Make a prototype board using ARM core

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ajienikicio
 
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Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 11:20 pm

Make a prototype board using ARM core

Post by ajienikicio »

Hi!

I'm a newbie in the forum. I'm currently planning to make my own prototype board using an ARM chip. So I'll have to get the chip (which I have chosen to be SAM3S4A), and get some other components to support the chip e.g. regulator, caps, resistors, etc. But I am not sure what the components are, for me to get the chip working.
Maybe you can imagine this as a development board like arduino, it has its own core, but it needs supporting components to work. I'd like to make a board like this.

Any one here have ever done something like this? Developing a board out of the core and other components?

I would be really helped if anyone could share.

Thank you :D

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ajienikicio
 
Posts: 26
Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 11:20 pm

Re: Make a prototype board using ARM core

Post by ajienikicio »

I have looked up a few schematics on similar boards, arduino due, olimex SAM3-P256 dev board, and atmel's SAM3S-EK dev board. Based on these schematics, I've decided the clock circuit, regulator circuits (VIN to 5V and 5V to 3.3V), RESET and ERASE, JTAG circuit, and some caps to take care of the VDDs inside the chip according to the schematic check list http://www.atmel.com/Images/11061.pdf.
Are there anything else critical to get the board working?

I'm planning to get a SAM-ICE to program and debug the board via JTAG, so I don't need any USB interface, do I?

Lastly, once I get all the components connected, any one have any suggestions on how do I start working on the software? I guess I need to work on bootloaders etc before I can code into it like a common development board, right?

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adafruit_support_mike
 
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Re: Make a prototype board using ARM core

Post by adafruit_support_mike »

The short answer is that you have a lot of reading to do.

I'd suggest you start by looking at the schematics in the SAM3S-EK Evaluation Board User Guide: http://www.atmel.com/Images/doc11031.pdf The eval board is a reference design that shows how Atmel's engineers get the chip running and connect all the common peripheral devices.

Next, take a look at the "Getting Started" guide: http://www.atmel.com/Images/Atmel-42152 ... T03499.pdf That supplies reference code for working with the peripherals in the eval board.

Then take a look at the guide to creating a bootloader that works: http://www.atmel.com/Images/Atmel-42141 ... n-Note.pdf

And eventually you'll need to work your way through the datasheet: http://www.atmel.com/Images/Atmel_6500_ ... asheet.pdf

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