noVa64

What it is noVa64?

The noVa64 (With an uppercase V) is a new computer built around the 65816 CPU. Inspired by the age of 8-bit computers, it's envisioned as a alternate-universe succesor to the Commodore 8-bit series of computers. Instead of adquiring the Amiga, could've Commodore created a 16-bit machine around this CPU? The noVa64 is designed and built by a hobbyist (me) who will need to learn pretty much everything on the go.

What it isn't noVa64?

It's not a professional or commercially viable product. It's not meant to be mass produced. It's not a recreation of any pre-existing computer, although it will be inspired by many.

When will it be ready?

Hopefully, at some point. That's all I can say.

Principles

• Not here for the money. This is not meant to be a commercial product
• Hence, no restrictions on parts (Used, obsolete, questionable sources)
• Learn from scratch. No off-the-shelf solution
• Inspiration on others is encouraged though
• Give credit to all sources of information
• Everything will be open sourced, under the GNU v3 License
• Log all the steps
• No deadline.
• Learn
• Have fun

Requirements

Form factor

• Computer should be a laptop, fully portable

Power

• Single and low voltage. 5v is very obsolete. At least 3.3v, maybe even lower
• Battery powered
• USB-C Charger, allowing for fast charge if possible
• Battery pack reports to the computer. Charge status, capacity, etc
• Computer then display this

CPU

• Based around a 65816. Real CPU, no FPGA here
• DRAM. Maximum memory at 16MB for the CPU
• SRAM cache for the main DRAM

Chipset

• Set of sustaining chips
• FPGA acting as MMU, handling DRAM, with potential for bigger RAM
• IO/TIMER. Could use a 6526 in FPGA maybe. TIMERs need to be driven by independent clock
• RTC. Used to keep time. Can act as TIMERS too for interrupts

Video

• At least 640x400 (Twice a C64). 256 colors
• FPGA is allowed here
• Built in Laptop Screen
• External monitor an option (mirror, or extend if possible)
• VGA or HDMI for external monitor
• Brightness controlled via software
• Still not sure about dedicated video RAM

Audio

• Stereo audio and built-in speakers
• FPGA is allowed here too
• External audio an option (Through audio jack, or, if possible HDMI)
• Volumen control through software

Peripherals

• USB Support for storage, and HID
• Internal keyboard and trackpad are USB
• External ports too

Storage

• Dual SD. One acting as internal hd, one acting as eternal storage

Connectivity

• Is TCP/IP Possible? Wifi? Ethernet?

Boot sequence

• Small ROM to handle booting. Then, SO from "INTERNAL" sd is loaded into meemory