HDMI for RC

Description

This RC2014/RCBus compatible module is based around the Tang Nano 20K FPGA module from sipeed. Its a FGPA module that includes a HDMI output connector.

In conjunction with the appropriate FGPA code, it will emulate a Yamaha V9958 VDP. This emulated processor, supports all the original features of the Yamaha VDP, with some additional extensions included to support higher resolutions and an extended palette size of 256 entries with each entry supporting full 24bit colour depth.

The module also has a 3 pin breakout for attaching an optional WS2812 LED strip.

This module is an alternative to the TODO-CHANGE-LINK

Key features

• Emulate a V9958 VDP
• Support experimental higher resolutions (640×480)
• Attach and control an external WS2812 LED strip
• Digitise an analogue audio input and transmit as a digital signal to the HDMI output
• Or flash the FPGA with your own code and make it do whatever you want

Testing Status

The Tang Nano 20K (if you select to include it) will come flashed with an image to emulate a V9958 VDP (with extensions). This image will also support the ability to control an optionally attached WS2812 LED strip.

The code for the Tang Nano and the associated notes can be found on its github project site https://github.com/dinoboards/V9958-Super

The FPGA code is derived from https://github.com/lfantoniosi/tnvdp. The code has been adapted to work with the RC2014/RCBus Z80 interface; the VHDL code converted to verilog; and extensions and other changes have been applied. As such, there is a possibility that there are now some regression to V9958 compatibility.

The HDMI/DVI output has been tested on a handful of monitor and with some passive HDMI to DVI converters. The passive converters will typically not work if the Audio (J1) is shorted.

What’s included in this kit

The full kits includes everything you need (PCB, capacitors, resistors, IC sockets, connectors, and the ICs). The Tang Nano 20K can be optionally included.

What else do I need to make this work?

• A working RC2014/RCBus system
• An appropriate boot system – such as RomWBW with support for V9958 VDP, or other appropriate VDP software