6 layers129.8 × 57.4 mm
4 layers100 × 100 mm
Quadra to ztex
MelkhiorVintageComputing/QuadraFPGA13The goal of this repository is to be able to interface a modern (2023 era) FPGA with a Macintosh Quadra using its PDS (Processor Direct Slot) connector.
- Size
- 100 × 100 mm
- Copper layers
- 4
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 33
- Nets
- 200
- Pads
- 609
- Tracks, vias
- 2,700, 65
- Pours
- 5
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 5 (file 20171130)
- Created
- 2 Sep 2023
- Updated
- 7 Sep 2025
Overview
Quadra to ztex is an open-source printed circuit board by MelkhiorVintageComputing, from the MelkhiorVintageComputing/QuadraFPGA repository on GitHub. It is a 4-layer board of 100 × 100 mm with 33 parts on 200 nets, routed with 2,700 tracks and 65 vias.
It is built around the 74CB3T16211DGGRE4. Its parts include 16 capacitors, 6 ICs, 4 resistors, 3 connectors and 1 diode.
Main components
1README
README.mdA FPGA on a Quadra PDS card...
Goal
The goal of this repository is to be able to interface a modern (2023 era) FPGA with a Macintosh Quadra using its PDS (Processor Direct Slot) connector. The PDS is basically just a physical connector to the MC68040 memory bus.
So unless you're a retrocomputing enthusiast with such a machine, this is useless. If you are such an enthusiast, then maybe the ability to connect a modern LCD monitor using a digital interface to an old Macintosh might be of interest to you.
This project was 'spun off' the NuBusFPGA and IIsiFPGA, similar project for the NuBus used in several models of Macintosh of the era and the PDS in the Macintosh IIsi. NuBusFPGA itself is a spin-off of the SBusFPGA, a similar project for the SBus used in Sun's SPARCstation.
Current status
The HDMI (Highly Desirable Macintosh Interface) is working, with both video (single-hardware-res, multi-depth, windowboxed lower res) & audio working. More details are available in the readme of the NuBusFPGA repository.
Known issue(s)
- The Snoop Control signals (SC0 and SC1) aren't connected to the FPGA. They must be driven low ("Inhibit Snooping", Table 4-1 in the 040UM) by alternate bus master. This prevent the QuadraFPGA to be a bus master, as those signals are pulled high on the motherboard.
Parts
33| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 100nF | Capacitor_SMD:C_0402_1005Metric | C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C8, C11, C12, C13, C15 |
| 4 | 74CB3T16211DGGR | SOP50P810X120-56N | IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4 |
| 2 | 47uF 10V+ | Capacitor_SMD:C_1206_3216Metric | C7, C16 |
| 1 | 0 | Resistor_SMD:R_0402_1005Metric | R1 |
| 1 | 10029449-111RLF (HDMI A) | For_SeeedStudio:HDMI_A_Amphenol_10029449-111 | J2 |
| 1 | 10k | Resistor_SMD:R_0402_1005Metric | R4 |
| 1 | 10nF | Capacitor_SMD:C_0402_1005Metric | C9 |
| 1 | 10nF 1kV 0805 | Capacitor_SMD:C_0805_2012Metric | C14 |
| 1 | 1M 500V 1206 | Resistor_SMD:R_1206_3216Metric | R3 |
| 1 | 47uF 10V 1206 | Capacitor_SMD:C_1206_3216Metric | C10 |
| 1 | 680 | Resistor_SMD:R_0402_1005Metric | R2 |
| 1 | 8807-140-170LH | KEL:8807-140-170LH | U14 |
| 1 | A2541HWR-2x6P (Pmod 2x6 F R) | Connector_PinSocket_2.54mm:PinSocket_2x06_P2.54mm_Horizontal | J3 |
| 1 | Conn_02x07_Odd_Even | For_SeeedStudio:PinHeader_2x07_P2.00mm_Horizontal_For_SeeedStudio | J1 |
| 1 | LogoLitex | For_SeeedStudio:litex_logo | GRAPHIC1 |
| 1 | RED LED 0603 | LED_SMD:LED_0603_1608Metric | D1 |
| 1 | TPD12S016PWR | For_SeeedStudio:SOP65P640X120-24N | U1 |
| 1 | ZTEX_AB-ztex_AB | For_SeeedStudio:PinHeader_2x32_P2.54mm_Vertical_For_SeeedStudio | JAB1 |
| 1 | ZTEX_CD-ztex_CD | For_SeeedStudio:PinHeader_2x32_P2.54mm_Vertical_For_SeeedStudio | JCD1 |
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Questions
How big is the Quadra to ztex PCB?
It measures 100 × 100 mm and has 4 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Quadra to ztex use?
33 parts, built around the 74CB3T16211DGGRE4. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the Quadra to ztex KiCad files?
From the MelkhiorVintageComputing/QuadraFPGA repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is quadra-to-ztex/quadra-to-ztex.kicad_pcb. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Quadra to ztex design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask MelkhiorVintageComputing before reusing the design.