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© 1997-2006
Gareth Knight
All Rights reserved

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Cygnus-1: Single board Computer

Developer: Brian Fuesz
Year: Late 1980s/Early 1990s

Cygnus-1 board
The Cygnus-1 is a single board parallel computer developed as a hobby by Brian Fuesz for use in the F-25A Flight Simulator. The computer is based upon the 68000 processor, as well as additional processors to be added through the boards 32-bit data bus. The machine demonstrates its creators determination to build a complete simulator using the cheap Motorola processors rather than Intel models. In a time when the cost of RAM made it obtainable only by the rich, the Cygnus-1 was forced to make do with a memory limit of just 256k SRAM. The basic OS was stored on a flash upgradeable EPROM. This allowed the author to rewrite the software in conjunction with hardware development.

F-25A Flight Simulator
The hardware is nothing without software and it is here that the Amiga took pride of place. Its low-cost made it the perfect candidate for software development, programming and compilation of the Cygnus-1's executable code in C. Specialist utilities were then created to convert the AmigaDOS load files into a form that the prototype board could understand.

The Cygnus-1 took several years to develop, while the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) was tested, modified and altered, before being sent to a board manufacturer. Only two PCB units were produced.

 

Cygnus-1 Feature Summary

  • Motorola MC68000 Microprocessor, 8MHz or 16MHz
  • 4x RS232C Serial Interface Ports
  • 2x 16-bit Timers
  • 2x Flash EPROM Sockets (up to 256kB)
  • 2x SRAM Sockets (up to 256kB)
  • Real Time Clock
  • 32 byte NVRAM
  • Watchdog Timer
  • Multi-Master 32-bit Data Bus
  • 4x LED Status Indicators
  • Power-On
  • Reset
  • Software Controlled
  • Software Controlled
  • 5 VDC Power (12 VDC required for Flash Programming)
The author conducts a brief retrospective on the board, citing the diminishing cost of the Intel PC as a reason for the project to be abandoned in favour of faster cheaper systems. As a parallel computer it is useful for observing parallel system design and shows a unique computer, capable of performing tasks the original 680000 designers never thought possible. It represents how empowering the Amiga was, allowing people to pursue their own goals. Although the most basic Amiga is seen as out of date, even by the Amiga community, it can still become the perfect setup for programmers interested in developing on classic hardware.

Read the AHG interview with Brian Fuesz
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Last Update: 22/6/2002

 

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