6502.org

They're going beyond that even now, using the MAX-10 FPGA:
https://wdc65xx.com/fpga-microcontrollers/

The issue with the demo FPGA boards is the internal ROM (again). It limits what you can do with the dev boards. And, as of yet, I have not figured out a way to deactivate the ROMs (without reprogramming the whole thing). At least the '265s allow you to bypass the internal ROM with that "WDC" bytes trick.

However, I do see that they are issuing (or have issued?) FPGAs called simply "W65CX65MMC". It looks like you will be able to flash soft FPGA cores to these. Maybe you can flash custom ROMs, too? Not much info out there.

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/We ... DE%2F6Q%3D

https://www.wdc65xx.com/wdc/documentati ... x65mmc.pdf

Hey, so I just wanted to post an update on this. I got the W65C265 system up to 8mhz, by making a slap-dash adapted that let me replace the EEPROM with a much faster SST39SF010A-55 NOR Flash. (bottom pic, overhead view).

I used the same trick for a second-processor card I made for the PIB, with a 65C02 clocked at just over 14mhz. I can offload programs there and use it as an application processor, with the 65C265 doing I/O. (middle Pic)

I also built another board for the PIB, a PIC18F47K40 PIB board that let's the 65C265 use that processor and all of its peripherals (first pic), as well as 512kbits of serial SRAM the 65C265 can access.

Now it's time to write some software!

Jon

PS I have some transputers, StrongARMs, and other bits of tech on the way to integrate and tinker with!
PPS Sorry for the crappy pics!

Myself (and I know 1 or 2 others here) worked with transputers "back then", so it'll be interesting to see if you come up with some 6502/transputer "frankenputer"

Also my multi-tasking OS I run on my '816 boards is loosely based on the transputer threading model too. It all happens at the "microcode" level (which is the byetcode VM that BCPL compiles into).
Looks fine to me!

-Gordon

That makes sense. I mean, as far as I've learned, most transputer systems used host processors - fancy SPARC and MIPS hosts for the educational institutions and big businesses, and x86 PC hosts for the common folk

So, I guess this would fit in the latter category.

And, of course, I'm familiar with your RUBY OS. I've seen it integrated with a few projects up on YouTube, as well.

I can cobble the hardware together, but doing software - I find that to be far more difficult.

Jonathan

I have a horrible feeling that W65C265 has 150ns EEPROM. I hoped that a surface mount package with multiple power and ground pins could be easily clocked beyond 20MHz. This may remain possible but it would require any ROM access (including vectors) to be clock stretched.

Your feeling was correct. I now have 55ns external flash ROM, and I can get the W65C265 up over 8mhz. EEPROMs are a pretty terrible hinderance.