Finally, the project has reached a stage when complete system tests are possible The integrated CF + IDE allows running the complete OS 3.1 with WHDLoad.
Key features:
- 68HC000 CPU running at 50 MHz (100% MC68000 compatible)
- 40 pin IDE connector for HDD, CD ROM etc.
- Integrated CF card connector
- 8 MB Fast RAM (1 wait state)
- 512k FlashROM for Kickstart (1 wait state)
- Utility for disabling / enabling every module separately (XCPU, XRAM, XROM, IDE)
The HDD read rate is really great: with an IDE HDD it produces 4.8-5 MB/s, while the CF card's transfer rate varies around 3.2 MB/s. On the picture below the IDE HDD read speed is shown.
As before, this (3rd) prototype board is also home made. Top and bottom views are available below:
And a small video which demonstrates the system performance. The complete OS 3.1 boots in 2 seconds from a CF card. Frontier is running with 40-50 FPS. Who needs more? :)
