A later design is now available: SC701

This backplane section includes six sockets for RCBus and RC2014 compatible modules, a 5-volt power input with on/off switch and power LED, and a horizontally mounted backplane extension socket.

The horizontal socket allows connection of a backplane extension section, such as SC113, or an RCBus/RC2014 compatible module. Horizontal mounting of a module can be useful when debugging hardware or developing ROM based software.

What was I thinking!?

My goal is to produce a range of backplane sections which can be joined together to form a larger backplane, or used individually for small systems. Not only can the backplane be of variable length, but it can be made of sections that have any special features required.

Most backplanes are of a fixed size and configuration. This modular backplane system is more flexible and can have any custom section required.

The available modular backplane sections are:

SC112 v1.0

• Input: Power supply
• Cards: 6 x RC2014/80 pin sockets
• Output: Through hole BP80 socket
• Jumpers to connect or isolate some signals from adjacent module sockets
• Pins 38 and 39 can be linked to form an interrupt daisy chain

SC113 v1.1

• Input: Through hole BP80 plug
• Cards: 6 x RC2014/80 pin sockets
• Output: Through hole BP80 socket
• Jumpers to connect or isolate some signals from adjacent module sockets
• Pins 38 and 39 can be linked to form an interrupt daisy chain

Documentation

The range is fully documented with a user guide for each section, which includes component sourcing and assembly instructions. The documentation can be found at www.scc.me.uk or by following the documentation link below.

Compatibility

This backplane conforms to the RCBus specification v1.0, except it was designed before the specification was written and thus has a few differences. It uses pins 40 and 80 (assigned as user pins) as a daisy chain and it does not support the second daisy chain at pins 42/43.

A similar design SC701 is available. It is compatible with the RCBus, including the RC2014 standard 40-pin bus, the RC2014 enhanced 60-pin bus and the extended 80-pin RCBus.

The RCBus specification includes RCBus-2014 (both RC2014 standard 40-pin bus and RC2014 enhanced 60-pin bus) and also the full 80-pin RCBus. The 80-pin RCBus provides support for advanced Z80 features, such as the interrupt daisy-chain, as well as support for other processor families.

The kit

This kit includes all the components needed to make the backplane, as shown in the first picture. Other modules and backplanes shown in the pictures are not included. You will require tools, solder, and cleaning materials to assemble this kit.

Printed Circuit Board

The printed circuit board is available on its own here.

Related items

• SC113 - Backplane extension
• Components, spares, and accessories
• Pick'n'Mix printed circuit boards

Notes

• This product is supplied as a kit of parts that require assembly.
• It is your responsibility to pay any import duty or taxes charged by your home country.
• This product is designed for hobby use and is not suitable for industrial, commercial, or safety-critical applications.
• This product is made in accordance with the "designed for RC2014" labelling scheme.
• RC2014 is a trademark of RFC2795 Ltd.