CPUs in a QL system...
Posted: Wed May 03, 2017 8:00 pm
Ok, fun theoretical question time!
Say you were designing a QL PCB replacement, but you wanted to arrange it so people could upgrade the CPU easily later. The base CPU you want to use requires SMD mounting.
How would you ensure people could later upgrade the CPU? Would you just have a power disable pin, or would you mount the CPU on a daughter card? If you chose to mount the CPU on a daughter card, what format might you make it? It would have to be something small, with a dense connector that could carry all the required signals, but that could also supply enough power through the contacts and support everything from a 68008 to a 68060. You also need to make sure the CPU card still allows the board to fit inside a QL case.
The system needs to be economical to manufacture and use. It needs to be hobbyist accessible.
Hmmm!
Say you were designing a QL PCB replacement, but you wanted to arrange it so people could upgrade the CPU easily later. The base CPU you want to use requires SMD mounting.
How would you ensure people could later upgrade the CPU? Would you just have a power disable pin, or would you mount the CPU on a daughter card? If you chose to mount the CPU on a daughter card, what format might you make it? It would have to be something small, with a dense connector that could carry all the required signals, but that could also supply enough power through the contacts and support everything from a 68008 to a 68060. You also need to make sure the CPU card still allows the board to fit inside a QL case.
The system needs to be economical to manufacture and use. It needs to be hobbyist accessible.
Hmmm!