Anything special to get USB to work on the side of the case?

Please read the documents the switches you need are the A3/A4 the USB 3.1 switches are not relevant if you want to use RTL dongle that is pure USB2 device.

Unfortunatly I can not test anything here as Android update did break the moto mods functionality completly, so USB is not working here, but I do not know if it is because of the problems with MDK or not.

Android update that moto-Z forced, thid brake the MDK functions completly here. JBL booster works, but MDK and any personality modules and LED demo, none of that works now.

@Antti - did you design the Trenz TE0725 - I've just been looking at the data sheet.

I assume you are the same Antti of Brain Dump from years ago on newsnet - I used to really like them !

Nice to see you here.

MK

Yes I did, for moto-z best ist to use 725LP, it can power from the 1.8V DCDC that is on MDK, we are developing several personality mods that include FPGA's so stay tuned.. with Xilinx but also with lattice low power ones

I'm interested in the FPGA side of things but not into the moto-z. My application for TE0725 is to do prototyping for new designs where we will use Artix FPGA (probably 100 size) and also for use in test gear where we might only ever build a few boards and I don't want to use BGAs on a hand made board.

I'm very taken with the Lattice 48pin ICE5LP (small, cheap, low power and hand solderable) - I'm debugging a remote controlled multi stage RF amplifier controlled by one right now.

MK

I'm interested in the FPGA side of things but not into the moto-z. My application for TE0725 is to do prototyping for new designs where we will use Artix FPGA (probably 100 size) and also for use in test gear where we might only ever build a few boards and I don't want to use BGAs on a hand made board.

I'm very taken with the Lattice 48pin ICE5LP (small, cheap, low power and hand solderable) - I'm debugging a remote controlled multi stage RF amplifier controlled by one right now.

MK

Hi

I see, yes ICE40 are also nice for small function. The soldering is however OTHER way around: QFN are more problematic both for hand as machine soldering, the BGA 0.8mm and larger are much easier also for handsoldering!

BGA soldering 101

* take BGA GEL (not solder flux very important!) thickest one you can get IF8300 http://www.interflux.com/sites/default/files/documents/en/TD%20IF%208300.pdf

* some gel to PCB use fingertip to make it even make sure not too much and all land pads covered

* place BGA by hand

* adjust BGA, look side wise

* apply little pressure from top

* bake, kitchen oven is OK also, proven!

100% soldering always all balls guaranteed! Way easier than QFN

Hello Antti,

I do the QFN in a similar way but apply solder paste with horrible cheap Chinese dispenser which leaks air. Heat on a little hotplate . The nice thing about QFN is that I can see the joints and touch them up.

I have tried with BGA but not so confident  - perhaps I'll take encouragement from you and have another go. Thanks for the gel suggestion - I have some "sticky flux" but it's not that sticky.

I found some IF8300 at Amazon and have ordered it.

Thanks.

MK

IF8300 ist best and known working well, there other I just do not know, may also work. With very little practice you should be able to have perfect BGA soldering for 0.8 and actually also for 0.5 mm BGA. Of course the PCB must be done properly as well, so with good PCB design and professionally manufactured PCB it works. I only tried with ENIG PCB's but well its almost all ENIG anyways now..