Modular computer on КР1801ВМ2 in the case Mini-ITX

Raspberry Pi and similar boards reduced the popularity of Mini-ITX, but a member of the Hackaday website under the nickname SHAOS decided to assemble a modular computer on the KR1801BM2 processor in this standard package . With VGA-out and GC-compatible video modes.

At the time of publication of the article, he is working on a processor board. Here, this is not the same as the motherboard: the processor board is installed in the motherboard (they used to say "general payment"), like everyone else. The bus is chosen electrically similar to Q-Bus, but mechanically different, since there are too many unused “legs” in the original. This allowed the use of more compact connectors and add a number of missing lines in the original.

There is no video card yet, but the developer has already imagined what the screenshots will look like. Among them, AlexeyNadezhin, the habrazhitel, also recognizes his software package that has already become a legend. Where does the curb come from? The fact is that for emulation of video modes the BC is 512x256, 1 bit and 256x256, 2 bits - it is supposed to output an image of 640x350 resolution to a VGA monitor. Another resolution - 640x400 - will allow to emulate additional video modes that are absent in the BC: 640x200, 1 bit and 320x200, 2 bits without a border and with hardware drawing of each line twice.

Much attention in the description is given to the input control of microprocessors. The stands made for this allowed not only to make sure that the microcircuits were in good condition, but also experiment with the peculiarities of the processor pipeline of this type. And there is nothing more. But judging by the previous projects of the same author, in work this unusual car will be seen. In the meantime, it can be repeated gradually, assembling module by module as they are developed. And also participate in it.