Making some changes and keeping compatiblity with esp-miner

[BONIIXS]

Hey Skot! I've got a question for you. Can I power three chained ASIC chips using two SGM2036 chips and one AMS1117 chip instead of the TI TPS40305 and Maxim DS4432U+ while still keeping software compatibility with the ESP-miner firmware? I'm thinking of going this way because it's more cost-effective and straightforward, and these components are super common and easy to find. Also, do you know which schematic is the current one? Is it the v2.2 or the one in the master branch? They seem different, and I want to make sure I'm using the right one.

[skot]

in short, no. the SGM2036 and AMS1117 are LDO regulators capable of less that 1A. On the Bitaxe they are used for IO reference voltages, not powering the ASIC.

the TPS40305 is a buck regulator capable of nearly 13A -- that is what's needed to power a single ASIC. The DS4432U+ adjusts the TPS40305 output voltage.

esp-miner doesn't really care how you power the ASIC though. there is some setup for the DS4432U+ in there now, which should be changed if you're not using it.

master is the last released design. ultra will probably be released soon (and will be merged with master when that happens)

[BONIIXS]

So, how do I go about using multiple chips on one board, and is it even possible? Or maybe there's some other solution that let's me keep the software compatibility?

[skot]

It's definitely possible. check out the ultraHex branch. It's a work in progress though.

[BONIIXS]

I am actually using my tiny tablet to design using easyeda because I accidentally fried the shit out of my old laptop by causing a short on the main dc-dc converter, so I can't view kicad files is it possible to send me a pdf schematic?

[skot]

maybe give https://github.com/theacodes/kicanvas a try?

[BONIIXS]

Can one current DAC control multiple buck regulators?

[skot]

yes, the DS4432U+ is dual output, so you should be able to control at least two.

[BONIIXS]

But what if I want to control more than just two?

[skot]

But what if I want to control more than just two?

Do you want to be able to control them all individually?

[BONIIXS]

But what if I want to control more than just two?

Do you want to be able to control them all individually?

What works best with esp-miner?

[skot]

Probably keeping the core voltage the same for the whole chain. that is what the big miners do. You could potentially have separate core voltages and hash frequencies for different chips in the chain... but you're in uncharted territory here.

[BONIIXS]

Just made a quick schematic. It's not final and i am going to make my own footprints and symbols, but @skot would you like to take a look?
It's Bitduo on my profile.

[BONIIXS]

I just realized that the SGM2036 chips aren't connected to power, but I can't fix it now. I'm in Germany, and it's 12 p.m., so I have to go to sleep. I will fix it tomorrow, but you can still take a look and maybe give me feedback.