I’m thinking about adding a I2C NFC reader for reading badges and FIDO keys and while contemplating the space inside the case I was wondering about changing the backplate of the display for a custom one with a special PCB which would embed the antenna, and maybe a WIFI antenna while we’re at it and on the inside face some U.FL connectors and why not a prototype board or even a i2c NFC reader with an QWIIC connector?
Do anyone here have experimented with this and/or have an idea for a custom and “active” (= more than just a cover and heatsink) display backplate?
ideas:
passive: definitely a copper heatsink inlay in the middle efficiently cooling all central components.
active: an e-paper-display on the backside, which could display things while the main display is off/closed, while not using as much power.
Even though I don’t know how far the community go with this idea, I’ll envision cool pocket reform based cyberdecks with lots of accessories plugged on such backplates (image a breadboard on it!)
Speaking of backplate and removing them, the security conscious ones would be able to easily implement an intrusion switch behind each of the backplate to register if one of them as been opened (and decide which action to do based on that). An easy way to do that will be to hookup tiny switches to a debounce board like this one through the I2C connector and deal with their states through the system controller.
Also a mechanical ejection pole to help remove the mainboard backplate which is often stuck to the CPU through the thermal pad would be a nice idea.
I’m working on an updated cover that has an indent for the RK3588, Antenna slots, optional holes for external antennas and possibly a spot for an Adafruit Mini PiTFT 240x240 display. I’ll try and post it once i’ve 3D printed it. Currently working in CAD on it and trying to figure out i2c.
Damn the i2c QWIIC on the mainboard isnt connected to the SoM per @minute. But @grimmware is working on something to create a bridge possibly? This would open up a ton of possibilities
I’m currently only working on accessing i2c accelerometers from the lpc kernel module via spi, but whilst I’m in there I’ll have a look at whether doing generic i2c encapsulation over spi is possible. Even if it can only do a limited subset or has some performance hit, it would make prototyping with new i2c hardware simpler (you wouldn’t have to write any sysctl or kernel module code for proof-of-concept for example).
Not making any promises though, this is additional to what I’ve actually been trying to achieve.
