Title: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: yusukeito on July 12, 2020, 12:59:19 PM
Post by: yusukeito on July 12, 2020, 12:59:19 PM
Hello community.
I recently got a black hardware and I am working on its interfacing to display, keyboard, mouse and speaker.
Original black NeXT computers have its dedicated monitor, keyboard and mouse. Speakers will be connected to that monitor.
As we would know, To connect VGA display, keyboard, speakers in this age, we need The Sound Box hardware.(And need dedicated cables as well)
Also need some converters if you will use USB keyboards like this:
https://web.archive.org/web/20200910122148/https://drakware.com/product/NeXTUSB (https://web.archive.org/web/20200910122148/https://drakware.com/product/NeXTUSB)
And we have Universal Sound Box project with original NeXT ASIC.
It is good choice to get Sound Box functions.
http://www.nextcomputers.org/forums/index.php?topic=4369.0
So, here I have been started my project few weeks ago.
I implement Sound Box functions into Verilog HDL. Now basic functions is working well.
https://github.com/novi/nextasic
(Sorry, Documentation is not yet :)
The first step, I will complete implementation of functionality of an original Sound Box.
Next, Will integrate the HDL code with OSSC(https://github.com/marqs85/ossc).
It enables VGA to HDMI convert and Sound Box functions at one board.
Would be great to connect modern displays.
We could integrate USB keyboard connectivity into that board as well.
I recently got a black hardware and I am working on its interfacing to display, keyboard, mouse and speaker.
Original black NeXT computers have its dedicated monitor, keyboard and mouse. Speakers will be connected to that monitor.
As we would know, To connect VGA display, keyboard, speakers in this age, we need The Sound Box hardware.(And need dedicated cables as well)
Also need some converters if you will use USB keyboards like this:
https://web.archive.org/web/20200910122148/https://drakware.com/product/NeXTUSB (https://web.archive.org/web/20200910122148/https://drakware.com/product/NeXTUSB)
And we have Universal Sound Box project with original NeXT ASIC.
It is good choice to get Sound Box functions.
http://www.nextcomputers.org/forums/index.php?topic=4369.0
So, here I have been started my project few weeks ago.
I implement Sound Box functions into Verilog HDL. Now basic functions is working well.
https://github.com/novi/nextasic
(Sorry, Documentation is not yet :)
The first step, I will complete implementation of functionality of an original Sound Box.
Next, Will integrate the HDL code with OSSC(https://github.com/marqs85/ossc).
It enables VGA to HDMI convert and Sound Box functions at one board.
Would be great to connect modern displays.
We could integrate USB keyboard connectivity into that board as well.
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: barcher174 on July 12, 2020, 02:15:10 PM
Post by: barcher174 on July 12, 2020, 02:15:10 PM
Good work!
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: yusukeito on July 19, 2020, 05:59:54 AM
Post by: yusukeito on July 19, 2020, 05:59:54 AM
I am done with the implementation except Microphone Input.
I am going to get an original Sound Box from Rob(Black Hole inc) to implement for the Microphone.
I am going to get an original Sound Box from Rob(Black Hole inc) to implement for the Microphone.
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: Rob Blessin Black Hole on July 19, 2020, 06:22:56 PM
Post by: Rob Blessin Black Hole on July 19, 2020, 06:22:56 PM
Hello Keito: Excellent work, I'll check the sound card and keyboard in the next few days .
Best Regards Rob Blessin
Best Regards Rob Blessin
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: yusukeito on August 29, 2020, 08:38:51 AM
Post by: yusukeito on August 29, 2020, 08:38:51 AM
I got an original Sound Box card from Rob. And now inspecting it.
Here is a progress of my OSSC/Sound Box Combo card. PCB design almost done.
Features:
Here is a progress of my OSSC/Sound Box Combo card. PCB design almost done.
Features:
- VGA to HDMI (OSSC)
- Sound output, Mic input
- Class D Amplifier for speakers
- USB host for USB Keyboards and mouse
- Original NonADB and ADB keyboard and mouse support
- SPDIF output(Need HDL implementation)
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: yusukeito on August 29, 2020, 08:42:28 AM
Post by: yusukeito on August 29, 2020, 08:42:28 AM
The codes and PCB designs are open sourced :) https://github.com/novi/ossc_pcb/tree/next-soundbox
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: rbz on August 29, 2020, 11:57:56 AM
Post by: rbz on August 29, 2020, 11:57:56 AM
Great work! Looking forward to further updates. I think something like this could also be made as an expansion to the OSSC Pro whenever they release that (no news since Jan :()
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: barcher174 on August 29, 2020, 03:34:57 PM
Post by: barcher174 on August 29, 2020, 03:34:57 PM
Looks awesome! One other feature suggestion since it seems like you're going for an all in one replacement. How hard would it be to put a bnc to ethernet converter onboard for 030 cubes?
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: yusukeito on August 31, 2020, 06:14:27 AM
Post by: yusukeito on August 31, 2020, 06:14:27 AM
OSSC Pro has lager scale FPGA and RAMs.
And the production is more difficult than current one if build this ourselves. Since it has two BGA chips.
But it has GPIO expansion port, we could implement Sound Box functions relying on the port.
I will follow the information about that after released.
We could mount these converter on the Cube expansion slot and get power from ATX 4pins.
https://www.amazon.com/10BaseT-10Base2-Converter-Ethernet-10Base-T/dp/B07KSW4MZ6
And here is dimensions of the expansion slot for the Cube.
https://github.com/novi/ossc_pcb/tree/wip/case-soundbox
I am planing to put my OSSC/SB Combo board on a something plate for expansion slot for the Cube. AND put a Raspberry Pi for RJ45 to WiFi converter and SCSI emulator. So we could add 10Base2 converter as well.
I will share a DXF dimensions for that. The plate would be made of aluminum or acrylic.
FYI, My combo board fits into this plastic enclosure. (part. PF15-3-10)
http://www.takachi-enclosure.com/data/c16-17/2017vol3_1-10.pdf
It is good for Slab machines.
And the production is more difficult than current one if build this ourselves. Since it has two BGA chips.
But it has GPIO expansion port, we could implement Sound Box functions relying on the port.
I will follow the information about that after released.
We could mount these converter on the Cube expansion slot and get power from ATX 4pins.
https://www.amazon.com/10BaseT-10Base2-Converter-Ethernet-10Base-T/dp/B07KSW4MZ6
And here is dimensions of the expansion slot for the Cube.
https://github.com/novi/ossc_pcb/tree/wip/case-soundbox
I am planing to put my OSSC/SB Combo board on a something plate for expansion slot for the Cube. AND put a Raspberry Pi for RJ45 to WiFi converter and SCSI emulator. So we could add 10Base2 converter as well.
I will share a DXF dimensions for that. The plate would be made of aluminum or acrylic.
FYI, My combo board fits into this plastic enclosure. (part. PF15-3-10)
http://www.takachi-enclosure.com/data/c16-17/2017vol3_1-10.pdf
It is good for Slab machines.
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: yusukeito on October 13, 2020, 10:51:04 AM
Post by: yusukeito on October 13, 2020, 10:51:04 AM
Hello, Progress updates!
I finished building the board.
And done with basic software and basic testing.
Sound Box Verilog part works. (I already implemented earlier.)
So it works with OSSC and NonADB keyboard, Audio output. HDMI audio as well :)
But USB peripheral part is not yet.
I will work on there.
I finished building the board.
And done with basic software and basic testing.
Sound Box Verilog part works. (I already implemented earlier.)
So it works with OSSC and NonADB keyboard, Audio output. HDMI audio as well :)
But USB peripheral part is not yet.
I will work on there.
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: rbz on October 13, 2020, 06:41:56 PM
Post by: rbz on October 13, 2020, 06:41:56 PM
Awesome work!
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: barcher174 on October 14, 2020, 02:56:28 PM
Post by: barcher174 on October 14, 2020, 02:56:28 PM
Looks awesome!
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: Rob Blessin Black Hole on October 14, 2020, 04:14:27 PM
Post by: Rob Blessin Black Hole on October 14, 2020, 04:14:27 PM
That is really amazing so it will have a microphone as well?
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: msch on December 19, 2020, 03:05:06 PM
Post by: msch on December 19, 2020, 03:05:06 PM
Amazing project! I keep my fingers crossed for the remaining work.
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: yusukeito on December 24, 2020, 03:10:50 AM
Post by: yusukeito on December 24, 2020, 03:10:50 AM
I share recent updates.
It take a time to implement USB functionality.
Now we have the board with capable of USB keyboards, mouses and HUBs as well.
Current source code is https://github.com/novi/ossc/tree/next-soundbox .
Next, I will work on mirophone.
The board has A/D converter, so the NeXT ASIC on FPGA can handle the microphone input.
Happy holidays :)
It take a time to implement USB functionality.
Now we have the board with capable of USB keyboards, mouses and HUBs as well.
Current source code is https://github.com/novi/ossc/tree/next-soundbox .
Next, I will work on mirophone.
The board has A/D converter, so the NeXT ASIC on FPGA can handle the microphone input.
Happy holidays :)
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: yusukeito on February 07, 2021, 03:45:57 AM
Post by: yusukeito on February 07, 2021, 03:45:57 AM
I added a microphone input feature into the RTL code.
The board can handle a 3.5mm, 2 or 3 pole microphone.
Now, we have all functions of the Sound Box on ossc :)
I work on miscellaneous things, menus, volumes, ...
The board can handle a 3.5mm, 2 or 3 pole microphone.
Now, we have all functions of the Sound Box on ossc :)
I work on miscellaneous things, menus, volumes, ...
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: msch on February 07, 2021, 04:33:28 AM
Post by: msch on February 07, 2021, 04:33:28 AM
Great, congratulations!
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: Rob Blessin Black Hole on March 24, 2021, 05:52:16 AM
Post by: Rob Blessin Black Hole on March 24, 2021, 05:52:16 AM
Hello Yusukeito: This is an really cool project and awesome work.
There is a thread on NeXT Computer Enthusiasts on Facebook, you may have thoughts into if it is possible
to implement port / invent a solution that uses "the FPGA CPU from Amiga accelerator boards built around Xilinx FPGA and the entire line of 68k CPU ASICs (68000 to 68060) for Black hardware."
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeXTenthusiasts/
There is a thread on NeXT Computer Enthusiasts on Facebook, you may have thoughts into if it is possible
to implement port / invent a solution that uses "the FPGA CPU from Amiga accelerator boards built around Xilinx FPGA and the entire line of 68k CPU ASICs (68000 to 68060) for Black hardware."
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeXTenthusiasts/
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: Danyetman on March 24, 2021, 07:19:20 AM
Post by: Danyetman on March 24, 2021, 07:19:20 AM
I would love to see an implementation of this that could allow color on mono cubes - like a replacement NextDimension board with modern output types!
The real thing has to communicate with the logic board, so I know it's technically possible.
The real thing has to communicate with the logic board, so I know it's technically possible.
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: yusukeito on May 23, 2021, 06:20:01 AM
Post by: yusukeito on May 23, 2021, 06:20:01 AM
Hello everyone.
This project is going forward little and little :)
Almost done for 1st version!
I mounted the board to a plate sizing to NeXT bus board and it has back side black panel.
A PCB with Raspi in the back is SCSI emulator and WiFi <> Ethernet bridge.
I have got working NeXT with WiFi.
I am going to publish SCSI emu board schematic which is using RASCSI (https://github.com/akuker/RASCSI) later.
Installed this plate into the NeXT and placed HDMI display, USB mouse, Apple iMac speakers.
DXF of this plate and back side panel is found at https://github.com/novi/ossc_pcb/blob/next-soundbox/case-soundbox/nextcube-ext-card-soundbox-mount.dxf
Rob: Thanks. That is interesting but need more work to done that. I will check the group out!
Danyetman: Yes, We could get implemented a modern NeXTDimension board technically.
And we need more details about the dimension board, such as protocols.
This project is going forward little and little :)
Almost done for 1st version!
I mounted the board to a plate sizing to NeXT bus board and it has back side black panel.
A PCB with Raspi in the back is SCSI emulator and WiFi <> Ethernet bridge.
I have got working NeXT with WiFi.
I am going to publish SCSI emu board schematic which is using RASCSI (https://github.com/akuker/RASCSI) later.
Installed this plate into the NeXT and placed HDMI display, USB mouse, Apple iMac speakers.
DXF of this plate and back side panel is found at https://github.com/novi/ossc_pcb/blob/next-soundbox/case-soundbox/nextcube-ext-card-soundbox-mount.dxf
Rob: Thanks. That is interesting but need more work to done that. I will check the group out!
Danyetman: Yes, We could get implemented a modern NeXTDimension board technically.
And we need more details about the dimension board, such as protocols.
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: Rob Blessin Black Hole on June 10, 2021, 11:02:51 PM
Post by: Rob Blessin Black Hole on June 10, 2021, 11:02:51 PM
Hello Yusukeito: This absolutey amazing ! Best Regards Rob Blessin
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: yusukeito on July 27, 2021, 09:33:31 AM
Post by: yusukeito on July 27, 2021, 09:33:31 AM
Hello community,
I have built a cased Sound Box for the slab.
It uses same PCB board as the Cube.
The case is this (https://us.misumi-ec.com/vona2/detail/222005614912/?HissuCode=PF15-3-10D&curSearch=%7b%22field%22%3a%22%40search%22%2c%22seriesCode%22%3a%22222005614912%22%2c%22innerCode%22%3a%22%22%2c%22sort%22%3a1%2c%22specSortFlag%22%3a0%2c%22allSpecFlag%22%3a0%2c%22page%22%3a1%2c%22pageSize%22%3a%2260%22%2c%2200000027897%22%3a%22c%22%2c%2200000027898%22%3a%22mig00000001419349%22%2c%2200000027899%22%3a%22mig00000001443962%22%2c%2200000027900%22%3a%22mig00000001422905%22%2c%2200000027901%22%3a%2200000027901.e!00048%22%2c%22jp000039807%22%3a%22mig00000000335795%22%2c%22jp000039810%22%3a%22mig00000000210094%22%2c%22fixedInfo%22%3a%22innerCode%3aMDM00013800629%7c14%22%7d&Tab=codeList) one I posted earlier.
And I did processing with milling machine.
DXF is found at:
https://github.com/novi/ossc_pcb/blob/next-soundbox/case-soundbox/PF15-3-10D_20210228210419.dxf
So I am almost done with this project.
Functions
* HDMI output
* Stereo speaker output, HDMI Audio, 3.5mm Lineout
* Bultin Microphone and 3.5mm jack
* Non ADB or ADB keyboard and mouse support
* USB keyboard and mouse
TODO:
* SPDIF output, need RTL implementation
PCB(schematic) and its gerber files: https://github.com/novi/ossc_pcb
Case and plates for Cube DXFs: https://github.com/novi/ossc_pcb/tree/next-soundbox/case-soundbox
FPGA RTL codes: https://github.com/novi/ossc
STM32 MCU codes for USB keyboards: https://github.com/novi/ossc/tree/next-soundbox/soundbox-stm32-chibios
Acknowledgments: OSSC
I have built a cased Sound Box for the slab.
It uses same PCB board as the Cube.
The case is this (https://us.misumi-ec.com/vona2/detail/222005614912/?HissuCode=PF15-3-10D&curSearch=%7b%22field%22%3a%22%40search%22%2c%22seriesCode%22%3a%22222005614912%22%2c%22innerCode%22%3a%22%22%2c%22sort%22%3a1%2c%22specSortFlag%22%3a0%2c%22allSpecFlag%22%3a0%2c%22page%22%3a1%2c%22pageSize%22%3a%2260%22%2c%2200000027897%22%3a%22c%22%2c%2200000027898%22%3a%22mig00000001419349%22%2c%2200000027899%22%3a%22mig00000001443962%22%2c%2200000027900%22%3a%22mig00000001422905%22%2c%2200000027901%22%3a%2200000027901.e!00048%22%2c%22jp000039807%22%3a%22mig00000000335795%22%2c%22jp000039810%22%3a%22mig00000000210094%22%2c%22fixedInfo%22%3a%22innerCode%3aMDM00013800629%7c14%22%7d&Tab=codeList) one I posted earlier.
And I did processing with milling machine.
DXF is found at:
https://github.com/novi/ossc_pcb/blob/next-soundbox/case-soundbox/PF15-3-10D_20210228210419.dxf
So I am almost done with this project.
Functions
* HDMI output
* Stereo speaker output, HDMI Audio, 3.5mm Lineout
* Bultin Microphone and 3.5mm jack
* Non ADB or ADB keyboard and mouse support
* USB keyboard and mouse
TODO:
* SPDIF output, need RTL implementation
PCB(schematic) and its gerber files: https://github.com/novi/ossc_pcb
Case and plates for Cube DXFs: https://github.com/novi/ossc_pcb/tree/next-soundbox/case-soundbox
FPGA RTL codes: https://github.com/novi/ossc
STM32 MCU codes for USB keyboards: https://github.com/novi/ossc/tree/next-soundbox/soundbox-stm32-chibios
Acknowledgments: OSSC
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: barcher174 on July 29, 2021, 10:26:50 PM
Post by: barcher174 on July 29, 2021, 10:26:50 PM
Fantastic work! I can't wait to try one.
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: K-Town Computeum on March 19, 2023, 07:02:19 PM
Post by: K-Town Computeum on March 19, 2023, 07:02:19 PM
Hello @yusukeito.
Your project is really awesome! I only found out about it today.
Do you have any status update?
Your project is really awesome! I only found out about it today.
Do you have any status update?
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: ramalhais on March 23, 2023, 02:35:20 PM
Post by: ramalhais on March 23, 2023, 02:35:20 PM
Quote from: K-Town Computeum on March 19, 2023, 07:02:19 PMHello @yusukeito.
Your project is really awesome! I only found out about it today.
Do you have any status update?
Thanks for digging this up. I needed this 2 months ago 8)
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: MrPix on May 09, 2024, 02:21:02 PM
Post by: MrPix on May 09, 2024, 02:21:02 PM
I took a look at this project and decided it is good, but falls short on two important measures.
1. It provides an opaque solution but doesn't provide any in-thread info on data formats, conversions, or any of the methods used. This makes it very hard for a casual reader to understand anything that's going on.
2. It relies heavily on the overweight and really not that great OSCC project. This adds a layer of hardware and code complexity to the solution that's entirely unnecessary. The bloat of this makes the project something nobody is likely to ever actually implement.
At that point, it doesn't matter that the solution works - it's not self contained, explained, or made available.
Instead of just criticizing the project, I will try to develop a solution in parallel and document the hell out of it. I'll say up front that I will lean heavily on this project's research where possible.
If the original dev who made this is still here and reading, it would be super helpful if you could post some of the resources you used, information you gleaned and data on in particular the format of data in the digital bitstream.
1. It provides an opaque solution but doesn't provide any in-thread info on data formats, conversions, or any of the methods used. This makes it very hard for a casual reader to understand anything that's going on.
2. It relies heavily on the overweight and really not that great OSCC project. This adds a layer of hardware and code complexity to the solution that's entirely unnecessary. The bloat of this makes the project something nobody is likely to ever actually implement.
At that point, it doesn't matter that the solution works - it's not self contained, explained, or made available.
Instead of just criticizing the project, I will try to develop a solution in parallel and document the hell out of it. I'll say up front that I will lean heavily on this project's research where possible.
If the original dev who made this is still here and reading, it would be super helpful if you could post some of the resources you used, information you gleaned and data on in particular the format of data in the digital bitstream.
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: gtnicol on May 09, 2024, 03:20:53 PM
Post by: gtnicol on May 09, 2024, 03:20:53 PM
I made the ASIC design docs available recently - that should help with getting things going as well.
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: legodude on July 08, 2024, 07:17:44 PM
Post by: legodude on July 08, 2024, 07:17:44 PM
Quote from: gtnicol on May 09, 2024, 03:20:53 PMI made the ASIC design docs available recently - that should help with getting things going as well.
Where did these docs end up?
thanks
mike
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: gtnicol on July 08, 2024, 08:48:56 PM
Post by: gtnicol on July 08, 2024, 08:48:56 PM
They should be in the archives now - if not, I can push them again.
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: legodude on July 09, 2024, 07:14:52 AM
Post by: legodude on July 09, 2024, 07:14:52 AM
Quote from: gtnicol on July 08, 2024, 08:48:56 PMThey should be in the archives now - if not, I can push them again.
I looked through the archives and could not find any ASIC docs. I may have missed them though.
mike
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: Nitro on July 09, 2024, 03:48:56 PM
Post by: Nitro on July 09, 2024, 03:48:56 PM
Quote from: legodude on July 09, 2024, 07:14:52 AMI looked through the archives and could not find any ASIC docs. I may have missed them though.
mike
The document is posted here; I'll add it to the archives:
https://www.nextcomputers.org/forums/index.php?topic=5337.msg30857#msg30857 (https://www.nextcomputers.org/forums/index.php?topic=5337.msg30857#msg30857)
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: legodude on July 09, 2024, 07:02:45 PM
Post by: legodude on July 09, 2024, 07:02:45 PM
Quote from: Nitro on July 09, 2024, 03:48:56 PMThe document is posted here; I'll add it to the archives:
https://www.nextcomputers.org/forums/index.php?topic=5337.msg30857#msg30857 (https://www.nextcomputers.org/forums/index.php?topic=5337.msg30857#msg30857)
Thanks
Super helpful
mike
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: Nitro on July 09, 2024, 10:09:10 PM
Post by: Nitro on July 09, 2024, 10:09:10 PM
The ASIC spec and the Philips DAC spec are now located here:
https://www.nextcomputers.org/NeXTfiles/Docs/Hardware/Monitor_ASIC/ (https://www.nextcomputers.org/NeXTfiles/Docs/Hardware/Monitor_ASIC/)
https://www.nextcomputers.org/NeXTfiles/Docs/Hardware/Monitor_ASIC/ (https://www.nextcomputers.org/NeXTfiles/Docs/Hardware/Monitor_ASIC/)
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: ramalhais on July 12, 2024, 05:57:27 PM
Post by: ramalhais on July 12, 2024, 05:57:27 PM
Quote from: MrPix on May 09, 2024, 02:21:02 PMI took a look at this project and decided it is good, but falls short on two important measures.
1. It provides an opaque solution but doesn't provide any in-thread info on data formats, conversions, or any of the methods used. This makes it very hard for a casual reader to understand anything that's going on.
2. It relies heavily on the overweight and really not that great OSCC project. This adds a layer of hardware and code complexity to the solution that's entirely unnecessary. The bloat of this makes the project something nobody is likely to ever actually implement.
At that point, it doesn't matter that the solution works - it's not self contained, explained, or made available.
Instead of just criticizing the project, I will try to develop a solution in parallel and document the hell out of it. I'll say up front that I will lean heavily on this project's research where possible.
If the original dev who made this is still here and reading, it would be super helpful if you could post some of the resources you used, information you gleaned and data on in particular the format of data in the digital bitstream.
I have ported the verilog implementation to the sipeed tang nano 9k, and it's working using the open source lushay labs vscode plugin:
https://learn.lushaylabs.com/tang-nano-series/
FPGA verilog Code:
https://github.com/ramalhais/code/tree/master/fpga/next_kms
Sound is sort of working using a I2S DAC.
The FPGA was tested with a NeXT keyboard emulator i wrote for the ESP32 (i don't have a real NeXT keyboard):
https://github.com/ramalhais/code/tree/master/arduino/esp32/next-keyboard-mouse-interrupts
It needs to be paired with a CH3950 USB to serial converter to accept input from USB keyboard and mouse.
It also supports the non-adb NeXT mouse directly.
I also wrote a web flashing tool for the FPGA:
https://ramalhais.github.io/openfpgaloader-webflash/
If you need any more info, just ask, i'll be glad to help.
See this thread for more info on it:
https://www.nextcomputers.org/forums/index.php?topic=5337
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: legodude on July 15, 2024, 06:30:59 AM
Post by: legodude on July 15, 2024, 06:30:59 AM
Really cool work. It doesn't seem like we are that far off from having a polished soundbox replacement for a reasonable cost.
Title: Re: Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC
Post by: alow2004 on December 16, 2024, 10:24:31 AM
Post by: alow2004 on December 16, 2024, 10:24:31 AM
hi ramalhais, i was in the same mood as you. I think OSCC is too complex, we need to focus on this damn soundbox replacement topic. I would be happy to study your documentation and try to help you if I can. Keep the good work!