D6803

D6803 8-bit Microcontroller IP Core – MC6803 Compatible Soft MCU for FPGA & ASIC

The D6803 is a synthesizable 8-bit microcontroller IP core, fully binary-compatible with the Motorola MC6803. Designed as a drop-in replacement for legacy MC6803 microcontrollers, the D6803 enables reuse of existing software while delivering modern SoC, FPGA, and ASIC integration capabilities.

In its standard configuration, the D6803 integrates key peripheral functions directly on-chip, significantly reducing external component count and simplifying system design. The core includes an asynchronous Serial Communications Interface (SCI) and a 16-bit programmable timer with three operating modes, supporting precise timing and control in embedded applications.

To support energy-sensitive designs, the D6803 features a software-controlled WAIT power-saving mode, making it particularly well suited for automotive, industrial, and battery-powered systems where low power consumption and deterministic behavior are critical.

Key Features & Benefits

• 100% MC6803 binary compatibility – run existing firmware with no modifications

• Synthesizable soft IP – ideal for FPGA and ASIC implementations

• Integrated SCI interface – reliable serial communication

• 16-bit programmable timer – supports three functional modes

• Low-power WAIT mode – optimized for energy-efficient designs

• Fully customizable configuration – include only what your design requires

• No wasted silicon or licensing overhead

Verification, Debug & Integration

The D6803 IP Core is delivered with a fully automated test bench and a comprehensive regression test suite, ensuring smooth validation throughout every stage of the SoC design and verification flow.

For development and system bring-up, the core includes built-in support for DCD’s DoCD™ Hardware Debug System. DoCD™ is a real-time, non-intrusive hardware debugger that provides full visibility into the entire System-on-Chip, allowing engineers to:

• Halt, run, step, or skip instructions

• Read and write all CPU registers

• Access internal and external program and data memories

• Debug SFRs and user-defined peripherals without disturbing real-time execution

Ideal Applications

• Automotive electronics

• Battery-powered embedded systems

• Industrial controllers

• Legacy MC6803 system modernization

• Long-lifecycle SoC designs requiring software continuity

The D6803 IP Core combines proven MC6803 compatibility with modern customization, low power operation, and professional SoC-level debugging — making it the safest and most efficient upgrade path for legacy 6803-based designs.

D6803 vs MC6803 Comparison Table

Why Not ARM Cortex-M?

While ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers dominate the embedded market, the D6803 IP Core provides unique advantages for legacy MC6803 designs:

• Binary Compatibility: Run existing MC6803 firmware without rewriting code.

• Deterministic Operation: Guaranteed instruction timing for critical automotive or industrial applications.

• Customizable Features: Only include the peripherals you need—no wasted silicon or licensing fees.

• SoC & FPGA Ready: Fully synthesizable for modern ASIC and FPGA designs.

• Built-in Professional Debugging: DoCD™ provides non-intrusive, real-time hardware debugging for faster system bring-up.

For projects requiring migration from MC6803 with minimal software changes, the D6803 is the most reliable and cost-effective solution compared to adopting a Cortex-M MCU.

ALL DCD’S IP CORES ARE TECHNOLOGY AGNOSTIC, ENSURING 100% COMPATIBILITY WITH ALL FPGA AND ASIC VENDORS.

For further details, email info@dcd-semi.com

• Cycle compatible with original implementation
• Software compatible with 6803 industry standard
• I/O Wrapper making it pin compatiblecore
• Power saving mode: WAIT
• Fully synthesizable
• Static synchronous design
• No internal tri-states
• Scan test ready
• USB, Ethernet, I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, LIN, HDLC, Smart Card interfaces available