Verilog HDL implementation of NeXT Sound Box ASIC

[yusukeito]

Hello community.
I recently got a black hardware and I am working on its interfacing to display, keyboard, mouse and speaker.

Original black NeXT computers have its dedicated monitor, keyboard and mouse. Speakers will be connected to that monitor.
As we would know, To connect VGA display, keyboard, speakers in this age, we need The Sound Box hardware.(And need dedicated cables as well)
Also need some converters if you will use USB keyboards like this:
https://drakware.com/product/NeXTUSB

And we have Universal Sound Box project with original NeXT ASIC.
It is good choice to get Sound Box functions.
http://www.nextcomputers.org/forums/index.php?topic=4369.0

So, here I have been started my project few weeks ago.
I implement Sound Box functions into Verilog HDL. Now basic functions is working well.
https://github.com/novi/nextasic
(Sorry, Documentation is not yet

The first step, I will complete implementation of functionality of an original Sound Box.
Next, Will integrate the HDL code with OSSC(https://github.com/marqs85/ossc).
It enables VGA to HDMI convert and Sound Box functions at one board.
Would be great to connect modern displays.
We could integrate USB keyboard connectivity into that board as well.

[barcher174]

Good work!

[yusukeito]

I am done with the implementation except Microphone Input.
I am going to get an original Sound Box from Rob(Black Hole inc) to implement for the Microphone.

[Rob Blessin Black Hole]

Hello Keito: Excellent work, I'll check the sound card and keyboard in the next few days .
Best Regards Rob Blessin

[yusukeito]

I got an original Sound Box card from Rob. And now inspecting it.
Here is a progress of my OSSC/Sound Box Combo card. PCB design almost done.

Features:

• VGA to HDMI (OSSC)
• Sound output, Mic input
• Class D Amplifier for speakers
• USB host for USB Keyboards and mouse
• Original NonADB and ADB keyboard and mouse support
• SPDIF output(Need HDL implementation)

[yusukeito]

The codes and PCB designs are open sourced https://github.com/novi/ossc_pcb/tree/next-soundbox

[rbz]

Great work! Looking forward to further updates. I think something like this could also be made as an expansion to the OSSC Pro whenever they release that (no news since Jan )

[barcher174]

Looks awesome! One other feature suggestion since it seems like you're going for an all in one replacement. How hard would it be to put a bnc to ethernet converter onboard for 030 cubes?

[yusukeito]

OSSC Pro has lager scale FPGA and RAMs.
And the production is more difficult than current one if build this ourselves. Since it has two BGA chips.
But it has GPIO expansion port, we could implement Sound Box functions relying on the port.
I will follow the information about that after released.

We could mount these converter on the Cube expansion slot and get power from ATX 4pins.
https://www.amazon.com/10BaseT-10Base2-Converter-Ethernet-10Base-T/dp/B07KSW4MZ6
And here is dimensions of the expansion slot for the Cube.
https://github.com/novi/ossc_pcb/tree/wip/case-soundbox
I am planing to put my OSSC/SB Combo board on a something plate for expansion slot for the Cube. AND put a Raspberry Pi for RJ45 to WiFi converter and SCSI emulator. So we could add 10Base2 converter as well.
I will share a DXF dimensions for that. The plate would be made of aluminum or acrylic.

FYI, My combo board fits into this plastic enclosure. (part. PF15-3-10)
http://www.takachi-enclosure.com/data/c16-17/2017vol3_1-10.pdf
It is good for Slab machines.

[yusukeito]

Hello, Progress updates!

I finished building the board.
And done with basic software and basic testing.
Sound Box Verilog part works. (I already implemented earlier.)
So it works with OSSC and NonADB keyboard, Audio output. HDMI audio as well
But USB peripheral part is not yet.
I will work on there.

[rbz]

Awesome work!

[barcher174]

Looks awesome!

[Rob Blessin Black Hole]

That is really amazing so it will have a microphone as well?

[msch]

Amazing project! I keep my fingers crossed for the remaining work.

[yusukeito]

I share recent updates.
It take a time to implement USB functionality.
Now we have the board with capable of USB keyboards, mouses and HUBs as well.
Current source code is https://github.com/novi/ossc/tree/next-soundbox .
Next, I will work on mirophone.
The board has A/D converter, so the NeXT ASIC on FPGA can handle the microphone input.



Happy holidays