Christopher -

I know that the BBA is using a standard RealTek RTL8139, however there is an
ASIC (SEGA Part 315-6310?) on the BBA to handle the "glue".  Not knowing the
details of the BBA/Modem slot interface, I have no idea how complex the logic
is in the ASIC.  Gut feel is it wouldn't need to be too complex, as the
RTL8139 is an easy to interface chip.  (For example projects, try Circuit
Celler's article from July '99 found at:
http://www.chipcenter.com/circuitcellar/july99/c79bl1.htm)

Anyone know more?  Maybe it's time to spelunk the BBA driver...

Jonathan Sadler

Christopher John Thomas wrote:

> On Fri, 6 Jul 2001, Jonathan Sadler wrote:
>
> > Seems they have information on the "modem/BBA slot" card edge connector
> > in order to get this working.  Wonder if a BBA alternative is
> > possible...
>
>   Forgive me if this is a newbie question, but - is the BBA slot just a
> PCI bus, or something alien?
>
>   The NetBSD boot screen lists a PCI bridge when I have the BBA hooked up,
> which suggests it's a stock network chip with a bridge chip connecting it
> to the Dreamcast's bus.
>
>   If this is the case, any idea if Sega is selling these chips to
> third-party developers? :) [dusts off soldering iron]
>
> Ttyl,
>                                 -Christopher Thomas