A custom-built 4-layer PCB handheld game console based on the Allwinner F1C200s SoC.
EASYEDA LINK- https://oshwlab.com/satvikpockitce/project_wvjbfxpj
The goal of this project is to build a small, low-cost, Linux-capable handheld that can run lightweight emulators and homebrew games using a fully custom PCB, display interface, controls, audio, storage, and power system.
it should be capable of running Linux and emulating classic systems such as:
- NES
- Game Boy / Game Boy Color
- Sega Master System
- Game Gear
- SNES
- Sega Genesis / Mega Drive
- PC Engine
- Neo Geo-class 2D systems, depending on software and memory limits
Allwinner F1C200s
The main processor used in this project is the Allwinner F1C200s.
Key specs:
CPU: ARM926EJ-S Typical clock: around 420 MHz Integrated RAM: 64 MB DDR1 inside the package Display output: RGB / TTL LCD interface Storage support: SD / MMC / SPI Connectivity: USB OTG, UART, SPI, I2C, I2C
The console uses a 2.4-inch TFT LCD.
Controls:
- A
- B
- X
- Y
- L1
- R1
- Start
- Select
- Digital joystick / D-pad using a 5-way switch
The design uses the NS4150B audio amplifier.
Features:
- 3W mono Class-D amplifier
- Filterless output design
- easy to work with
The console includes two USB-C ports.
This USB-C port is used for serial communication and programming/debugging.
It uses a CH340N USB-to-UART chip to connect a computer to the F1C200s UART. (no ttl stuff needed)
Uses:
USB host functionality External peripherals Possible keyboard/controller support General USB expansionion
Main rails:
- 3.3V
- 3.0V
- 2.5V
- 1.2V
- 5V battery/USB-VBUS rail
ICs used-
- 3 × SY8088 buck converters
- 1 × XC6206 LDO
- Download the Handheldconsolelinux.epro2 and import it in easyeda pro (pro is free :D!!)
- in the top you should see a export drop-down
- in there you can see export parts/bom to lcsc (now you can directly order all parts with adding them to your cart with a single click!)
- there would also be order from jlcpcb, which if you click you are directly sent to the order page with the correct design rules/gerbers uploaded
- project start
- component research and basic ideation done
- first schematic revision done
Design notes for later fixes and to be kept in mind for routing-
-
Integrated download circuitry eliminates the need for a TTL downloader when viewing serial port data; a standard A-to-C cable is sufficient. Using the CH340N solution, which has a built-in crystal oscillator, requires few external components, and is small in size, it is simply too good to be true..
-
The top-mounted FPC socket was changed to a bottom-mounted one. Since the top-mounted design is only available in a drawer-style configuration and not a flip-top design, and the drawer-style base is easily pulled up along with the base when removing the screen, it is not recommended..
-
Fixed the issue of the NS4150B not working, users who have already installed version 2/28 are advised to connect a 5V network cable to pin 1 of the chip.
-
Fixed the issue of the charging indicator light not lighting up (it was drawn backwards).
-
Remove the charging status detection circuit (system not supported).
-
The amplifier section was updated, the SD pin was replaced, and the IN- leakage issue that would cause the speaker to overheat and produce no sound was resolved.
-
AGND is used as a ground plane, connected to the common ground via a 0-ohm resistor. I'm unsure if this improves noise levels.
todo-
-
Fixed button pin errors (ABXY positions are out of order)
-
Fix button pin misalignment
-
Fix the screen FPC socket position
Placement errors fixed, routing started
Initial first pass routing done, todo-
-
fix tft filter routing
-
complete the inner power layer copper region fills
-
add copper pour regions on all layers
Routing finally complete
Final project wide changes suggest by friends and some reddit dudes
-
Gerber generated, exported, BOM device standardization complete, ready to order
-
shipped to hackclub's macondo program and is under review right now
This is a work-in-progress DIY hardware project. The board has not been fully validated yet, and some design decisions may change after testing..
Use the design as a learning reference, not as a guaranteed production-ready circuit.
