As I see the production got started already so when we may expect to have it in our hands?
It's quite good actually production has started, it's making me focus on production test and sorting out the remaining issues with the firmware.
Status as of today (7th March).
All components are in place at the assembler and they have started SMD work today. They will finish by mid next week. Some work remains, like sourcing packaging, inspection and shipping back to Sweden - and customs/import stuff. I should get them in my hands towards the end of the month, then they can be shipped to customers.
The development framework (VHDL + ARM code) is working well. DRAM training and test is in place. I can load large files directly from SD to memory and then verify the DRAM contents against the file.
The test "loader" design which contains the full system (OSD, system control, memory controller, PS/2, video/audio outputs) compiles in less than 20 seconds and has full timing closure at 133MHz (266Mbit on the DRAM). The OSD is in colour and higher resolution (32x16) with soft scroll.
Now I have fixed the problem with the DRAM clock capture, I have a very wide operating eye. This also means I can test and ship the ~30 boards I have here already which were not working with the old core.
Work remains on dynamic menus for other cores, but this should be finished in the next day or so.
Oh, FDD and HDD are not implemented yet as the protocol has changed. I will fix this asap
I'll be rolling out beta cores to current board owners in the next week - if everything goes smoothly.
/MikeJ
