Add a list of features and requirements

[abaschen]

Hello! I had the exact same idea for a cluster development :) I'm super noob in electronic despite my engineering degree but I will help as much as I could. no idea how to contact on github so I'm making an issue. Ive read your discussion on a forum too. So far I identified these:

• 6 slots with the High Speed Serial port
• on board networking, 6 PHY 1000Mbits
• power distribution from USB-C (60W max) or another connector?
• each CMP4: pcie SSD, 2 USB port, hdmi, control leds, 2 programmable buttons, circuit breaker, GPIO? Hope this helps, macbe we could create a Discord for this?

[tlalexander]

Hi! This does seem fun. I've started a schematic though it's just symbols on the page for now. My goal is to start with two CM4s and three ethernet jacks. My hope is that this can validate that I got the switch layout correct even if I have some issue with the CM4. Also I didn't see any open source KICAD switch designs so I could make a standalone switch from there too.

It looks to me like no magnetics are required between the CM4 and the switch IC so it shouldn't be too complicated. If that works I will move to four CM4s and one ethernet jack. My goal is to play with cluster computing so I am less concerned about I/O like PCIe or USB3, though at least PCIe looks easy to add.

I am using the switch footprint from here: https://www.snapeda.com/parts/KSZ9567RTXI-TR/Microchip/view-part/942047/?welcome=home&t=KSZ9567&ref=search

I am using this as a jumping off point: https://github.com/l00nix/rpi-cm4-LiM-board

Though once I get a feel for it all I may want to rework it with a design that already includes extra I/O in the layout for a more full featured board.