Tiny386, a new i386 CPU emulator created by programmer He Chunhui, enables the ESP32-S3 microcontroller to boot Windows 95 and Linux. This innovation expands the capabilities of the ESP32-S3 microcontroller board by transforming it into a full i386 PC.
Emulation and Development Details
Built on the ESP32-S3 platform, Tiny386 leverages components from TinyEMU, QEMU, and SeaBIOS to emulate a range of peripherals such as a VGA card and Sound Blaster 16. Despite lacking native ports, keyboard and mouse inputs are sent over Wi-Fi. The JC3248W535 board, used in this project, features a 3.5-inch display and costs around $25. This board includes a dual-core CPU and supports multiple I/O connectors.
Performance and Capabilities
Tiny386's core consists of approximately 6,000 lines of C99 code, allowing it to emulate advanced instructions from the i386, 486, and Pentium architectures. This enables the running of modern operating systems, enhancing the utility of inexpensive microcontrollers in projects where space and cost are critical.
Project Availability
According to Chunhui, Tiny386 can support operating systems like Windows 3.2, Windows 95, and modern Linux, making it a versatile tool for hobbyists and developers interested in microcontroller applications. The project is available for public demonstrations and has been showcased in several online videos.
