AtariFA
Replacement CPU for the Atari Generation 1 pinball MPU.
All Generation 1 games are supported:
Atarians - Time 200 - Airborne Avenger - Middle Earth - Space Riders
Key features:
- 1:1 replacement supporting the original edge connectors ( additional connectors available )
- all 'external' components are THT ( IC with sockets ) for easy replacement
- piggyback FPGA replaces CPU, Rom, Ram and most of the logic ICs
- Mosfet Solenoid control with onboard fuses
- modern onboard voltage regulator
- standard LEDs instead of lamps can be used
- additional onboard soundboard with wav/mp3 background music capabilities
- 'on the bench' test capabilities via additional testboards
- onboard ESP32 for easy access & control via WiFi and Browser based App 'FAcontrol '
Prototype assembled by JLCPCB
with components
comparison original CPU and AtariFAStatus ( August 8th 2026)
Prototype tested successfully in Airborne Avenger
Created PCB v1.01 with small modifikations (different FPGA board)
Started extended test field with v1.01
If you want order your AtariFA yourself see instructions below
ordering instructions for v1.01
Have a look to the PCB documentation section.
Needed Gerber Data, BOM and Component Placement List (CPL) you find on my repository server.
Note that v1.01 is not tested yet!
BOM is created for direct placement of ICs via JLCPCB, if you prefer IC sockets and purchasing ICs yourself let me know.
When ordering, in order to have best contact with edge connectors, I recommend to use 'Gold Fingers'. For that you need to use 'ENIG' as surface finish and check the 'Gold Finger' option. ( Note: with 'ENIG' you are forced to use 'standard' PCB instead of 'economic'.
FPGA board
Because of price jumps and availibility issues on JLCPCB side for Cyclone chips I used the first time a Cyclone 10 board from Aliexpress and not one of my own DIY boards.I tested it and quality is quite good, worked 100%.
By clicking on the picture you will find the ordering page on Aliexpress.Order the board with headers and soldering yourself or the 'back side soldering' variant.
LEDs and switches on the FPGA board are used with AtariFA.
