
Technical details
Description, documents, and source code.
What is it?
This backplane is initially intended to be used with Sergey Kiselev's Micro8088 or xi8088 PC clones, among others system powered by x86 architecture. However, other old systems could also…
What is it?
This backplane is initially intended to be used with Sergey Kiselev's Micro8088 or xi8088 PC clones, among others system powered by x86 architecture. However, other old systems could also be developed using FPGAs built or adapted to ISA or PC / 104 type slots, plus other accessories based on these. Open Source Hardware project, Kicad project files provided across on my GitHub account.
Notice: The project is still in the prototype phase, the first version has been tested and has an identified fault, although easily fixable.
Why did you make it?
Like the other project I have developed, called MonochromeVGA, you can select green, amber or B&W as monochromatic color, among others at the VGA output. Change color to monochrome or vice versa easily.
Fix needed
At the moment, the only problem found is related to the on/off system. The 2n3904 transistor footprint had the Emitter and Base pins swapped due to a mistake of mine copying it from another design with another transistor:
Without this fix, the boot button would not work.
Options
Due to the state of the project, and some difficulties appreciated to fit it in Mini-ITX cases with ISA video cards, I have decided not to continue it. For the same reason, I offer different options with a more adjusted price.
If you do not use a Mini-ITX comercial case, or if you adapt or create one conveniently (in 3D for example), this board can be adjusted to your needs.
The sale options that I offer are the following:
PCB only, it is 4 layers.
In Kit for assembly, which includes three 16-bit industrial quality ISA connectors and 16-bit PC / 104 connector.
Fully assembled, which includes three 16-bit industrial quality ISA connectors and 16-bit PC / 104 connector.
Videos
Original product page: https://www.tindie.com/products/johnson/universal-itx-backplane/