Game Boy Link adapter RP2040 Board Optimization
Budget: $30 – $250 USD
Hello,
I am looking to make an updated version of this board but with all of the needed pico and level shifter components on a single board that uses usbc https://github.com/agtbaskara/game-boy-pico-link-board
This board connects to a computer over USB and communicates with an original gameboy
There is also this board that includes the through hole footprint of a gba link port but uses the gameboy to power the hv side of the logic level shifters (which I want to avoid) I would like the new board to be close to the physical size of this one.
https://github.com/weimanc/game-boy-zero-link-board
I want to make a new version for a few reasons. I would like all the components for the RP2040 and the logic level shifters on a single PCB optimized for JLCPCB assembly and would like to merge the two edge connectors into one like this and have the other output be an optional through hole spot for a GBA link port to be soldered on https://www.hobbychop.com/product/edge-connector-breakout-boards.
For the new board instead of a physical voltage selector to select between 5v and 3.3v to the HV side of the level shifters I want to by default send 5v unless a specific GPIO is pulled low. I am thinking GPIO 8 since its currently unused by original hardware/software iterations.
The Components: A 2N7002 (N-FET) to control an AO3401A (P-FET), with a 10kΩ Resistor connecting the N-FET's Gate to 3.3V.
The Default State (5V): When the RP2040 is booting (GPIO is floating), the 10kΩ Resistor pulls the N-FET Gate HIGH. This turns the N-FET ON, which pulls the P-FET Gate LOW, turning the P-FET ON. This allows 5V to flow to the level shifters.
The Active Switch (3.3V): To switch to 3.3V mode, the RP2040 drives the GPIO pin LOW. This turns the N-FET OFF, which lets the P-FET turn OFF, cutting the 5V line. The BAT54C Schottky Diode then instantly takes over, supplying safe 3.3V logic.
My goal is a cost effective RP2040 board that can connect directly to a game boy link cable. Plan on using JLCPCB so would like to cost optimize for that service.
I am looking to make an updated version of this board but with all of the needed pico and level shifter components on a single board that uses usbc https://github.com/agtbaskara/game-boy-pico-link-board
This board connects to a computer over USB and communicates with an original gameboy
There is also this board that includes the through hole footprint of a gba link port but uses the gameboy to power the hv side of the logic level shifters (which I want to avoid) I would like the new board to be close to the physical size of this one.
https://github.com/weimanc/game-boy-zero-link-board
I want to make a new version for a few reasons. I would like all the components for the RP2040 and the logic level shifters on a single PCB optimized for JLCPCB assembly and would like to merge the two edge connectors into one like this and have the other output be an optional through hole spot for a GBA link port to be soldered on https://www.hobbychop.com/product/edge-connector-breakout-boards.
For the new board instead of a physical voltage selector to select between 5v and 3.3v to the HV side of the level shifters I want to by default send 5v unless a specific GPIO is pulled low. I am thinking GPIO 8 since its currently unused by original hardware/software iterations.
The Components: A 2N7002 (N-FET) to control an AO3401A (P-FET), with a 10kΩ Resistor connecting the N-FET's Gate to 3.3V.
The Default State (5V): When the RP2040 is booting (GPIO is floating), the 10kΩ Resistor pulls the N-FET Gate HIGH. This turns the N-FET ON, which pulls the P-FET Gate LOW, turning the P-FET ON. This allows 5V to flow to the level shifters.
The Active Switch (3.3V): To switch to 3.3V mode, the RP2040 drives the GPIO pin LOW. This turns the N-FET OFF, which lets the P-FET turn OFF, cutting the 5V line. The BAT54C Schottky Diode then instantly takes over, supplying safe 3.3V logic.
My goal is a cost effective RP2040 board that can connect directly to a game boy link cable. Plan on using JLCPCB so would like to cost optimize for that service.
Related categories:
Electronics
Microcontroller
PCB Layout
Circuit Design
Embedded Systems
Signal Processing
Prototyping