SC602 – RCBus Z80 Memory Module

SC602 is a memory module with two 512KB byte FLASH ROMs and one 512KB page RAM designed for the RCBus. This module provides suitable memory for running RomWBW, CP/M and the Small Computer Monitor (SCM).

Downloads

Errata

Nothing known

Suppliers

KitsWebsiteFromCurrency
Small Computers DirectSCDirectUKGBP
Stephen C CousinsTindieUKUSD
Small Computer CentralLectronzUKEuro/USD
PCBsWebsiteFromCurrency
Small Computers DirectSCDirectUKGBP
Stephen C CousinsTindieUKUSD
Small Computer CentralLectronzUKEuro/USD
Assembled and TestedWebsiteFromCurrency
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Components
See parts list
Small Computers Direct does not collect VAT for EU countries
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Lectronz does collect EU VAT for orders up to 150 EUR

Parts List

ReferenceQtyComponent
PCB1SC602, v1.1, PCB
C1 to C77Capacitor, ceramic, 100 nF
C81Capacitor, electrolytic, 100 µF
JP11Header, male, 1 row x 3 pin, angled
Jumper1Jumper shunt
P11Header, male, 1 row x 40 pin, angled
R1 and R22Resistor, 100k, 0.25W
SW11Switch, toggle or slide, sub-miniature, SPDT
Screw (for spacer)1Machine screw, 6mm, M3
Spacer1Spacer, 10mm, M3, nylon
U1 and U22FLASH 512k bytes SST39SF040
U31RAM 512k bytes AS6C4008
U4174HCT688
U5174HCT273
U6174HCT157
U7174AHCT139
IC socket 32-pin
U1, U2 and U3
3Socket, DIP, 32-pin
IC socket 20-pin
U4 and U5
2Socket, DIP, 20-pin
IC socket 16-pin
U6 and U7
2Socket, DIP, 16-pin
Component details and sourcing

Printed Circuit Board

User Guide

SC602 is a memory module with two 512KB byte FLASH ROMs and one 512KB RAM, designed for the 40-pin RC2014/RCBus. This module provides suitable memory for running RomWBW, CP/M and the Small Computer Monitor (SCM).

Only one of the FLASH ROMs is enabled at a time. This is selected with switch 1 (SW1). Typically, one ROM contains RomWBW and the other contains SCM.

The top 32KB of the 512KB RAM is always mapped to the top 32KB of the Z80’s memory space (0x8000 to 0xFFFF).

At reset the bottom 32KB of the 512KB FLASH ROM is mapped to the bottom 32KB of the Z80’s memory space (0x0000 to 0x7FFF).

Any of the sixteen 32KB FLASH ROM banks (0 to 15) or any of the sixteen 32KB RAM banks (16 to 31) can be mapped to the bottom 32KB of the Z80’s memory space (0x0000 to 0x7FFF) with a single write to I/O address 0x78 (or 0x79). The value written to this I/O address is two times the bank number. Bits 0, 6 and 7 are ignored. This scheme has been used for compatibility with existing software.

Input/output port functions
I/O Address ReadWrite
0x78
(0x78 to 0x79)
n/aMemory bank select
Bits 1 to 5 = Bank number (x2)
Bit 5 = RAM (hi), FLASH (lo)
Jumper options
JumperFunction
JP1FLASH write enable / protect
Read only = Write protected
Write = Read and write enabled

It is recommended that a jumper shunt be fitted in the “Read only” position of JP1 during normal use. It only needs to be in the “Write” position when the contents of the FLASH is to be updated. While the FLASH device requires a very specific sequence of events to protect it against accidental modification, it is best to play safe and use the jumper to ensure it can not be written to.

Assembly Guide

Below is the suggested order of assembly. A general guide to assembling circuit boards can be found here.

  1. Resistors R1 and R2 (100K)
    These can be fitted either way around
  2. Decoupling capacitors C1 to C7 (100 nF)
    These can be fitted either way around
  3. Bus header P1 (1 row x 40 pin, angled)
    Make sure the pins are parallel to the PCB so that the board is vertical when it is fitted into a backplane socket
  4. Header pins JP1 (1 row x 3 pin, straight)
  5. Sockets for U1 to U7
    Fit such that the notch in the socket matches the curve in the outline on the PCB silkscreen
  6. Toggle or slide switch SW1
  7. Capacitor C8 (100 uF)
    This must be fitted the correct way around, as described here
  8. Insert the integrated circuits into their sockets
    Make sure the notch in the component is at the end indicated by the notch in the socket and the curve on the PCB silkscreen
  9. Fit the nylon spacer in the mounting hole

Fit a jumper shunt in the position shown below.

Compatibility

This module conforms to the RCBus specification v1.0 for RCBus-2014 (40-pin bus) and RCBus-Z80 (40-pin bus).

The RCBus specification includes RCBus-2014 (both RC2014 standard 40-pin bus and RC2014 enhanced 60-pin bus) and also the full 80-pin RCBus. The 80-pin RCBus provides support for advanced Z80 features, such as the interrupt daisy-chain, as well as support for other processor families.

The table below indicates electrical compatibility with each backplane type (40, 60 and 80 pin)

Backplane?Compatibility notes
RCBus 80-pinFully supported
RCBus 60-pin
(RC2014 enhanced)
Fully supported
RCBus 40-pin
(RC2014 standard)
Fully supported

Notes

  • This product is designed for hobby use and is not suitable for industrial, commercial, or safety-critical applications.
  • The product contains small parts and is not suitable for young children.
  • RomWBW is copyright Wayne Warthen and has been provided free of charge with his permission.

Homebrew 8-bit retro computing