Programmable 512 KB ROM emulator for 8/16-bit data buses (RP2350) — core module for Atari ST/STE & Amiga
The SidecarTridge ROM Emulator is a signal-accurate ROM emulation module based on the RP2350. It’s designed for developers, builders, and hardware makers who need to emulate EPROM/EEPROM/Flash devices on 8- or 16-bit buses.
It is also the core ROM-emulation board used by:
- SidecarTridge TOS emulator (Atari ST/STE/Mega ST/Mega STE)
- SidecarTridge Kickstart emulator (Classic Amiga)
Important: The SidecarTridge ROM Emulator is a module intended for integration into host hardware. It is not a standalone consumer product and requires a compatible host/carrier to function.
Choose the right product
If your goal is to replace internal ROMs without swapping chips:
- Atari ST/STE (TOS): Use the SidecarTridge TOS emulator
- Amiga (Kickstart): Use the SidecarTridge Kickstart emulator
If you are building your own hardware (or integrating into another 8/16‑bit system), this ROM Emulator module is the right building block.
Why choose SidecarTridge ROM Emulator?
- Versatile ROM emulation: Load binary images as ROMs from 4 KB to 512 KB, in 8- or 16-bit width, with selectable bus-speed grades.
- Signal-accurate behavior: Uses RP2350 PIO to drive address/data/control lines and mimic real ROM devices at the electrical/protocol level.
- USB connectivity: Load and manage images on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Host integration: Control from the host system using a simple API.
Key features
- Bit-banged emulation via RP2350 PIO: Emulates ROMs at the signal level.
- Multi-image storage: Up to 64 images stored in 16 MB flash (no physical ROM swaps).
- USB mass storage (FAT12): The on-board flash appears as a USB drive for easy file management.
- Hot swapping: Image switching can be triggered by reads to specific addresses (no power-cycle required, depending on host design).
How it works
- PIO-driven bus emulation: Drives address, data, and control signals to mimic ROM/EEPROM/Flash devices.
- Flash as storage: 16 MB non-volatile flash exposed as a USB mass-storage volume.
- Boot + emulate: Becomes active on power-up and starts serving ROM data to the host.
- Optional address-triggered switching: Certain reads can switch images without powering off.
Perfect for makers
Ideal for makers, developers, and hobbyists—especially when emulating ROMs for vintage computers or custom 8/16‑bit hardware.
The board features several characteristics that make it a powerful module for your projects:
- 55mm x 25mm size
- Single-side PCB
- Castellated edges and mounting holes
- USB-C connector
- DEBUG and UART JST connector (optional)
- Dual power supply inputs (USB or external)
- 5V power supply
- 5V and TTL logic levels
FAQ
Is this a software “ROM emulator”?
No. This is a hardware ROM emulation module that mimics EPROM/EEPROM/Flash devices at the signal/bus level.
Do I need a host board / carrier?
Yes. This module is designed to be integrated into host hardware and is not a standalone consumer product.
I want to run a different TOS / Kickstart without swapping chips. Is this the right product?
Most users should use the dedicated products:
- TOS Emulator
- Kickstart Emulator They use this ROM emulator module internally.
What ROM sizes and bus widths are supported?
Binary images from 4 KB to 512 KB, with 8-bit or 16-bit width.
How do I load ROM images?
Images are stored in on-board flash exposed as a USB mass-storage volume (FAT12), and can also be managed via host API.
Can it be used for other 8/16-bit systems?
Potentially yes, as long as you provide compatible host integration (pinout, bus timing, voltage/logic levels).
Contact us for more information
If you have any questions about the SidecarTridge ROM Emulator, please contact us. We are happy to assist you.
