Leyden/hardware/README.md

LibrePower Hardware

This directory contains:

• The KiCad project for LibrePower (librepower.pro)
• A KiCad library with the necessary footprints (fe310.lib)
• A detailed bill of materials spreadsheet with pricing and part numbers (bom.ods)
• PDFs of the complete schematics (librepower.pdf)
• Gerber files for the PCB layout (in gerbers)
• Renderings and photos of the PCB and the assembled board (in images)

KiCad is a free software electronics CAD suite, available for all main platforms. Install it to view or edit the hardware designs. KiCad can generate schematics, netlists, bill of materials, gerbers etc.

The BOM spreadsheet and schematic PDF should be viewable in any spreadsheet and PDF viewer respectively.

This page is a useful reference for explaining the purpose of each file.

Prototyping

For prototyping, it is easiest to use the HiFive1 dev board to avoid needing to solder the QFP packaged chip, and a bench power supply or a premade PSU module rather than reinventing the wheel. On the right hand side of the bom.ods file I list some cheaper through hole components to use for a prototype or cheaper version of the board.

Building

The parts can be ordered via Kitspace, to make it easier to get everything you need at once:
https://kitspace.org

The PCB could be made at home or ordered from one of the many small volume PCB sellers online using the Gerber files.

Resources

These are some freely available designs and specifications which are not necessary to build and use LibrePower.

Links to datasheets for all components are in the bom.ods file.

Documentation for the SiFive FE310 and the HiFive1 dev board can be found on SiFive's site.

The HDL source of the SiFive FE310 microcontroller is here, and the RISC V ISA specifications can be seen here.