Klondike - 16 chip ASIC Open Source Board - Preliminary

[Bicknellski]

Even high-end PSUs will only carry 25-30A on the 3.3V line, which is only good for 80-100W. How much power would each board draw from the 3.3V line?

Very little power is used off 3.3V. The SATA conn. also has 12V and 5V on it.
The real problem is that 15pin connectors are impossible to find. So it would have to have the huge 15+7 pin connector but not using the 7 data pins. Right now this is too wide to fit with the ASICs in their current location.

I recall now looking into this on my first day as I thought SATA power would be ideal. But when I found that no one makes a power-only connector I had to switch to PCIe instead. It would be much easier to connect multiple Klondikes to an ATX supply using SATA as you could avoid PCIe splitters.

One option would be a SATA pigtail wired to the board edge hanging off about 4-6 inches. There are male SATA 15pin connectors but only with wire tails.

SATA has 3x 12V pins that can handle 1.5A each, which is enough but not excessive.
Need about ~< 3A @ 12V and < 1 @ 3.3V.

Ya I am looking at 2 to 3 K16 in that HDD rack so that could easily be added to a PC configurations for those looking for that scaling option. They could then expand from one K16 to 2 and then 3. Nice little upgrade for home computer right? 13.536 GH/s at what? 100 watts? Doable. It is overkill if you are not looking to expand but even then you can still use the original back plane and pop in HDD or SSD at the bottom. Just have to source the cables that would fit the back plane for what you are having as standard? PCIE is also interesting but I like the fact you could simply hot swap the board in the HDD style configuration much easier for most users.

[BkkCoins]

I don't think I'm going to do anything with SATA for the time being. Mostly due to the connector issue. But I think there is a possibility for a 8-12 chip 3.5" format that has the full SATA connector in the correct position for installing as a hard disk emulator. I'm not going to pursue that idea for now.

Another idea I consider something for later work is a Kondike Solar. A small unit with 3"x6" solar cell attached and DC converter to run it all off 1V. This appears to be feasible and for low cost. ie. the solar cell is only about $1 and so a small portion of the circuit cost. One chip per cell and klego like tiling so you can lay out a full panel that mines from the sun...

[Bicknellski]

I don't think I'm going to do anything with SATA for the time being. Mostly due to the connector issue. But I think there is a possibility for a 8-12 chip 3.5" format that has the full SATA connector in the correct position for installing as a hard disk emulator. I'm not going to pursue that idea for now.

Another idea I consider something for later work is a Kondike Solar. A small unit with 3"x6" solar cell attached and DC converter to run it all off 1V. This appears to be feasible and for low cost. ie. the solar cell is only about $1 and so a small portion of the circuit cost. One chip per cell and klego like tiling so you can lay out a full panel that mines from the sun...

Sweet... I would definitely love to work on that with the kids here at school. Gen II chips?

[arklan]

I don't think I'm going to do anything with SATA for the time being. Mostly due to the connector issue. But I think there is a possibility for a 8-12 chip 3.5" format that has the full SATA connector in the correct position for installing as a hard disk emulator. I'm not going to pursue that idea for now.

Another idea I consider something for later work is a Kondike Solar. A small unit with 3"x6" solar cell attached and DC converter to run it all off 1V. This appears to be feasible and for low cost. ie. the solar cell is only about $1 and so a small portion of the circuit cost. One chip per cell and klego like tiling so you can lay out a full panel that mines from the sun...

solar mining? oh, i'm TOTALLY in.

[LaserHorse]

Another idea I consider something for later work is a Kondike Solar. A small unit with 3"x6" solar cell attached and DC converter to run it all off 1V. This appears to be feasible and for low cost. ie. the solar cell is only about $1 and so a small portion of the circuit cost. One chip per cell and klego like tiling so you can lay out a full panel that mines from the sun...

Yes - this.  Was just chatting about solar possibilities with colleagues the other day - very interested.

[itod]

solar mining? oh, i'm TOTALLY in.

Nice idea, but will it not need some battery for mining through the night? Maybe it is best idea not to over-complicate the project and to leave the solar charger for another specialized project.

[BkkCoins]

solar mining? oh, i'm TOTALLY in.

Nice idea, but will it not need some battery for mining through the night? Maybe it is best idea not to over-complicate the project and to leave the solar charger for another specialized project.

As I said, for later... personally I'd rather build a Pick n Place machine. I think that will be my project after Klondike.

[Bicknellski]

Need a PCB quote for your Klondike board?

Instaquote PCB

Sunstone

Advanced Circuits

[Unacceptable]

solar mining? oh, i'm TOTALLY in.

Nice idea, but will it not need some battery for mining through the night? Maybe it is best idea not to over-complicate the project and to leave the solar charger for another specialized project.

As I said, for later... personally I'd rather build a Pick n Place machine. I think that will be my project after Klondike.

Instead of building a PnP machine,how about this??

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Manual-Pick-Place-Machine-SMD-TP-VF-XYA-with-Cameras-/320724328952?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aaca8e1f8

Edit:Nevermind,its not what it looks like  

[sensei]

I also spent a whole day looking for SMD mounted SATA power connectors during the early days of this project. I think it would be ideal, but they just aren't to be found. Even if the part cost more than the PCIe, eliminating the 2nd buck regulator and associated components could easily pay for it. Less power losses on the board also. However I just can't find the 15pin power connector anywhere.

[BkkCoins]

I also spent a whole day looking for SMD mounted SATA power connectors during the early days of this project. I think it would be ideal, but they just aren't to be found. Even if the part cost more than the PCIe, eliminating the 2nd buck regulator and associated components could easily pay for it. Less power losses on the board also. However I just can't find the 15pin power connector anywhere.

I tried 4UCONN as well but they only have 7+15. It seems the only way would be a male 15 pin hanging off wires soldered to the board - ugly.

Instead of building a PnP machine,how about this??

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Manual-Pick-Place-Machine-SMD-TP-VF-XYA-with-Cameras-/320724328952?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aaca8e1f8

Edit:Nevermind,its not what it looks like 

Besides, I want to make one for a couple hundred $$ not thousand. But that's another whole topic.

[Bicknellski]

I also spent a whole day looking for SMD mounted SATA power connectors during the early days of this project. I think it would be ideal, but they just aren't to be found. Even if the part cost more than the PCIe, eliminating the 2nd buck regulator and associated components could easily pay for it. Less power losses on the board also. However I just can't find the 15pin power connector anywhere.

Might be time to ask some of our Chinese brethren and sisteren if they know of a place online for that... Probably lurking somewhere out there.

http://www.te.com/catalog/bin/TE.Connect?S=23561&M=FEAT&P=10198&U=&BML=&LG=1



http://www.te.com/catalog/bin/TE.Connect?S=23561&M=PPROP&P=10198&BML=&LG=1&PG=1&IDS=476501,476504,476507,366589,366590,366591,426368,444118,476498,476499,517918,470841,470850,470876,470877,470880,470882,530141,517919,510861&N=12



http://www.te.com/catalog/bin/TE.Connect?S=23561&M=PPROP&P=10198&BML=&LG=1&PG=1&IDS=476501,476504,476507,366589,366590,366591,426368,444118,476498,476499,517918,470841,470850,470876,470877,470880,470882,530141,517919,510861&N=11

ENG_CD_1735284_C2_1735284-c.pdf


Product Type Features:

Product Type = Connector
Connector Type = Receptacle
PCB Mounting Orientation = Vertical
Receptacle Configuration = 15P + 7P Combo, SATA
PCB Mount Style = Surface Mount
PCB Mount Retention = With
PCB Mount Retention Type = Boardlock(s)

[Adano]

BkkCoins, you are doing a great job!

Your project is a first reason I joined this forum. I'm going to buy about 500 chips, so I will need about 30 PCBs.

I feel this summer is going to be hot!

[BkkCoins]

Might be time to ask some of our Chinese brethren and sisteren if they know of a place online for that... Probably lurking somewhere out there.

There's plenty of 7+15 available but none of just the 15 pin. I guess they don't license it like that or something - don't want it used for other things besides hard disks.

[BkkCoins]

BkkCoins, you are doing a great job!

Your project is a first reason I joined this forum. I'm going to buy about 500 chips, so I will need about 30 PCBs.

I feel this summer is going to be hot!

Thanks. It's already averaging around 35-37C here.

BTW I've got the code for the pre-calc hash figured out. After a helpful push from chaoztc I did a little digging and managed to find the needed code and verify it looks like it does the right calcs for the Avalon. Found it in the opencl driver. Just ask if you need this for your own work. Maybe this is old hat to sha experts but all the bit fiddling math cycles are a blur to me.

[marto74]

Today I got quote from local company for PCB and assembly of K1 nano.
The price for pcb and assembly would be around 10 EUR per piece  for batch of 192 pcs.

Now I'm waiting for quote for delivery of components.

I think We'll be able to organize good price for assembly BG, Eastern Europe

[Bicknellski]

Might be time to ask some of our Chinese brethren and sisteren if they know of a place online for that... Probably lurking somewhere out there.

There's plenty of 7+15 available but none of just the 15 pin. I guess they don't license it like that or something - don't want it used for other things besides hard disks.

http://greenconn.manufacturer.globalsources.com/si/6008801294151/pdtl/ATA-SATA/1041047273/SATA-Connector.htm




http://dgyiqin.manufacturer.globalsources.com/si/6008830315092/pdtl/ATA-SATA/1056189085/ATA-SATA-Connector.htm




http://www.taiwantrade.com.tw/MAIN/en_front/searchserv.do?method=listProductProductDetail&company_id=3584&locale=2&catalog_id=410527&come_soon=0



More:

http://www.cablemax.com/CD011160A.html



http://www.21usb.com/List/SATA%E8%BF%9E%E6%8E%A5%E5%99%A8-1.html



http://www.leyconn.com/doce/productslist.asp?cid=365&classid=384

[Bicknellski]

Today I got quote from local company for PCB and assembly of K1 nano.
The price for pcb and assembly would be around 10 EUR per piece  for batch of 192 pcs.

Now I'm waiting for quote for delivery of components.

I think We'll be able to organize good price for assembly BG, Eastern Europe

+1

That seems pretty good.

[BkkCoins]

Well, that's interesting.

The greenconn one doesn't work because it's thru-hole and only 1A per pin rating (need 1.5A). But the other one looks possible. Would have to see current ratings, and it's not clear if SMT. 20,000pc MOQ. Well, maybe they turn up elsewhere on a secondary market (likely buckets of them somewhere in Shenzen). It's a bit late to put this on first test boards but if the info is available it's a possibility for a future version.

[itod]

Today I got quote from local company for PCB and assembly of K1 nano.
The price for pcb and assembly would be around 10 EUR per piece  for batch of 192 pcs.

Now I'm waiting for quote for delivery of components.

I think We'll be able to organize good price for assembly BG, Eastern Europe

+1
Very interested, I'm in the neighborhood country.