doug@tybalt.caltech.edu (Doug Schafer) (07/24/87)
Summary: Expires: Sender: Followup-To: Distribution: Keywords: This is my first attempt at posting, so please excuse any spasticity. I am currently building a small computer (64Kw , floppy, video) using the Novix NC4016. This is the production model of the NC4000P (for preliminary) that others have mentioned. I decided on the Novix chip after seeing the results a friend had with one. Yes, it's incredibly fast. The call to a word is one instruction, one cycle. The opcodes correspond to Forth primitives, and most execute in one cycle. The design is modified bit slice (some bits change the function of other bits) so some instructions can run simultaneously with others: swap drop = 1 cycle, anything + return = 1 cycle. Some other interesting facts: There are 3 seperate 16 bit busses, one each for stack, return, and main memory. The chip is completely static, so it can run at 8mhz, be clocked by hand, or do anything in between. Memory isn't lost, since it has to be static also, something like 50ns SRAMS (read expensive!). When Novix sent the chip, they also included all their latest handouts. According to the flyers, they are about to release two new chips, the NC5016 and the NC6016. These are designed specifically for multitasking - up to 128 tasks. They both run at 10Mhz. The 5016 is pin compatible with the 4016. Right now I'm pretty gung-ho on the NC4016. I'll post again after I've built and used my project. If anyone is interested in more info, write Novix. They have been extremely pleasant to deal with. I usually talk with Mike Johns. Chuck Moore has a seperate company, Computer Cowboys, that sold a neat little kit using the NC4016. I have never contacted CC, and do not know if this addr is still current. Novix, Inc. Computer Cowboys 19925 Stevens Creek Blvd. 410 Star Hill Road Suite 280 Woodside, CA 94062 Cupertino, CA 95014 (415) 851-4362 (408) 255-2750 _______________________ Doug Schafer "Better use the Cone of Silence, Chief" doug@tybalt.eat f kf kfl