Linux controls a real 6502 processor
Summary
Hackaday shows how a BeagleBone loads, starts and operates a discrete 6502 as a remote processor from Linux via GPIO. The project uses a discrete 6502. An ARM-based BeagleBone serves as the host.
Ideas
- The BeagleBone connects its GPIO bus directly to the 6502.
- Linux loads program code onto the external processor.
- Remoteproc manages starting and communicating with the secondary processor.
- A device file provides the exchange in userland.
Insights
- Old processors can live on as real coprocessors of modern systems.
- Kernel frameworks unify unusual heterogeneous computing architectures.
- A direct hardware connection lets you experience timing and bus protocols in practice.
Recommendations
- Check the bus levels and direction of every GPIO signal.
- Keep test programs for individual bus cycles small.
References
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