point to each one.

Can I use the GeneSynth Motherboard design in my own project?

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

Can I test firmware for the GeneSynth Motherboard 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.

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