1chipMSX

1chipMSX
A circuit board and microprocessor in a translucent blue case, with cartridge ports on the right hand side.
TypeHome computer
Release date2006
Discontinuedbatch 1 completed
Operating systemMSX-DOS / MSX BASIC
CPUZilog Z80 implemented in VHDL on an FPGA
Memory1 MB
A 1chipMSX displayed with power adapter, instruction manual, and cardboard packaging.

The One chip MSX, or 1chipMSX as the D4 Enterprise distributional name for the ESE MSX System 3, is a re-implementation of an MSX-2 home computer that uses a single FPGA to implement all the electronics (except the RAM) of an MSX-2, including the MSX-MUSIC and SCC+ audio extensions.

The system is housed in a transparent blue plastic box, and can be used with a standard monitor (or TV) and a PC keyboard. Original MSX cartridges can be inserted, as well as SD and MMC memory cards as an external storage medium. Even though it lacks a 3.5" disk drive, disks are supported through emulation on a memory card, including support for booting MSX-DOS. Due to its VHDL programmable hardware, it's possible to give the device new hardware extensions by simply running a reconfiguration program under MSX-DOS. The "one chip-MSX" is equipped with two USB connectors, that can be used after adding some supporting VHDL code.