I wonder what it would take to reverse engineer the CPU ASIC with discreet, off the shelf parts. I guess we can kind of get an idea from comparing the WPC89 and WPC95 display board that started discreet parts and later had an ASIC.
That or some other kind of programmable device to handle all the business the ASIC does.
Quoted from A12742:pins4u Yep, the WPC ASIC was custom; I was hopeful someone might have a datasheet (PDF). I'd like to understand its deeper function.
ForceFlow Check out some current pricing, Marco ($104.99), Little Shop (sold out), Action Pinball ($132 special order), Pinball Wizard ($74.95), Mad Amusement ($79). I'm not affiliated... cannot vouch for these companies... etc. Just my random sample. They're available & a little cheaper from Mr Pinball (AU$50). But note the decade-old, initially-informative, then rant-filled post in rec.games.pinball about a final remake of the ASIC. My conclusion, The ASIC aren't unobtainium, yet.
Where these really re-produced at some point? I think I remember the post about new ones, but skeptical since some of the other stuff he talked about did not materialize. I would be more likely to think WMS was sitting on a bunch of them when they closed up shop, but who knows. Anyone know what the date codes on a new one you buy? I get the impression they are in small supply from the raising costs.
PPS holds the license, I wonder if Motorola still have the dye or whatever needed to spin up more. If they can, what is the (probably astronomical) cost is? Take it to another fab willing to do smaller run? Probably a pipe dream... it would be nice to have the ASIC included when you buy a new MPU. That is just one more thing that can go wrong on the WPC board install.