Review: DS-Xtreme 4Gb Under The Hood

I've not really seen any hardware reviews of DS Flashcards.

So lets address that situation:


DSX TOPSIDE
Attachment 22307

DSX UNDERSIDE
Attachment 22308


CHIPSETS:

MEMORY: Hynix HY27UF084G2M 4Gbit (512Mx8bit) NAND Flash
DATASHEET: http://www.hynix.com/datasheet/pdf/f...s(Rev.0.7).pdf

FPGA: Actel ProASIC3 A3P250
DATASHEET: http://www.actel.com/documents/PA3_Auto_DS.pdf

USB NAND FLASH Controller: Cypress CY7C68033-56LFXC
DATASHEET: http://download.cypress.com.edgesuit...y7c68033_8.pdf

?: 3335A (maybe a part of the clock circuit)

?: 85AD

MODDING:

You download some flash tools from the Cypress site if you are feeling adventurous.

To get the tools to work you will need to force the DSX USB chip to boot into manufacturing mode.
This can be achieved by two methods.

1) Boot your PC with the DSX connected to the PC's USB .

2)Insert the DSX into the USB port whilst shorting out the reset jumpers (located under the DSX cartridge label).

Attachment 22306

Once in manufacturing mode you will need to install the usb drivers supplied with the Cypress tool (the pc will prompt for drivers).

You can use the DSX update tool if you screw up the firmware.
!!!Please dont mess with the firmware if you are not a well seasoned programmer, as I guarantee you will BRICK IT!!!!

HOMEBREW SUPPORT:
Dont expect any technical support from the DSX forums. I got banned just for trying to start a thread exploring the DSX hardware!!!!
Ironic when you consider this technology is based on reverse engineering!!

Hope the information has been interesting. I would love to see some threads exploring Under The Hood of the other flash cards out there.

R....