1chipMSX

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1chipMSX


Type	Home computer
Released	2006
Discontinued	still in use
Processor	Zilog Z80 implemented in VHDL on an FPGA
Memory	1MB
OS	MSX-DOS / MSX BASIC

The One chip MSX, or 1chipMSX as its official name, is a re-implementation of an MSX-2 home computer that uses a single FPGA to implement all the electronics (except the RAM) of an MSX-2, including the MSX-MUSIC and SCC+ audio extensions.

The system is housed in a transparent blue plastic box, and can be used with a standard monitor (or TV) and a PC keyboard. Original MSX cartridges can be inserted, as well as SD and MMC memory cards as an external storage medium. Even though it lacks a 3.5" disk drive, disks are supported through emulation on a memory card, including support for booting MSX-DOS. Due to its VHDL programmable hardware, it's possible to give the device new hardware extensions by simply running a reconfiguration program under MSX-DOS. The "one chip-MSX" is equipped with two USB connectors, that can be used after adding some supporting VHDL code.

The 1chipMSX home computer is designed and produced by D4 Enterprise and is distributed outside Japan by Bazix

[edit] Hardware specifications

Altera Cyclone EP1C12Q240C8N FPGA chip
32 MB SDRAM
SD/MMC card slot
2 MSX Cartridge slots
2 audio outputs (for future stereo support)
S-VHS video output
Composite video output
VGA video output
PS/2 keyboard connector
2 USB connector
2 MSX Joystick ports
FPGA I/O pin (40 pins and 10 pins)

Included are also:

A Short English instruction manual, including a short introduction to VHDL
Full VHDL code used to achieve MSX2 compatibility (default configuration)
A CD-ROM with VHDL code examples and the following software:
- Altera Quartus 2 Web Edition - VHDL development environment
- PLDLOAD and PLDSAVE - Softare to read and program the FPGA chip
- EP, FDLOAD and FDSAVE - Software to create, load and play disk images
220V adapter or 110V converter plug
Schematics to the One Chip MSX PCB
Blueprint of the One Chip MSX casing