Hi Andy,
this is the hit, really promising and really smart approach!!!
I really hope that Mr. PCB-man will have an eye on that too
(in order to find a good way to realize it).
Ok, it would have been a good idea to give us the link to the documents
because not everybody has them already.
But I found a good documentation at:
http://www.intel.com/design/strong/SA_110doc.htm
Having a first quick look into the docs I found the following:
It is explicitely said that the level on the CCCFG pins has to remain stable
all the time. Thus switching during having the processor running might cause
the processor to hang.
You should not use settings above a bit value of 11, because that would set
frequencies really beyond specification.
Have you connected the pins to the levels of VDDX/VSS accordingly?
How do you check if the core clock frequency is really increased?
There is described a test output TESTCLK, but you need to change the signal
TCK_BYP as well. And it is strongly recommended NOT to use it, because the
processor can be damaged easily...
I am curious to hear more.
Cheers
Johannes
> -----Original Message-----
> From: newtontalk-bounce_at_newtontalk.net
> [mailto:newtontalk-bounce_at_newtontalk.net]On Behalf Of Andy Collins
> Sent: Tuesday, July 09, 2002 2:55 PM
> To: newtontalk_at_newtontalk.net
> Subject: [NTLK] New accelerator idea. needs no crystal. Need Help.
>
>
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> I think I've come up with a different method of speeding up the MP2x00
> without needing to change the crystal.
>
> I've been pondering speeding my Newt up since discovering Stephanie's web
> page but the things that put me off were...
> 1) I'd need to bring the speed down to download packages and
> backup (I only
> have serial coms).
> 2) Running the wires around radiating at the clock frequency.
> 3) It doesn't seem right to speed up everything, memory timings, LCD
> refresh rates etc.
>
> I asked a hardware savvy friend of mine if it was possible to use
> some kind
> of chip to switch frequency. That way this chip could be near the
> processor
> and the wire to the physical switch would only be handling DC. At least
> that would cross of one of my objections.
>
> The upshot of that was that it could easily be arrange but he asked the
> question why didn't I just change the multiplier? Why? because I didn't
> know there was one :-). It seems the multiplier takes the crystal
> frequency
> given to the StrongArm microprocessor and multiplies it by a set
> amount to
> give the internal frequency that the SA110 runs at. It turns out
> that there
> are four pins on the SA110 that set the multiplier inside the processor.
>
> The great advantage is that, if my hunch is right, only the core of the
> chip will run fast. The Voyager and therefor the serial coms etc will run
> at normal speed. The memory timing will remain unchanged. There is a
> question mark of sound (chipmunk or not) but apart from that I recon the
> Newt won't need to be switched to the normal frequency again.
>
> This is where I'm at...
> I've Downloaded the data sheets and worked out what's what.
> I've lifted the for core clock multiplier pins from the circuit board
> (_VERY_ tricky don't try this! very hard!).
> Fitted a small 4 pole tri-state DIL switch (this will be removed
> when it's
> all working).
> Now I can try trying the pins controlling the multiplier high or low as I
> wish. switch settings and check the results.
>
> Now here's the problem.
>
> It doesn't work!! I can change the levels on the multiplier pins but it
> doesn't seem to work properly. It either works at the same speed
> or hangs.
> Has anyone else looked into this? Any hints and tips from the hardware
> gurus greatly appreciated.
>
>
> Thanks.
>
> Andy.
>
> WARNING... This is proving tricky. It might turn out to be a brilliant
> idea. However, I might wreck my Newton. Don't blame me if you try
> this and
> wreck yours!
>
>
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>
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