Counter
About the Counter PCB
Counter is an open source PCB design by Velko, published on GitHub under the MIT license. It is a 4-layer board measuring 62.2 × 21.6 mm, with 65 components from 16 distinct parts.
Other key parts include the 74HC161 and 74HC173. By type, the board carries 24 resistors, 19 diodes, 9 capacitors, 8 ICs and 5 connectors.
It belongs with the retro computing designs in this gallery.
From the project
Homebrew 8-bit CPU
After watching [series of videos][eater-net-8bit] by Ben Eater building an 8-bit computer from scratch, I was hooked. Various thoughts for improvements and experiments was running through my mind. But first I have to build one. Improvements will come later. Whom am I kidding? I'll never be able to build an exact replica, I'll incorporate improvements as I go.
Main components on the Counter
Counter bill of materials (BOM)
65 components, 16 distinct parts.
| Qty | Part | Footprint | Refs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 74HC161 | SOIC-16_3.9x9.9mm_P1.27mm | U1, U5, U7, U9 |
| 4 | 74HC173 | SOIC-16_3.9x9.9mm_P1.27mm | U2, U6, U8, U10 |
| 1 | Control | PinHeader_1x04_P2.54mm_Vertical | J2 |
| 1 | Sync | PinHeader_1x04_P2.54mm_Vertical | J3 |
| 1 | + Power - | PinHeader_2x02_P2.54mm_Vertical | J4 |
| 1 | Address Bus | PinHeader_1x16_P2.54mm_Vertical | J5 |
| 1 | NC | PinHeader_1x02_P2.54mm_Vertical | J6 |
| 16 | LED | LED_0805_2012Metric_Pad1.15x1.40mm_HandSolder | D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8 +8 |
| 1 | OUT | LED_0805_2012Metric_Pad1.15x1.40mm_HandSolder | D17 |
| 1 | LOAD | LED_0805_2012Metric_Pad1.15x1.40mm_HandSolder | D18 |
| 1 | COUNT | LED_0805_2012Metric_Pad1.15x1.40mm_HandSolder | D19 |
| 8 | 100nF | C_0805_2012Metric_Pad1.18x1.45mm_HandSolder | C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 |
| 1 | 10uF | C_0805_2012Metric_Pad1.18x1.45mm_HandSolder | C9 |
| 19 | 330 | R_0805_2012Metric_Pad1.20x1.40mm_HandSolder | R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 +11 |
| 3 | 10K | R_0805_2012Metric_Pad1.20x1.40mm_HandSolder | R18, R20, R22 |
| 2 | 100K | R_0805_2012Metric_Pad1.20x1.40mm_HandSolder | R23, R24 |
Counter design files
The KiCad project lives in the Velko/8-bit-CPU repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.
Counter: common questions
How big is the Counter PCB?
The Counter measures 62.2 × 21.6 mm, has 4 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.
How many components are on the Counter?
65 components, from 16 distinct parts. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.
Where can I download the Counter design files?
From the Velko/8-bit-CPU repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout; the links under Design files point to each one.
Can I use the Counter design in my own project?
Yes, under the terms of its MIT license, which Velko chose for the repository.
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