UIDE Universal IDE adapter cards for Z-80 computers
Contents
About uIDE 16
uIDE 16 is a universal Z80 IDE card that can be configured for use on any Z80 microcomputer such as the CPC range of computers. It is called "uIDE-16" because it decodes all 16 address bus lines to provide access to the IDE ATA registers as is required by the CPC6128 machines.
There is a similar design called uIDE-8 that just decodes the low bits of the adddress bus, and this can be used on the PCW and other Z80 machines. uIDE-16 has an 8-bit mode that allows it to work with 8-bit addressed I/O as well.
Project status
As of now (Feb 2017) uIDE-16 is in the design phase, but the board has been laid out. Click the image above for a closer look. The first batch of uIDE-8 boards has been ordered.
Feature list
- Compact design, only 4 ICs (uIDE-16) or 2 ICs (uIDE-8) and a smattering of discreet components. Board measures 79x60mm (uIDE-16).
- Can be connected to the expansion port or internally via a Z80 shim card (note, this requires a socketed Z80).
- Driver supports Amstrad CP/M Plus only at this time (it is implemented as a FID). A separate driver exists for Lifeboat CP/M 2.2 on the TRS-80 Model II that can be ported to other CP/M 2.2 variants.
- CP/M driver runs the IDE device in LBA / 8 bit mode, so DOMs or CF cards are recommended (up to 128MB).
- Fully programmable I/O address decoding (via on-board jumpers). Initial I/O range (for the CPC driver) is FEF0-FEF7, but you can change this to suit your own hardware / driver.
- Can be used on any Z80 computer with a socketed processor.
- Uses what will become a standard bus connector that matches the Z80 pinout. Further expansions are planned, including a Z80 bus board.
Z80 Shims
These small cards are inserted between the Z80 and its socket, and present all 40 pins via a 40 way header. This header is the "Z80 Bus" that the uIDE 16 connects to.
Choose the one that fits best inside your machine. A 6128 needs the left hand shim, although space is very tight under the keyboard (the processor sits directly behind the expansion port) and it's not known yet whether it will fit.
Machine-specific expansion port adapters
These cards allow connection of a uIDE card to the expansion port on the back of the machine.
