CrystalChip v1.0
This chip was developed by the Official Crystal Chip Team
Features:
High Quality Actel ProASIC Plus FPGA provides:
* Flash-based configuration means we are able to quickly and thoroughly test and debug many different configurations before arriving at a stable release.
* An excessive number of "gates" allows the use of an internal "ROM" for infallible "Recovery Mode". This means you will never be stuck unable to recover from firmware errors.
* ISP (In-System Programming) and Boundary Scan allow us to program and test every single device on the Crystal Chip board after population. This will detect any flaws in the manufacturing process, such as bridged pins or defective components.
* Internal SRAM allows us to provide unique features unavailable with many other FPGA devices.
General hardware features:
* Custom "Glitch Detection" logic automatically detects and filters noise on strobe lines (A, R and W). This results in 100% boot rates for bootstrap hook software.
* Ground-bounce is a non-issue due to an intelligent patching method which reduces current spikes, and the aforementioned "Glitch Detection" logic.
* 4kbyte software-accessable (read/write) EEPROM for storage of PS2 bootstrap hooks and data.
* 3kbyte software-accessable (write) SRAM for storage of PS1 bootstrap hooks.
* on-board oscillator(clock) means you don't have to worry about installing a clock wire or the annoying issues associated with bad clock wiring.
* very compact circuit-board and optimized solder-pad layout for easiest installation.
* only 18 wires for v1-v7 consoles, 19/20 wires for v8 consoles, 18/19 wires for v9+ consoles (DVD+/-RW requires the optional "F" wire) regardless of region.
Upgrade features:
* Upgradable via software loaded from CD, host (Naplink, ps2link, etc), memory card, etc. EEPROM is blank when shipped.
* Recovery Mode uses an internal ROM in the FPGA rather than external flash which may become corrupted. This means you will never be unable to boot an upgrade disc, even if the EEPROM were removed or physically damaged(of course you wouldn't be able to upgrade then..).
* Internal checksum to ensure data integrity. If the checksum fails, the console will automatically boot in Recovery Mode so that you may fix the problem with the Utility Disc.
Application support:
* Open-Source API and documentation provided for software-interaction with the CC1.0 hardware and writing your own firmwares. Some basic example codes are provided with the API which show bootstrap patching for direct-boot unsigned "homebrew" discs and loading a "dashboard" or similar application from memory card.
* Memory Card boot (aka "Dev.olution Mode", "Dev Mode", "Dev Mode 1") allows you to load software directly from memory card on system startup.
* Boot homebrew software CD/DVD discs as you would a regular game disc.
* Does not support copied or import game discs.*
Media types supported:
* CD-ROM / DVD-ROM / DVD-ROM 9 / *CD-R / *CD-RW / *DVD-R / **DVD-RW / **DVD+RW
* note: These medias are supported ONLY if your PS2 can read them in the first place. These medias are listed only for completeness and due to the fact that CC1.0 removes the additional checks for some of these medias which were added in v8 and higher consoles.
** note: These medias require the additional "F" write to be attached on v8 and higher consoles.
Usage Instructions:
Recovery Mode
* Every version of CrystalChip has a built-in Recovery Mode which may be enabled at any time to allow you to recover from corrupted firmware. Thanks to an internal checksum, CC will automatically detect corrupted firmware and boot in Recovery Mode. In the event that CC fails to automatically detect corrupted firmware, you may force "Recovery Mode" by pressing reset 3 times on startup.
Hardware Sleep Mode
* Crystal Chip has a "Hardware Sleep Mode" (aka HSM) which allows you to disable your Crystal Chip. Unlike "Software Sleep Mode", HSM does not require any patching to be done in order to get software running which will disable the chip. This is quite useful if you get no video on startup and suspect that your CC may not be working correctly. You may use HSM to disable the chip and see if your PS2 then starts up. If not, it's very likely that the cause is your wiring/etc rather than the chip.
* Hardware Sleep Mode may be entered by pressing reset 6 times on startup. Your CC will remain in sleep mode until you power off the console or put it into standby mode, to prevent you from accidentally enabling the chip.
Installation LED
* Starting with CrystalChip v1.1, all Crystal Chips have a small LED on their PCBs to allow some first installation diagnosis. The following lines show the basic modes:
* LED glows for only 1 second on system startup and discs boot = All is fine :)
* LED glows all the time and won't go off = Wrong installation of the bios wires
* LED goes off and discs won't boot = Wrong installation of the CD/DVD controller wires
* Since the LED can be controlled by the Crystal Chip firmware we can add/change modes.
Firmware, Software & Diagrams:
Click To Download CrystalChip v1.0 Firmware, Software & Diagrams Pack