TI SN76430B chip spec from another forum

[+OLD CS1]

In the general Classic Computing sub, the Texas Instruments SN76430N Sync and Video Generator was mentioned.  No detailed information could be found, other than pin-out and specs.  I figured the amount of digging which has been going on around here, maybe someone had come across more detailed information.

 

The book mentioned lists several TI SN chips which would seem to be parts to make an entire game.  Not just a machine, but the whole game.

 

 

[+Ksarul]

I didn't turn up much information on the chip itself, but I did find a source that supposedly has over 1,000 of them.

 

Looking at the data books of the time, it may also be related to the SN75430, as that one seems to be set up for controlling two peripheral outputs.

 

I also just read the appropriate section of the book he referenced on video game repair. The data on pages 203-205 is a significant portion of what would be in the data sheet. The timing, current draw, and voltage levels for each pin are about all that is missing, although it does indicate compatibility with TTL and CMOS signals.

[+FarmerPotato]

I replied on that thread: found a 76410 mention. It was made in the Year of Pong. Still digging. 

[MattPilz]

Thanks guys. I found some sequential ICs from another early-80s catalog, which listed these other curiosities that definitely seem catered to a hobbyist DIY game system:

• SN76423N - Automatic Random English
• SN76424N - Wall Generator
• SN76425N - System Regulator and Sync Generator
• SN76426N - Dual Character Generator
• SN76427N - Wall Ball Generator
• SN76428N - Video Game Logic
• SN76429N - Hockey/Tennis/Hand Ball Game Logic
• SN76430N - Sync Generator / Color Generator / Video Summer
• SN76431N - Complex Character Position Controller
• SN76432N - Hockey/Tennis/Handball Character
• SN76440N - Space War Game Logic Complex Character
• SN76442N - Race Car / Rocket Ship / Universal Man Character
• SN76443N - Complex Character Generator
• SN76444N - Rocket Ship / Hockey / Tennis
• SN76445N - Gun Fighter / Universal Man Character
• SN76446N - Exploding Rocket Character
• SN76449N - Exploding Helicopter Character
• SN76460N - Zero to Win at 20 Digital
• SN76462N - Scoring
• SN76477N - Complex Sound Generator
• SN76483N - Space War Obstacles Generator
• SN76484N - Space War Switching Logic

 

The book I referenced in the other thread definitely does a respectable job at summarizing it. Below is a transcription of that full description for future reference:

 

FEATURES

• Provides color composite video signal.
• Produces horizontal and vertical sync pulses.
• Built-in video summing section.

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

 

The SN76430N utilizes low-power Schottky TTL technology to provide a color composite video output signal, video summing, and horizontal and vertical synchronization pulses in a complete video game system. Clock reference is a 3.58 MHz crystal. Of course, the chip is TTL and CMOS compatible.

 

IC OPERATION

 

The circuit generates horizontal and vertical sync pulses from a 3.58 MHz internal oscillator. The chip also contains a video summer accepting video information from five video inputs (pins 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20). A composite video waveform is generated containing horizontal and vertical blanking, horizontal and vertical sync, color burst background video information, spot video information (players, walls, balls, score, etc.), and serration pulses.

 

Color burst begins at the end of horizontal sync and continues for 14 cycles of the subcarrier (3.58 MHz), and is present on all lines except those where serration pulses are present. The color yellow is assigned to any information fed to video inputs 16 and 17. The color phase is the same as burst. Light-blue color is assigned to any information fed to video input pins 19 and 20. The information fed to pin 18 is yellow when pin 1 is a logic zero, matching the yellow assigned to pins 16 and 17. When pin 1 is switched to a logic one, the information at 18 is changed to the light-blue color, matching the light-blue color assigned to pins 19 and 20.

 

Background color is adjustable by raising or lowering the DC level into pin 3, with an adjustment of about 180° possible. A background color inversion of 195° from pin 3 setting may be obtained by applying a logic one to the background color invert pin (pin 15).

 

Horizontal and vertical sync outputs are totem-pole type, and compatible with standard TTL and CMOS circuits. Horizontal sync pulse width is approximately 4.85 μs. Vertical sync pulse width is three horizontal sync pulses. Vertical blanking begins 3 horizontal lines before vertical sync, and continues for 19 horizontal lines. Horizontal blanking (generated externally, and applied at pin 8 ) and vertical blanking will eliminate video signals, excluding burst. The fact that it purportedly generates simple composite out makes for an inviting prospect toward composite modding the set once it's operational again.

Edited February 16, 2023 by MattPilz