Achieve Ultimate Accuracy with Hardware-Level Arcade Emulation
Experience the confidence that comes from knowing your preservation uses the same fundamental approach as the original hardware—real circuits recreated in modern programmable logic.
Return HomeWhat FPGA Implementation Brings to Your Preservation
When software emulation still leaves you wondering if something's not quite right, FPGA implementation offers a different approach entirely. Instead of running code that approximates hardware behavior, you get actual digital circuits recreated in configurable logic chips. This hardware-based approach achieves accuracy levels that software alone can't match.
Hardware-Level Precision
Circuits that behave like the original hardware because they're implemented as actual logic gates, not software instructions.
Exact Timing Match
Signal generation and timing that matches original specifications precisely, down to individual clock cycles.
Long-Term Reliability
Solid-state implementation that runs cool and requires minimal maintenance compared to vintage hardware.
When Software Emulation Isn't Quite Enough
You appreciate the convenience of software emulation, but something still feels off. Perhaps there are subtle timing glitches that skilled players notice, or edge-case behaviors that don't quite match your memories of the original hardware. You understand these differences exist because software emulation runs on general-purpose processors that weren't designed to mimic arcade hardware.
The challenge runs deeper than just timing accuracy. Original arcade hardware generated signals in specific ways—particular waveforms, precise clock relationships, exact voltage transitions. Software can approximate these behaviors, but it's always running one layer removed from the actual electrical characteristics that defined the original experience.
Maybe you've considered that truly authentic preservation might require recreating the original circuits themselves, but building reproduction boards from scratch seems impractical. Component obsolescence makes sourcing original parts difficult, and reverse engineering complete circuit designs requires specialized expertise. You need an approach that captures hardware-level accuracy without the burden of maintaining vintage electronics.
How FPGA Implementation Works
FPGAs—field-programmable gate arrays—contain configurable logic blocks that we can arrange to recreate original arcade circuits. Instead of writing software that runs on a processor, we design actual digital logic that behaves like the original hardware. The result is authentic hardware behavior running on modern, reliable components.
Circuit Translation Process
We begin by analyzing original arcade hardware schematics and circuit designs. Each functional block—the processor, video generator, audio synthesizer, memory controllers—gets translated into equivalent FPGA logic. This isn't approximation; it's recreating the actual circuit behavior using configurable hardware building blocks.
Timing and Signal Accuracy
FPGA implementations achieve precise timing because they operate as parallel circuits rather than sequential software instructions. Clock signals run at exact frequencies, synchronization between subsystems happens naturally through circuit connections, and signal transitions occur with hardware-level precision. This produces authentic behavior that software struggles to match.
Power Efficiency Benefits
Modern FPGAs run cooler and use less power than original arcade boards. This extends hardware lifespan and reduces cooling requirements in arcade cabinets. The implementation operates reliably for years without the capacitor failures and component drift that plague vintage electronics.
Documentation and Maintainability
Each FPGA implementation includes complete documentation explaining the circuit translation, configuration requirements, and maintenance procedures. Unlike vintage hardware with scattered documentation, you receive clear guidance for long-term operation. The FPGA itself is a modern, available component rather than an obsolete custom chip.
Your FPGA Implementation Journey
Working with us on FPGA implementation feels like partnering with hardware engineers who respect both technical precision and your preservation goals. We handle the complex engineering while keeping you informed about progress and decisions.
Hardware Analysis Phase
We discuss your specific arcade systems and examine available schematics and documentation. This initial analysis determines FPGA implementation feasibility and identifies any technical challenges. You learn upfront whether FPGA is the right approach for your preservation needs and what results you can realistically expect.
Circuit Design Work
Our engineers translate original arcade circuits into FPGA logic descriptions. This technical work happens behind the scenes, but we share progress updates showing which subsystems we've implemented and tested. The timeline depends on circuit complexity, typically ranging from several weeks to a few months for complete systems.
Verification Testing
Once the FPGA design is complete, we conduct extensive testing against original hardware behavior. Signal timing measurements, video output analysis, and audio waveform comparison confirm accuracy. We refine the implementation until it meets our hardware-level precision standards.
Deployment and Support
You receive the configured FPGA hardware along with detailed documentation covering installation, operation, and maintenance. We explain how to integrate the FPGA into your arcade setup and what to expect for long-term reliability. Your preservation solution is ready for years of operation.
Investment in Hardware-Level Accuracy
For complete FPGA implementation
What's Included
- Complete hardware schematic analysis
- Circuit translation to FPGA logic design
- Precise timing and signal generation
- Power efficiency optimization
- Hardware-level verification testing
- Configured FPGA hardware
- Comprehensive technical documentation
- Installation and maintenance guidance
The Value of Hardware Accuracy
FPGA implementation represents the highest accuracy level achievable for arcade preservation. You're not approximating hardware behavior—you're recreating it through actual digital circuits. This approach eliminates the subtle timing differences and behavior mismatches that can occur with software emulation.
Beyond technical accuracy, you gain reliability benefits. FPGAs run cool and stable, without the component drift and failure modes that affect vintage arcade boards. Your preservation solution operates dependably for years without requiring specialist maintenance or obsolete replacement parts.
This investment protects your arcade collection at the deepest technical level. When authenticity matters most, FPGA implementation delivers hardware-level precision that software alone cannot match.
How We Verify Hardware-Level Accuracy
FPGA implementations undergo rigorous verification using hardware-level measurement tools rather than subjective assessment. We measure actual electrical signals and timing relationships to confirm accuracy.
Signal Analysis Methods
We use oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to capture signals from both the FPGA implementation and original hardware when available. Clock frequencies, signal rise times, synchronization relationships, and timing margins all undergo measurement. These aren't subjective evaluations—they're objective comparisons of electrical characteristics.
Signal analysis reveals whether the FPGA truly recreates original hardware behavior or merely approximates it. We continue refining the implementation until measurements confirm hardware-level accuracy.
Development Timeline
FPGA implementation projects typically require eight to fourteen weeks, depending on circuit complexity and documentation completeness. Well-documented systems with available schematics proceed faster, while obscure platforms requiring extensive reverse engineering take longer.
We provide regular progress updates throughout the development process. You'll understand which circuit blocks we've completed, what remains, and any technical challenges we're addressing. This transparency helps you track progress and maintain realistic expectations.
Technical Standards
Our FPGA implementations must match original hardware timing specifications within measurable tolerances. Video sync signals must align correctly, audio frequencies must match documented values, and processor timing must execute instructions with accurate cycle counts.
These aren't arbitrary standards—they're based on what the original hardware actually did. We don't claim the implementation is complete until measurements confirm it meets these technical requirements.
Long-Term Reliability Data
FPGAs are solid-state devices designed for continuous operation. Unlike vintage arcade boards with electrolytic capacitors and aging components, FPGA implementations don't experience drift or gradual degradation. Temperature stability remains consistent, and the digital logic continues operating as designed.
This reliability advantage means your preservation solution requires minimal maintenance over years of operation. You're not constantly monitoring for failing components or tracking down intermittent issues.
Our Hardware Accuracy Commitment
Verified Accuracy
If hardware-level measurements don't confirm accuracy matching original specifications, we continue development until they do—at no additional cost.
Feasibility Assessment
Our initial hardware analysis determines whether FPGA implementation is appropriate for your systems before you commit. You learn upfront what's achievable.
Complete Documentation
Every FPGA implementation includes thorough technical documentation explaining the circuit design, configuration, and maintenance requirements.
Why Hardware-Based Approaches Deliver
FPGA implementation succeeds because it operates at the same fundamental level as original arcade hardware. Instead of running software that tries to mimic circuit behavior, the FPGA becomes those circuits. This isn't conceptual—it's actual digital logic operating in real hardware.
Our verification methods confirm this accuracy through measurable electrical characteristics rather than subjective impressions. When signal analysis shows the FPGA generating outputs matching original specifications, you have objective confirmation of preservation quality.
Starting Your FPGA Implementation Project
Beginning FPGA implementation work is straightforward. We've designed our process to give you clear information upfront so you can make informed decisions about hardware-level preservation.
Submit Project Details
Contact us through the form on our homepage describing the arcade hardware you want to preserve. Include any information about available schematics, circuit documentation, or technical specifications. The more we understand about your systems, the better we can assess FPGA implementation feasibility.
Technical Feasibility Review
We conduct an initial assessment examining available documentation and hardware complexity. This analysis determines whether FPGA implementation makes sense for your specific systems and what level of accuracy we can realistically achieve. You'll receive honest guidance about what's possible before making any commitment.
Review Detailed Proposal
If FPGA implementation suits your needs, we provide a comprehensive proposal outlining the circuit translation scope, development timeline, verification methodology, and deliverables. This proposal gives you complete information about what we'll build and what you'll receive. Take whatever time you need to consider this information.
Implementation Development
When you're ready to proceed, we begin translating arcade circuits to FPGA logic. Throughout development, you receive progress updates explaining which subsystems we've completed and what comes next. We maintain open communication so you understand exactly how your preservation project is progressing.
Ready to Explore Hardware-Level Preservation?
Connect with our hardware engineering team to discuss FPGA implementation for your arcade systems. We'll provide honest assessment of what's achievable and help you understand whether this approach matches your preservation goals.
Request Technical AssessmentConsider Alternative Preservation Methods
Different projects require different approaches. These alternatives might better match your specific preservation needs and technical requirements.
Custom Emulator Development
Software-based emulation achieves cycle-accurate reproduction without requiring specialized hardware. This approach offers flexibility and can run on standard computers while maintaining authentic gameplay characteristics.
ROM Preservation Services
Before implementing any emulation solution, you need verified ROM data from your arcade systems. Professional extraction ensures you have accurate source material for preservation work.