3 open source boards using the 6502
Real designs built with the 6502, from public GitHub projects: a quick way to see how others power, decouple and connect it. Each board comes with its KiCad files, full parts list and a render — and you can simulate its firmware on HardLabs.
Microdigital - TK 2000
clemarfolly
236.8 × 169.8 mm195 parts2LNo license17
MetaphoricV2
OldWer
204.5 × 138 mm140 parts2LCC0-1.05
AVR/ArduinoAPL1
acwright
150 × 100 mm44 parts2LCERN-OHL-P-2.01
The 6502 in open source designs
The gallery holds 3 open source boards using the 6502 from 3 GitHub repositories; a typical one measures about 204.5 × 138 mm and carries around 140 components.
100% are two-layer designs, the rest use four layers or more, and 67% carry an open source license.
The most starred is Microdigital - TK 2000 by clemarfolly.
Microcontrollers on boards using the 6502
6502: common questions
Where can I find a 6502 reference design?
Each of the 3 boards on this page is a real design using the 6502. Open one to see how it is wired up, with the full BOM, a render of the layout and links to its KiCad files.
What parts are used alongside the 6502?
The 74LS00, 74LS04, 74LS138 and 74LS245 appear in the most repositories here.
Which microcontrollers do boards using the 6502 use?
Most are built on AVR/Arduino (1).
How big is a typical board using the 6502?
The median is 204.5 × 138 mm, and 100% are two-layer designs.
What is the most popular open source board using the 6502?
By GitHub stars, Microdigital - TK 2000 by clemarfolly, with 17 stars.
Can I simulate one of these boards using the 6502 before building it?
Yes. HardLabs turns a board's netlist and BOM into a working simulation, so you can boot and test firmware against it with no hardware on your desk.