If you are familiar with the KIM-1, SYM-1 and other ancient 6502-based microcomputers, you probably know what the 6522 VIA is.

VIA stands for Versatile Interface Adapter and boy! the 6522 sure is versatile!

It contains a couple of 16-bit timers, two 8-bit bi-directional ports with handshake and a simple serial I/O. Ancient computers have used the 6522 to generate audio, provide cassette serial I/O, talk to joysticks, manage complex serial-based peripheral interfaces among many other uses.

The item for sale includes only the PCB (printed circuit board). The electronics components are easily available from online sellers like Mouser or Jameco (in the USA).

Modern 6522 devices are normally available from Mouser. The correct part number to use is 955-W65C22N6TPG-14. This is for the WDC W65C22N6TPG-14 device. There is another similar device but with a different interrupt line behavior that is not compatible with the traditional 6522 devices.

Design files

The design files can be found on GitHub here.

Source code

Sample source code is found on GitHub here.

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IMPORTANT

Note that this is a hobby product and not tested for mission-critical, commercial, industrial or medical use.

The 6522 VIA Board is not a beginner project. You need to have at least intermediate soldering skills along with the tools, knowledge and ability to debug digital electronics circuitry and understand 6502 assembly language.