RISC-V Cluster Project

A distributed computing cluster based on CH32V RISC-V microcontrollers with Ethernet connectivity.

HACKADAY

TINDIE

Overview

This project implements a cluster computing system using multiple CH32V microcontrollers connected via Ethernet. The system features a master controller (CH32V307RCT6) that coordinates with multiple worker nodes (CH32V003F4P6) to form a distributed computing network.

Project pictures

Hardware Design

Master Controller

• MCU: CH32V307RCT6 (64-pin LQFP)
• Features:
  • RISC-V core with Ethernet MAC
  • USB connectivity for debugging and programming
  • Ethernet port (RJ45) for network communication
  • Power regulation (3.3V via AMS1117)

Worker Nodes

• MCU: CH32V003F4P6 (24 units)
• Features:
  • Compact RISC-V microcontrollers
  • Individual LED indicators
  • Test points for debugging
  • Distributed across the PCB

Key Components

• Ethernet: RJ45 connector with integrated magnetics
• USB: Micro-B connector for programming and debug
• Power: 3.3V regulation from USB input
• Debug: CH340C USB-to-UART bridge
• Connectors: Programming headers for JTAG/SWD access

Project Structure

risc-cluster/
├── hardware/                 # KiCad PCB design files
│   ├── hardware.kicad_*     # Main PCB design files
│   ├── production/          # Manufacturing files
│   │   ├── bom.csv         # Bill of Materials
│   │   ├── positions.csv   # Pick and place data
│   │   └── hardware.zip    # Gerber files
│   └── hardware-backups/   # Design history backups
└── master/                  # Master controller firmware
    ├── Core/               # RISC-V core files
    ├── Debug/              # Debug utilities
    ├── Peripheral/         # CH32V30x peripheral drivers
    ├── Startup/            # Boot code
    └── User/               # Application code

Bill of Materials

Component	Quantity	Description
CH32V307RCT6	1	Master RISC-V MCU (LQFP-64)
CH32V003F4P6	24	Worker RISC-V MCUs (SOP-20)
AMS1117-3.3	1	3.3V voltage regulator
CH340C	1	USB-to-UART bridge
LEDs	25	Status indicators
Resistors	29	Current limiting (0603)
Capacitors	52	Decoupling and filtering (0603)
Connectors	5	USB, Ethernet, programming headers

Development Setup

Hardware Tools

• KiCad 7.0+ for PCB design
• Standard PCB fabrication (4-layer board)
• Pick and place assembly for SMD components

Software Tools

• MounRiver Studio IDE (for CH32V development)
• WCH-LinkE programmer/debugger
• CH32V peripheral library

Getting Started

1. Hardware Assembly: Use the production files in hardware/production/ for PCB fabrication
2. Master Firmware: Build and flash the master controller code in master/
3. Worker Firmware: Develop and deploy worker node firmware for distributed tasks
4. Network Setup: Configure Ethernet connectivity for cluster communication

Recent Development

Based on git history, recent work includes:

• Initial PCB layout with CH32V microcontrollers
• Ethernet connectivity implementation
• CH32V307 master controller integration
• MounRiver Studio project setup
• Production file generation

License

This project is licensed under the CERN Open Hardware Licence Version 2 - Strongly Reciprocal (CERN-OHL-S v2).

The hardware design files are released under CERN-OHL-S v2, which ensures that any modifications or improvements to the hardware design must be shared under the same license terms.

Note: This project uses WCH (Nanjing Qinheng Microelectronics) peripheral libraries for firmware development, which are subject to their own licensing terms.

Contributing

This is a hardware-software co-design project. Contributions welcome for:

• Firmware optimization
• Hardware design improvements
• Cluster algorithms implementation
• Documentation and examples