I’m actually looking for a powerful MCU, with CAN, and something ARM(>=9)-based would be great. However, my production facilities are currently limited to my hands, a laser printer and a gaz iron, so I can bake my PCBs, but no fancy multi(>2)-layers.
For now I don’t have much trouble messing around with STM32 & other LPGA packaged ICs, but I did not found much ARM9 with that kind of packages.
Most of them are *BGA, Ball Gate Array, and I think there is some kind of mutex between BGA and DIY.
So I’m looking for the most powerful ARM I can get working with hand soldering. Another thing is that it should be available in samples (well, if I had money I would simply go for an Overo or other PXA270 / s3c2440 module board).
For now I found the LPC2939 from NXP, but I though I would ask you before trying to get that working !
PS: If you thing BGA and DIY are not mutually exclusive, I’m listening ! I tried to find ways but did not succeed, but please if you did, tell me. :?:
Sorry, I can’t offer advice on the micro, but I would suggest trying some of the cheap PCB proto services (BatchPCB, Gold Phoenix, Olimex etc) rather than trying to struggle making fine-pitch PCBs yourself.
I still occasionally use toner transfer / iron on sheets to make my own PCBs, but only if I need them in a real hurry.
I think Atmel still sells a 208 PQFP version of the AT91SAM9260 processor. This is an ARM 926EJ core. What is really nice is the processor clock can run at up to 200MHz.
Its damned hard to reball a BGA successfully without the right tools. Unless you don’t mind a dead pile of $10 processors, consider this
To successfully route a BGA takes at least 4 layers (generally). Also, you need soldermask. This removes the possibility of home etched boards.
Placing a BGA by hand is possible but tricky. You need the mask in order to feel it “seat” into the wells. Also, a flat board finish (Silver, gold) helps tremendously.
Post inspection takes an XRay. Either get friendly with your local vet (medical xray equipment works just fine, dental film is usually too small though), or don’t inspect.
And pay lots of $$$ for a small board and wait days for it to arrive (if not weeks)…
I guess that depends on your defenition of “lots of $$$”. Small boards with BatchPCB only cost a few dollars, but take longer than other services.
Many boards of mine have several hundred vias, as well as bunch of fine-pitch components - no way I’m going to try that at home even if it is technically possible. If I had a CNC router & hole-plating setup to make the boards then it would be a different story…
Its damned hard to reball a BGA successfully without the right tools. Unless you don’t mind a dead pile of $10 processors, consider this
To successfully route a BGA takes at least 4 layers (generally). Also, you need soldermask. This removes the possibility of home etched boards.
Placing a BGA by hand is possible but tricky. You need the mask in order to feel it “seat” into the wells. Also, a flat board finish (Silver, gold) helps tremendously.
Post inspection takes an XRay. Either get friendly with your local vet (medical xray equipment works just fine, dental film is usually too small though), or don’t inspect.
Have you tried to build a PCB for the BGA version of the IMX233? I was wondering if a chip like that could be done in 4 layers with 6/6 or 7/7…
I think that chip could make an awesome little handheld linux box, esp since it will run at 400+MHz and has a built in LCD controller and PSU.
