Every enthusiast, collector, or restorer of vintage computing gear eventually faces the same challenge: accurately verifying that each component they own actually works. Sometimes a couple of connections are enough, but when you step into the territory of old DIP processors, you need very special tools. That leads us to the Universal Chip Analyzer, which in its prototype phase already supports dozens of processors.
Imagine holding an Intel 8086 in your hands. A true museum piece, almost forty years old. It deserves a place of honor in any collection, but its value would be even greater if it actually worked. Unless you have something like the original IBM PC, an IBM PS/2 Model 30, a Tandy 1000, or a NEC PC-9801, testing that processor would be quite difficult… and that's only half of the equation.
There are significant differences in speed, voltage, and specifications among these old chips, not to mention unreliable clones and a lack of official documentation. Even if those conditions are met, that processor may simply not work due to the natural hostility of time. So is it a lost battle?
Fortunately, the answer is no. Samuel Demeulemeester, who if my memory serves me correctly is the developer of Memtest86+, is behind the Universal Chip Analyzer, designed to test all those retro DIP chips that have been orphaned.
The analyzer is based on the Mojo V3 development board, which combines a Xilinx SPARTAN-6 FPGA with a classic ATMega 32U4. The FPGA reproduces all the critical elements needed to evaluate these processors, including clock generation, buses, switches, and memory (i.e., it emulates a motherboard).
It also relies on additional modules (shields) that enable physical compatibility with processors other than DIP (e.g., a traditional 80286), and guarantee expansion to different platforms, such as the Motorola 68xx and MOS 65xx.
The project's official page indicates that it is already compatible with more than 50 processors (some of them very rare, “manufactured” in the Soviet Union), and more will come as long as the community shows interest. One possibility is that the analyzer might eventually seek funding on Kickstarter, and the use of shields should help reduce costs (each user buys what they need and that's it).
Personally, I love that something like this exists, and I hope it keeps advancing.
