FPGA Recreation of MP944: 3D Printed F-14 Tomcat with the First Microprocessor

The FPGA recreation of the world's first microprocessor, the MP944 chip, now powers a 3D printed model of the F-14 Tomcat fighter jet. FPGA expert Adam Taylor created a VHDL reimplementation of the original Central Air Data Computer (CADC) system, which controlled, for example, the aircraft's variable-sweep wings.

MP944 – The First Microprocessor?

The debate over whether the MP944 predates the Intel 4004 continues. The MP944 entered service in June 1970, more than a year before the Intel 4004 (November 1971). However, it remained classified until 1998. Its specifications:

• 20-bit pipelined architecture
• Clock speed 375 kHz
• 9,375 instructions per second
• Operating range -55 to +125 °C

Open Implementation in FPGA

Taylor's project includes complete VHDL source code for all six original CADC chips. The FPGA used is a Spartan-7 SoM. The GitHub repository contains documentation and testbenches. A video shows the functional model with moving wings.