Homebrew Video Card API Design

[1manband]

This may be a bit early but I have started designing a video card. I am creating my own OS and wanted graphics acceleration for the gui and any other program that could take advantage of it. The card will be based around a altera fpga with a 32bit 32MB sdram chip and xga dac(1024x768 resolution). I also wanted to create a new graphics api rather than making it opengl compatible(more of a research/hobbyist card). The card could be used to connect to lcd panels or communicate with other video related projects.

The gpu design will be used on a few other projects I'm working on:

Tome Game System v1 (software version of api)
Tablet Computer
Smart Phone (software version of api)

I placed this in the design & theory section because I would like some input on the design of my graphics api. I plan to start out with a dumb frame buffer, then add functionality as I go along. 2D acceleration is possible, maybe even light 3D. What functionality would you like to see? Any suggestions, ideas or links to info appreciated. I will have a project page up in a few days. I can post a pic of the card layout if anyone is interested.

edit: Fixed the link to TomeGS page

[JackScott]

I'm in the process of designing a homebrew computer system. I would be very interested to see your card design.

[1manband]

Here is a image of the current board layout but I will move things around when I start routing. I am currently using a altera chip but I might switch over to xilinx and some of the components may be replaced. The card measures 4.75" x 2.43"

[JackScott]

Thanks. Just a few questions. What are the jumpers for at the top of the card? And why is there a USB port?

[Brynet-Inc]

Thanks. Just a few questions. What are the jumpers for at the top of the card? And why is there a USB port?

Makes sense that there would be a way to reprogram the card, perhaps the altera fpga has a USB controller?

Anyway, this project is almost identical to both:
http://wacco.mveas.com/
http://wiki.opengraphics.org/tiki-index.php

[1manband]

Yes, usb is used to program the fpga. The chip across from the connector is a ftdi usb controller(might be replaced with a usb microcontroller). The 2x5 header at the top will be used to access the jtag pins directly if desired. Also I will be including another header with some power and io lines for device expansion. Some of the io line will have the ability to function as differential io lines so you could hookup a modern lcd panel or do some high speed communication with another device. If I get it working I thought it would be hilarious to hook up four up together in a quad setup.

[bewing]

Are you having some company build it for you, or do you have access to photolithography equipment yourself?

And if it's a company: who is it, and how much do they charge?

[inx]

http://www.batchpcb.com/ is pretty reasonably priced for the PCB, and the reflow for surface mount parts like the FPGA can be done at home, with a little care.

[1manband]

I plan on having a company do it for me and I have heard good things about batchpcb. From what I understand it will cost 2.50 per square inch with a $10 setup fee plus shipping. I estimate the pcb will cost around $50-$60.