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Crystal Chip 1.1 Lite features (last updated 05.10.2005):
High
Quality Actel ProASIC Plus FPGA provides:
- Flash-based configuration means we are able to quickly and
thoroughly test and debug many different configurations before arriving
at a stable release.
- An excessive number of "gates" allows the use of an internal "ROM"
for infallible "Recovery Mode". This means you will never be stuck
unable to recover from firmware errors.
- ISP (In-System Programming) and Boundary Scan allow us to program
and test every single device on the Crystal Chip board after population.
This will detect any flaws in the manufacturing process, such as bridged
pins or defective components.
- Internal SRAM allows us to provide unique features unavailable with
many other FPGA devices.
General hardware features:
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Custom "Glitch Detection" logic automatically detects and filters
noise on strobe lines (A, R and W). This results in 100% boot rates
for bootstrap hook software.
-
Ground-bounce is a non-issue due to an intelligent patching method
which reduces current spikes, and the aforementioned "Glitch
Detection" logic.
-
4kbyte/128kbyte*** software-accessable (read/write) EEPROM/FLASH***
for storage of PS2 bootstrap hooks and data.
-
3kbyte software-accessable (write) SRAM for storage of PS1 bootstrap
hooks.
-
on-board oscillator (clock) means you don't have to worry about
installing a clock wire or the annoying issues associated with bad
clock wiring.
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new very compact 4 layer circuit-board and new optimized solder-pad
layout for easiest installation.
-
only 19 wires for v1-v7 consoles, 20/21 wires for v8+ consoles
(DVD+/-RW requires the optional "F" wire) regardless of region.
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on-board LED to help debug installation problems.
-
"HA" wire (not available on CC1.0 or any other chips in the market)
reduces the occurence of "mechacon crashes" which are the most
common cause of laser burnout in v12 consoles as well as reducing
the occurence of RSOD.
Upgrade features:
- Upgradable via software loaded from CD, host (Naplink, ps2link,
etc), memory card, etc. EEPROM/FLASH is blank when shipped.
- Recovery Mode uses an internal ROM in the FPGA rather than external
flash which may become corrupted. This means you will never be unable to
boot an upgrade disc, even if the EEPROM/FLASH were removed or
physically damaged (of course you wouldn't be able to upgrade then..).
- Internal checksum to ensure data integrity. If the checksum fails,
the console will automatically boot in Recovery Mode so that you may fix
the problem with the Utility Disc.
Application support:
- Open-Source API and documentation provided for software-interaction
with the CC1.0 hardware and writing your own firmwares. Some basic
example codes are provided with the API which show bootstrap patching
for direct-boot unsigned "homebrew" discs and loading a "dashboard" or
similar application from memory card.
- Memory Card boot (aka "Dev.olution Mode", "Dev Mode", "Dev Mode 1")
allows you to load software directly from memory card on system startup.
- Boot homebrew software CD/DVD discs as you would a regular game
disc.
Media types supported:
CD-ROM / DVD-ROM / DVD-ROM 9 / *CD-R / *CD-RW / *DVD-R / **DVD-RW
/ **DVD+RW
*note: These medias are supported ONLY if
your PS2 can read them in the first place. These medias are
listed only for completeness and due to the fact that CC1.0
removes the additional checks for some of these medias which
were added in v8 and higher consoles.
**note: These
medias require the additional "F" write to be attached on v8 and
higher consoles.
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