# Source Log

Research pass date: 2026-04-16

This log records the main sources used to build the planning notes in this
folder.

## Hardware and low-level behavior

- `ps2tek - Documentation on PS2 internals`
  URL: https://psi-rockin.github.io/ps2tek/index.html
  Notes: best low-level consolidated hardware reference found in this pass;
  useful for memory map, register blocks, BIOS structure, IOP boot modules,
  DMA channels, and subsystem inventory.

- `Making a PS2 Emulator: From Bits to Pixels`
  URL:
  https://github.com/PSI-Rockin/DobieStation/wiki/Making-a-PS2-Emulator%3A-From-Bits-to-Pixels
  Notes: strong practical explanation of the minimum pieces needed for first
  visible output; especially helpful for framing memory map + DMAC + GIF + GS.

## SDK, tooling, and software-visible platform shape

- `ps2dev`
  URL: https://ps2dev.github.io/
  Notes: community entry point for PS2 homebrew development.

- `ps2dev/ps2dev`
  URL: https://github.com/ps2dev/ps2dev
  Notes: active toolchain/build umbrella for `ps2toolchain`, `ps2sdk`,
  `ps2sdk-ports`, and `gsKit`.

- `ps2dev/ps2sdk`
  URL: https://github.com/ps2dev/ps2sdk
  Notes: important because it exposes the software-facing EE/IOP split and
  offers samples and platform libraries.

- `ps2dev/gsKit`
  URL: https://github.com/ps2dev/gsKit
  Notes: low-level GS interface library; useful for understanding software-side
  GS initialization and DMAC usage.

## Emulator projects

- `PCSX2/pcsx2`
  URL: https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2
  Notes: deepest and longest-running open-source PS2 emulator in this pass.

- `PCSX2 Memory.cpp`
  URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/master/pcsx2/Memory.cpp
  Notes: useful implementation-side memory summary and a signpost for how a
  mature emulator structures host-visible EE/IOP/VU memory.

- `PSI-Rockin/DobieStation`
  URL: https://github.com/PSI-Rockin/DobieStation
  Notes: helpful as a second emulator reference and because it publishes useful
  implementation commentary.

- `jpd002/Play-`
  URL: https://github.com/jpd002/Play-
  Notes: useful contrasting design point; uses a built-in HLE BIOS rather than
  external BIOS dumps.

## Search outcome note

I specifically looked for credible open-source HDL / FPGA PS2 core material.
This pass did not surface a meaningful public RTL implementation. The strongest
public sources that appeared were emulator codebases, PS2 homebrew tooling, and
reverse-engineering references.