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PCB design for latest version

Hello everyone

I am in the process of building the open bench logic sniffer. The plan is to
use the seeedstudio fusion service to get the PCB, to order the parts and to
solder the board.

While preparing the project, I visited both the #dangerousprototypes as well as
the #gadgetfactory IRC channels on freenode and numerous people told me that it
would be both easier and cheaper to order an assembled device. I therefore want
to stress that I am doing this for fun and that I took notice of these warnings.

I was looking for some PCB design files of the device but was not able to
locate them on the dangerous prototypes wiki. What I was able to find, though,
was a zip file on gadgetforge that I unfortunately cannot link to because I am not
allowed to post external links as a new user. The file name is Logic_Sniffer-v1rev1.zip.

I have serious doubts that this is the latest revision, both because of comparisons with the
part lists as well as because of the version number on the silk screen. I noticed that there
is a part list at

http://dangerousprototypes.com/2010/02/ ... nalyzer-2/

and some more at

http://dangerousprototypes.com/docs/Ope ... d_partlist

I have the impression that the part list on the hardware site (first link) is
equal to the first one on the schematic and partlist site (second list). I would
like to go for the latest revision (1.04?), but I keep failing to find the board
design for the latest revision. Could somebody please point me to it?

Best regards and thank you


Matt

Re: PCB design for latest version

Reply #1 –
http://gadgetforge.gadgetfactory.net/gf ... kage_id=10

that is the only pcb release I know off, now IIRC the differences between releases (I own both 1.01 and 1.04) are different buttons (1.04 uses smaller buttons) + there's C28, additional cap near buffer, no idea what it does but I don't see any difference between 1.01 and 1.04 in operation.

as for "doing it so you can learn" - the only thing you will learn by getting pcb and soldering everything is - how to solder, there are way cheaper and better ways to learn how to solder (not to mention - what will you do with 10 obls boards ?!). If you need obls order it, if you wanna lear how to solder smd, get on ebay, you can get "bag full of chips" for peanuts, different shapes and sizes + some pcb's and then you can practice all you like :D, also, you can dissasemble some broken or useles electronic (I for e.g. disassembled some old HI8 camera and I was removing and soldering back all smd chips until I got some routine). If you don't have hot air to desolder smd chips, just put a pcb in kitchen oven on 220C and after ~5min just shake all parts off :)

on the other hand, if you wanna learn how to design with fpga - then try to design obls yourself looking at schematic provided (or even better, looking at block diagram)

Re: PCB design for latest version

Reply #2 –
Hi Matt - Arhi's link is the most recent package I know of. The only difference between versions are:
1. Smaller SSOP PIC instead of SOIC
2. Smaller pick and place friendly buttons
3. Extra CAP near buffer (for fun...)
Got a question? Please ask in the forum for the fastest answers.

Re: PCB design for latest version

Reply #3 –
Although about a year later from the original poster,
I have also decided to build my own and share my thoughts about it. :)

First of all a big thank you to all who made OLS possible (Jack, Ian, Michael ...).

I used the seeedstudio (highly recommended as they perform PCB testing) for pcb and digi-key and farnell for components.

Soldering the FPGA and the buffer chip was a bit difficult (I had two solder bridges that required use of a desoldering braid)
and except one header pin that was fixed later (it was not properly soldered on the buffer chip and it had no signal when tested on the OLS client), everything was OK (I can post pictures if anyone is interested in seeing a green OLS instead of red).

Also I would point out that I bought the parts initially for v1.01 but in the end I got also the updated parts and built 1.04 (which actually has a brd available in the gadgetfactory svn  in trunk/pcb and seems to have been there for about 2 years).

Regarding the differences between 1.01 and 1.04 apart from what Ian already mentioned, there is also the flash chip which has been upgraded to a Winbond one (I have used W25X40CLSNIG from digi-key).

On the software side, as another note, for a custom build I think a recompilation of the firmware and possibly bootloader should be done in order to comply with Microchip PID/VID requirements.

For my particular build I have also used a different buffer chip (74LVCH16245ADGG,11 or 568-4624-1-ND on digi-key which in theory should be a bit better for lower voltage applications, but sacrifices a bit on the top voltage range).

All the best,
tkg

Re: PCB design for latest version

Reply #4 –
Hi Mick,

If you are really determined to build one (thus have/intend to get all the required components/recompile firmware etc.), and have the proper soldering tools/skills I can send you a Green (not red) HASL ver 1.04 PCB for just the postage from UK.

Regards,
tkg

Re: PCB design for latest version

Reply #5 –
What you found in the free PCB drawer is not a bare PCB, but a fully assembled board. That's why its 5 codes...

Re: PCB design for latest version

Reply #6 –
I have not seen the free PCB drawer option for the OLS when it was active, but if it was indeed for an assembled PCB, then for 5 codes it was ... quite a deal and judging by the fact that there are no such boards left I assume some lucky ones succeeded to get them. :)

Regards,
tkg

Re: PCB design for latest version

Reply #7 –
Hi Mick,

It is clearer now, the link you posted seems to be part of the "Scratch & Dent" section and not reliably as the free pcb one.  :)
For instance, the link to http://dangerousprototypes.com/store/ seems to list the pcbs in a random order (if you refresh it other products can appear in view) but the http://dangerousprototypes.com/store/in ... x&cPath=22 link consistently shows it.
 
Anyway, I understand your frustration, and you are quite right that you need the coupons to get it. AFAIK, the only item to be available for money directly was the BusPirate3.5a DIY version (I know that this was available for money as I ordered it).

Obviously you know you can buy the OLS from seeedstudio for $50, :)
or even build it yourself as I did but this is a bit more expensive if you just want one as you generally have to order multiple  PCBs (this is why I have extras ...).

Again, if you want to build it yourself, the bare pcb offer is still valid or if anybody else wants it (first come first served) and as I said previously it costs just the postage to whererver you want it (I have put this postage condition as posting it from UK to some countries can be quite expensive and while I would like to help, I would prefer not to end up myself paying who knows what amount).

Regards,
tkg