MSX  One Chip 
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One Chip MSX2 (FPGA)

The One Chip MSX is technically an FPGA computer that emulates the MSX and MSX2 standard in hardware. Discussion can be had whether this is emulation or not, the One Chip is a true MSX computer in the sense that it provides slots for cartridges, and has the ability to load software from tape. It also implements the MSX-MUSIC and SCC+ audio extensions that were popular with various games.

Even though it lacks a 3.5" disk drive, disks are supported through emulation on a memory card, including support for booting MSX-DOS.

Since the machine can be recoded using the VHDL hardware programming language, new versions of the original code have introduced more features and better compatibility with the original MSX/MSX2+ standard.

Hardware Specifications:

  • Altera Cyclone EP1C12Q240C8N FPGA chip
  • 32 MByte SDRAM
  • SD/MMC card slot
  • 2 MSX Cartridge slots
  • 2 Audio outputs
  • S-Video out
  • Composite out
  • VGA out
  • PS/2 keyboard connector
  • 2 USB Ports
  • 2 MSX Joystick Ports
  • FPGA I/O pin (40 & 10 pin)

MSX2+ and beyond

MSX Cassette Pin Layout

The MSX Standard calls for all MSX computers to have a standard data-cassette port. This port transports the audio-in/out signals to and from the datarecorder and the computer has a relay-switch on board to turn the recorder on and off.

MSX Cartridge Connector

The MSX Cartridge system uses a 50-pin flat-edge connector to connect to the systems expansion bus. The cartridge slot maps into one of the main- or sub-slots.

Technical Details
Released 1970 Brand ESE Type MSX 2+ Name One Chip CPU Class FPGA CPU Altera Cyclone EP1C12Q240C8N FPGA, FPGA emulated Z80 @3.58MHz Memory RAM: 1MB
VRAM: 128kB
Sound Chip FPGA emulated PSG, MSX-MUSIC and SCC Sound 9 FM channels
3 wave channels + white noise, 5 wave table channels
Display Chip FPGA Emulated Yamaha V9958 VDP Display All MSX-1 modes
256x212 16 color
512x212 4 color
512x212 2 color
256x212 256 color
Best Text 80x24 Best Color 19268 colors Best Graphics 512x424 interlaced Sprites 16 colors out of 512, 16x16, 8/scanline, 64 total System OS MSX 2+ BIOS / MSX 2+ BASIC Storage SD Card, Cartridge ROM, external tape
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MSX 1
 
MSX 2
 
MSX 2+
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One Chip  (1970)
 
MSX Turbo-R
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