ESP32 Retro PC Project Overview

2:10

Planning component removal and addition.

Creating a USB port addition plan.

Incorporating knowledge into the plan.

Implementing USB and HDMI subsystems.

Accessing knowledge base.

Querying design modifications.

You want USB HID for keyboard/mouse and HDMI video, removing VGA and PS/2. Here’s the plan:

Remove legacy I/O

Delete VGA, KeyBoard, and Mouse and associated level shifters.

Add USB HID host

Add USB host solution (external host controller + port/power/ESD/CC, or migrate MCU to native-OTG).
Wire to ESP, add 22–33 Ω series terminations on USB as needed; use Rd on CC and low-cap TVS on D+/D-.

Add HDMI video

Add HDMI Type‑A receptacle and HDMI transmitter IC, clock source, I2C config, ESD, TMDS pairs.

Integrate and verify

Hook up nets, decoupling, pulls.
Run ERC/DRC, update description.

Click Start on the plan bar to execute, or tell me what options you prefer (external USB host vs ESP32‑S3, Type‑A vs Type‑C host, target HDMI resolution).

Plan

#Goal

Modify the ESP32 x86 PC project to replace the PS/2 keyboard/mouse interface with a USB HID host interface and the VGA video output with an HDMI output. Remove the VGA connector, PS/2 connectors, and associated level-shifting hardware. Add a USB host solution for HID devices and an HDMI output subsystem while keeping the USB-C power and USB-UART components intact.

#Implementation plan

Remove legacy connectors and circuitry
1. Delete the VGA connector [VGA] and resistor-DAC circuit that drives it from ESP32 GPIOs.
2. Remove the PS/2 keyboard and mouse connectors along with their level-shifter circuits (BSS138s [Q3, Q5, Q6, Q7] and associated pull-up resistors [R11–R18, R15–R17]).
3. Prune any unused nets associated with these legacy I/O blocks.
Add USB HID host interface
1. Integrate a dedicated USB host controller (e.g., SPI-based) into the design and connect it to the ESP32 via SPI or ULPI as appropriate.
2. Add a USB Type-A connector for hosting HID devices.
3. Incorporate additional supporting components such as ESD protection and USB power switch if required, and make the necessary net connections to the ESP32.
Add HDMI output subsystem
1. Place an HDMI transmitter IC with associated clock source, configuration via I²C, ESD protection, and supporting passive components.
2. Connect the HDMI TX IC to an HDMI Type-A receptacle, routing the TMDS video pairs along with HPD and CEC signals as specified.
3. Verify that the introduction of HDMI does not interfere with any existing digital interfaces from the ESP32.
Validate integration and update project documentation
1. Update the schematic to reflect the removals and additions, ensuring all new net connections to the ESP32 and other elements are correctly made.
2. Update the Bill of Materials (BOM) to include the new USB host controller, HDMI transmitter, and additional supporting components.
3. Revise the project description to document the changes from VGA/PS2 legacy interfaces to the new USB HID host and HDMI output subsystems.
4. Run ERC/DRC checks and ensure compliance with available parts and design constraints.

#Success criteria

The schematic no longer contains VGA or PS/2 components and associated level shifting circuits.
The project includes a fully integrated USB HID host controller and an HDMI output subsystem with proper net connections to the ESP32.
The BOM and project description are updated to reflect all modifications, with successful ERC/DRC verification.
All legacy standards and new systems interoperate without conflict, preserving USB-C power and USB-UART functionalities.

78 days

risaacs

approved

78 days

flux

1:02

Creating execution plan.

Exploring hardware options.

Clarifying the plan.

Updating the plan.

Initiating the planning process.

Approved. We’ll remove VGA/PS2 and add USB HID host plus HDMI while keeping USB-C power and USB‑UART.

Plan summary

Remove VGA, KeyBoard, Mouse, level-shifters, and related nets.
Add USB Type‑A host, ESD/power switch, and a USB host controller wired to ESP32.
Add HDMI TX IC, clock, I2C config, ESD, and Type‑A receptacle; route TMDS/HPD/CEC.
Integrate, update BOM/description, run ERC/DRC.

Click Start to run the plan.

Plan

#Goal

Modify the ESP32 x86 PC project to replace the PS/2 keyboard/mouse interface with a USB HID host interface and the VGA video output with an HDMI output. Remove the VGA connector, PS/2 connectors, and associated level-shifting hardware. Add a USB host solution for HID devices and an HDMI output subsystem while keeping the USB-C power and USB-UART components intact.

#Implementation plan

Remove legacy connectors and circuitry
1. Delete the VGA connector [VGA] and resistor-DAC circuit that drives it from ESP32 GPIOs.
2. Remove the PS/2 keyboard and mouse connectors along with their level-shifter circuits (BSS138s [Q3, Q5, Q6, Q7] and associated pull-up resistors [R11–R18, R15–R17]).
3. Prune any unused nets associated with these legacy I/O blocks.
Add USB HID host interface
1. Integrate a dedicated USB host controller (e.g., SPI-based) into the design and connect it to the ESP32 via SPI or ULPI as appropriate.
2. Add a USB Type-A connector for hosting HID devices.
3. Incorporate additional supporting components such as ESD protection and USB power switch if required, and make the necessary net connections to the ESP32.
Add HDMI output subsystem
1. Place an HDMI transmitter IC with associated clock source, configuration via I²C, ESD protection, and supporting passive components.
2. Connect the HDMI TX IC to an HDMI Type-A receptacle, routing the TMDS video pairs along with HPD and CEC signals as specified.
3. Verify that the introduction of HDMI does not interfere with any existing digital interfaces from the ESP32.
Validate integration and update project documentation
1. Update the schematic to reflect the removals and additions, ensuring all new net connections to the ESP32 and other elements are correctly made.
2. Update the Bill of Materials (BOM) to include the new USB host controller, HDMI transmitter, and additional supporting components.
3. Revise the project description to document the changes from VGA/PS2 legacy interfaces to the new USB HID host and HDMI output subsystems.
4. Run ERC/DRC checks and ensure compliance with available parts and design constraints.

#Success criteria

The schematic no longer contains VGA or PS/2 components and associated level shifting circuits.
The project includes a fully integrated USB HID host controller and an HDMI output subsystem with proper net connections to the ESP32.
The BOM and project description are updated to reflect all modifications, with successful ERC/DRC verification.
All legacy standards and new systems interoperate without conflict, preserving USB-C power and USB-UART functionalities.

Pick USB host IC

Choose HDMI transmitter

Set video requirements

Add USB-A power switch

Remove legacy blocks guidance

78 days

VBUS

+5V

POWER

Capacitance

10uF

Reviews

Ground
A common return path for electric current. Commonly known as ground.
jharwinbarrozo
20.5M
Net Portal
Wirelessly connects nets on schematic. Used to organize schematics and separate functional blocks. To wirelessly connect net portals, give them same designator. #portal
jharwinbarrozo
43.0M
Power Net Portal
Wirelessly connects power nets on schematic. Identical to the net portal, but with a power symbol. Used to organize schematics and separate functional blocks. To wirelessly connect power net portals, give them the same designator. #portal #power
jharwinbarrozo
11.4M
Generic Resistor
A generic fixed resistor ideal for rapid circuit topology development. Its footprint automatically adapts based on the selected package case code—supporting 0402, 0603, 0805, 1203, and many other standard SMD packages, as well as axial horizontal and vertical configurations. Save precious design time by seamlessly add more information to this part (value, footprint, etc.) as it becomes available. Standard resistor values: 1.0 ohm, 10 ohm, 100 ohm, 1.0k ohm, 10k ohm, 100k ohm, 1.0M ohm 1.1 ohm, 11 ohm, 110 ohm, 1.1k ohm, 11k ohm, 110k ohm, 1.1M ohm 1.2 ohm, 12 ohm, 120 ohm, 1.2k ohm, 12k ohm, 120k ohm, 1.2M ohm 1.3 ohm, 13 ohm, 130 ohm, 1.3k ohm, 13k ohm, 130k ohm, 1.3M ohm 1.5 ohm, 15 ohm, 150 ohm, 1.5k ohm, 15k ohm, 150k ohm, 1.5M ohm 1.6 ohm, 16 ohm, 160 ohm, 1.6k ohm, 16k ohm, 160k ohm, 1.6M ohm 1.8 ohm, 18 ohm, 180 ohm, 1.8K ohm, 18k ohm, 180k ohm, 1.8M ohm 2.0 ohm, 20 ohm, 200 ohm, 2.0k ohm, 20k ohm, 200k ohm, 2.0M ohm 2.2 ohm, 22 ohm, 220 ohm, 2.2k ohm, 22k ohm, 220k ohm, 2.2M ohm 2.4 ohm, 24 ohm, 240 ohm, 2.4k ohm, 24k ohm, 240k ohm, 2.4M ohm 2.7 ohm, 27 ohm, 270 ohm, 2.7k ohm, 27k ohm, 270k ohm, 2.7M ohm 3.0 ohm, 30 ohm, 300 ohm, 3.0K ohm, 30K ohm, 300K ohm, 3.0M ohm 3.3 ohm, 33 ohm, 330 ohm, 3.3k ohm, 33k ohm, 330k ohm, 3.3M ohm 3.6 ohm, 36 ohm, 360 ohm, 3.6k ohm, 36k ohm, 360k ohm, 3.6M ohm 3.9 ohm, 39 ohm, 390 ohm, 3.9k ohm, 39k ohm, 390k ohm, 3.9M ohm 4.3 ohm, 43 ohm, 430 ohm, 4.3k ohm, 43K ohm, 430K ohm, 4.3M ohm 4.7 ohm, 47 ohm, 470 ohm, 4.7k ohm, 47k ohm, 470k ohm, 4.7M ohm 5.1 ohm, 51 ohm, 510 ohm, 5.1k ohm, 51k ohm, 510k ohm, 5.1M ohm 5.6 ohm, 56 ohm, 560 ohm, 5.6k ohm, 56k ohm, 560k ohm, 5.6M ohm 6.2 ohm, 62 ohm, 620 ohm, 6.2k ohm, 62K ohm, 620K ohm, 6.2M ohm 6.8 ohm, 68 ohm, 680 ohm, 6.8k ohm, 68k ohm, 680k ohm, 6.8M ohm 7.5 ohm, 75 ohm, 750 ohm, 7.5k ohm, 75k ohm, 750k ohm, 7.5M ohm 8.2 ohm, 82 ohm, 820 ohm, 8.2k ohm, 82k ohm, 820k ohm, 8.2M ohm 9.1 ohm, 91 ohm, 910 ohm, 9.1k ohm, 91k ohm, 910k ohm, 9.1M ohm #generics #CommonPartsLibrary
jharwinbarrozo
1.5M
Generic Capacitor
A generic fixed capacitor ideal for rapid circuit topology development. You can choose between polarized and non-polarized types, its symbol and the footprint will automatically adapt based on your selection. Supported options include standard SMD sizes for ceramic capacitors (e.g., 0402, 0603, 0805), SMD sizes for aluminum electrolytic capacitors, and through-hole footprints for polarized capacitors. Save precious design time by seamlessly add more information to this part (value, footprint, etc.) as it becomes available. Standard capacitor values: 1.0pF, 10pF, 100pF, 1000pF, 0.01uF, 0.1uF, 1.0uF, 10uF, 100uF, 1000uF, 10000uF 1.1pF, 11pF, 110pF, 1100pF 1.2pF, 12pF, 120pF, 1200pF 1.3pF, 13pF, 130pF, 1300pF 1.5pF, 15pF, 150pF, 1500pF, 0.015uF, 0.15uF, 1.5uF, 15uF, 150uF, 1500uF 1.6pF, 16pF, 160pF, 1600pF 1.8pF, 18pF, 180pF, 1800pF 2.0pF, 20pF, 200pF, 2000pF 2.2pF, 22pF, 220pF, 2200pF, 0.022uF, 0.22uF, 2.2uF, 22uF, 220uF, 2200uF 2.4pF, 24pF, 240pF, 2400pF 2.7pF, 27pF, 270pF, 2700pF 3.0pF, 30pF, 300pF, 3000pF 3.3pF, 33pF, 330pF, 3300pF, 0.033uF, 0.33uF, 3.3uF, 33uF, 330uF, 3300uF 3.6pF, 36pF, 360pF, 3600pF 3.9pF, 39pF, 390pF, 3900pF 4.3pF, 43pF, 430pF, 4300pF 4.7pF, 47pF, 470pF, 4700pF, 0.047uF, 0.47uF, 4.7uF, 47uF, 470uF, 4700uF 5.1pF, 51pF, 510pF, 5100pF 5.6pF, 56pF, 560pF, 5600pF 6.2pF, 62pF, 620pF, 6200pF 6.8pF, 68pF, 680pF, 6800pF, 0.068uF, 0.68uF, 6.8uF, 68uF, 680uF, 6800uF 7.5pF, 75pF, 750pF, 7500pF 8.2pF, 82pF, 820pF, 8200pF 9.1pF, 91pF, 910pF, 9100pF #generics #CommonPartsLibrary
jharwinbarrozo
1.5M
Generic Inductor
A generic fixed inductor suitable for rapid circuit topology development. The footprint automatically adapts based on the selected package, supporting standard SMD sizes (e.g., 0402, 0603, 0805) as well as well-known inductor packages such as SDR1806, PA4320, SRN6028, and SRR1260. Standard inductor values: 1.0 nH, 10 nH, 100 nH, 1.0 µH, 10 µH, 100 µH, 1.0 mH 1.2 nH, 12 nH, 120 nH, 1.2 µH, 12 µH, 120 µH, 1.2 mH 1.5 nH, 15 nH, 150 nH, 1.5 µH, 15 µH, 150 µH, 1.5 mH 1.8 nH, 18 nH, 180 nH, 1.8 µH, 18 µH, 180 µH, 1.8 mH 2.2 nH, 22 nH, 220 nH, 2.2 µH, 22 µH, 220 µH, 2.2 mH 2.7 nH, 27 nH, 270 nH, 2.7 µH, 27 µH, 270 µH, 2.7 mH 3.3 nH, 33 nH, 330 nH, 3.3 µH, 33 µH, 330 µH, 3.3 mH 3.9 nH, 39 nH, 390 nH, 3.9 µH, 39 µH, 390 µH, 3.9 mH 4.7 nH, 47 nH, 470 nH, 4.7 µH, 47 µH, 470 µH, 4.7 mH 5.6 nH, 56 nH, 560 nH, 5.6 µH, 56 µH, 560 µH, 5.6 mH 6.8 nH, 68 nH, 680 nH, 6.8 µH, 68 µH, 680 µH, 6.8 mH 8.2 nH, 82 nH, 820 nH, 8.2 µH, 82 µH, 820 µH, 8.2 mH #generics #CommonPartsLibrary
jharwinbarrozo
15.9k
Terminal
An electrical connector acting as reusable interface to a conductor and creating a point where external circuits can be connected.
natarius
RMCF0805JT47K0
General Purpose Thick Film Standard Power and High-Power Chip Resistor 47 kOhms ±5% 0.125W, 1/8W Chip Resistor 0805 (2012 Metric) Automotive AEC-Q200 Thick Film Features: - RMCF – standard power ratings - RMCP – high power ratings - Nickel barrier terminations standard - Power derating from 100% at 70ºC to zero at +155ºC - RoHS compliant, REACH compliant, and halogen free - AEC-Q200 compliant
jharwinbarrozo
1.2M
875105359001
10 µF 16 V Aluminum - Polymer Capacitors Radial, Can - SMD 30mOhm 2000 Hrs @ 105°C #commonpartslibrary #capacitor #aluminumpolymer #radialcan
jharwinbarrozo
1.2M
CTL1206FYW1T
Yellow 595nm LED Indication - Discrete 1.7V 1206 (3216 Metric)
jharwinbarrozo
1.1M

Project Name

ESP32 x86 PC

Description

A self-contained “retro PC” platform built around the ESP32, exposing classic PC-style IO: VGA video, PS/2 keyboard/mouse, audio-out to an onboard speaker, microSD storage, plus USB-C for power and USB-UART for programming/debug.

Properties

License

creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Pricing & Availability

Distributor	Qty 1
Arrow	$0.84–$3.05
Digi-Key	$1.52–$30.15
LCSC	$5.52–$6.45
Mouser	$14.74
TME	$2.85
Verical	$0.82–$497.05

Controls

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vasy_skral / ESP32 x86 PC

Schematic