An idea of a potential Raspberry Pi Zero competitor chip - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: technix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2017, 05:00:09 pm
content: This originates from the recent announcement of the PIC32MZ DA line. If a chip manufacturer can cook up a multi-chip module like this and sell it within 10 dollars, it would be able to pressure the Raspberry Pi folks. The chip contains:* An 32-bit CPU core with MMU, be it MIPS Warrior (PUC32MZ DA) or Cortex-A7 MP1 (AllWinner V3s) or Cortex-A53 MP4 (BCM2837)* A GPU that supports OpenGL ES and hopefully OpenCL if headless chips are used.* At least 512MB of LPDDR2 SDRAM. Hopefully 1GB LPDDR3. Since the die is hard wired in the packages, a registerless hard wired memory controller can be used (like PSRAM.)* At least 4GB of NAND storage, can be an eMMC die packaged in directly.* Built in primary crystal oscillator and voltage regulators.* Single 3.3V supply* Packages: wide-body DIP28, DIP40, QFP44, QFP64, QFP100.Features exposed by package:* DIP28: 1x SPI with 3CS, 1x I2C, 1x I2S, 1x UART, 4x PWM, 1x USB OTG, 20x muxed GPIO* DIP40: add 1x I2C, 1x SPI with 3CS, 1x SDIO, 12x muxed GPIO* QFP44: add 1x USB Host and onboard Bluetooth/Wi-Fi combo chipset (and additional SDIO and UART on the main chip to support this RF chip.)* QFP64: add Serial Digital Video Out complex (12 signals capable of being switched between MIPI DSI-2, HDMI and DisplayPort)* QFP100: add two CSI-2 4-lane and one GMII interface.* QFP144: add 24-bit parallel LCD interface, 3x more USB host ports (can be internal USB Hub) and 30x muxed GPIOPackageGPIO (muxed)SPI (w/ 3CS)I2CI2SUARTPWMSDIOParallel LCDUSB 2.0CSI-2SDVOGMIIWirelessDIP-28201111400OTG000NoDIP-40322211410OTG000NoQFP-44322211410OTG, 1x Host000YesQFP-64322211410OTG, 1x Host010YesQFP-100322211410OTG, 1x Host211YesQFP-144622211411OTG, 4x Host211Yes

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 24, 2017, 05:16:39 pm
content: Quote from: technix on May 24, 2017, 05:00:09 pmParticipate in the bloodbath of the race to the bottom? Does not seem to be viable if the goal is to earn money.

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2017, 05:42:38 am
content: Quote from: technix on May 24, 2017, 05:00:09 pmcrush your expectations, double it already. i see > 11 for a tape @mouserbudgetary pricing:http://www.microchip.com/ParamChartSearch/chart.aspx?branchID=30071

author: legacy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2017, 06:41:57 am
content: goddamn, electronics is going to throw up itself into a 2 penny coin.

author: janekm
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 25, 2017, 07:21:47 am
content: The C.H.I.P. GR8 is pretty close to what you describe:https://getchip.com/pages/chippro(scroll down a bit for description and datasheet of the multi-die package). $6 each (I suppose that would almost be considered pricey these days...)No on-board crystal or LDO or Flash, but that's not too hard to put on the carrier PCB...

author: technix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2017, 01:08:39 pm
content: Quote from: janekm on May 25, 2017, 07:21:47 amToo bad it is a BGA (thus not hand solderable.)The chip I was talking above is a MCM packaged in DIP28/DIP40/QFP44/QFP64/QFP100/QFP144. Yes the two lowest pin count packages are DIP.

author: krho
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2017, 04:35:39 pm
content: The availability of GR8 is questionable. The next Co. Promises nothing.

author: janekm
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 28, 2017, 01:39:47 am
content: Quote from: krho on May 25, 2017, 04:35:39 pmWell, there is a clear promise on that product page... I suppose they haven't delivered on that promise yet?

author: krho
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2017, 10:04:18 am
content: What i meant is that they are not promising long term availability. e.g 5, 10 years. When they decide that enough is enough they can stop selling.

author: janekm
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 29, 2017, 02:33:03 am
content: Quote from: krho on May 28, 2017, 10:04:18 amGot it, you're right that's not a safe solution in a case where one needs lone term availability (especially since as a startup they can "pivot" at any point).

author: westfw
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2017, 10:14:29 am
content: You'd probably be better off thinking of the Raspberry Pi Zero as a marketing tool akin to free sample chips, rather than a realistic depiction of how cheap an independently manufactured SBC might be manufactured. :-(

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 29, 2017, 05:59:14 pm
content: Quote from: westfw on May 29, 2017, 10:14:29 amYep, dropping 3 connectors + a few very cheap parts compared to model A+, does not make it 4x cheaper. One sided part load likely is the biggest cost saver.