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platform 16 PCB
This is the KiCad project for platform 16 — a compact digital synthesizer built around the Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller. The board hosts 16 potentiometers for real-time parameter control, a high-quality audio output chain, and USB-C for power and an SWD port for development.
Overview
Platform 16 is a self-contained generative synthesizer platform. The hardware is designed to pair with swappable firmware engines — each one turns the same 16 knobs into a different instrument. A companion front panel editor (web app) generates printable overlays so you can label the knobs for whichever firmware is loaded.
Key Components
| Component | Part | Role |
|---|---|---|
| MCU | RP2350 (QFN-60) | Dual-core Cortex-M33 — runs synthesis DSP, reads pots, drives I2S audio |
| DAC | PCM5100A (TI) | 32-bit stereo I2S DAC — converts digital audio to line-level analog |
| Headphone amp | PAM8908JER | Capless stereo headphone amplifier — drives headphones without coupling caps |
| Flash | W25Q128JVS (Winbond) | 16 MB QSPI flash for firmware and data storage |
| Analog mux | CD74HC4067SM | 16-channel analog multiplexer — reads all 16 pots through a single ADC channel |
| Voltage regulator | NCP1117-3.3 | 3.3 V LDO powered from USB 5 V |
| Audio jacks | PJ-320D-A (×3) | 3.5 mm TRS jacks edge-mounted through board notches |
| Connector | USB-C 16-pin | Power and data (with proper CC resistors for USB-C detection) |
Board Details
- Dimensions: ~112 mm × 86 mm with rounded corners
- Mounting: 4 × M3 mounting holes in a 69 mm × 46 mm rectangle
- Audio jacks: Semicircular edge cutouts allow the 3.5 mm jack barrels to protrude through the top edge
- Passives: 0402 throughout for a compact layout
- Potentiometers: 16 × 10 kΩ through-hole pots (the namesake of the project)
- Buttons: 2 × tactile switches for boot mode and reset
Architecture
USB-C (5V)
│
├─► NCP1117 → 3.3V rail
│
▼
RP2350 ──I2S──► PCM5100A (DAC) ──► PAM8908 (amp) ──► 3.5mm jacks
│
├─► CD74HC4067 mux ◄── 16 pots
├─► QSPI flash (W25Q128)
├─► 2 buttons
└─► Clock in/out
Schematic
PCB Layout
3D Render
Related Projects
- Firmware — C++ (Pico SDK) running on the RP2350. Three swappable generative synth engines:
- SDS — Stochastic Decay Subtractive (PolyBLEP saw + Moog ladder filter, random sequencer)
- PMD — Phase Modulation with Decay (2-operator FM triads, dual LFOs)
- TEP — Two-tone Euclidean Polymeters (dual detunable saws, 3 independent Euclidean rhythms)
- Front Panel Editor — React/TypeScript web app for designing printable panel overlays with labelled knobs matching each firmware's control layout
Tools
- KiCad 9.0 — schematic and PCB design
- Fabrication Toolkit — JLC-compatible production output (BOM, positions, netlist in
production/)