Legacy Forth cross compilers
Last update: 9 April 2020
Legacy target CPUs
Because embedded projects can have very long lifetimes, we do not abandon compilers that are no longer under active development. Instead, they are made available (usually with full source code) under our regular subscription terms. The technical support level will depend on whether we can remember anything about this particular target and still have hardware for it. Consultancy is always available.
Forth 7 Windows compilers
| ARM7/ARM9/ StrongARM/Xscale |
Current devices have amazing performance at insanely low prices. Target code is provided for CPUs from many suppliers including NXP/Philips, Atmel, Analog Devices, ST, Intel, Sharp, Samsung, Oxford Semi and Crystal. The compiler supports both big and little endian code, 26-bit PC mode, and devices without the LDRH/STRH instructions. | XCARM/70 |
Forth 6 Windows compilers
| CPU family | Comments | Order code |
| 68xxx/683xx | Excellent code, a perennial favourite. | XC68K/62 |
| 80×86/88 | A fast 32 bit system for real-mode x86 systems. Best of class for real-mode x86 Forth systems considering speed/size trade-offs. | XC3216/59 |
| Intel 80C196 | Good 16 bit workhorse. | XC196/60 |
| 68HC11 | Goes on and on | XC68HC11/60 |
| Z80/Z180/84Cxx | Excellent 8 bit performance; easy to expand memory, interesting EZ80 cores | XC180/60 |
| H8/500 | Ideal for TDS2020 target boards that have run out of memory or speed. | XCH8500/60 |
| M37700 | Excellent peripheral mix. | XC37700/60 |
| Mitsubishi M74xx/38xxx | For all Mitsubishi, Rockwell, and other derivatives of the 6502 core. | XC6502/60 |
| 6502/C02 | For all 6502 and 65C02 compatible cores | XC6502/60 |
Forth 5 DOS compilers
Although current PCs provide no direct support for 16 bit DOS programs, these compilers can be run under DOS emulators such as DOSbox for Windows and many other operating systems.
| CPU family | Comments | Order code |
| 68HC16 | Good performance. | XC68HC16/51 |
| RTX2010RH RTX2000 RTX2001 RTXcore |
Supports the Harris/Intersil RTX2000, 2001 and 2010RH chips and the RTXcore for FPGAs. The compiler was the official Intersil development tool for this radiation hardened processor, and now the RTXcore VHDL clone for FPGAs is available with twice the performance. | XCRTX20xx/51 |
| TMS320C3x/4x | A highly efficient DSP family | XCTMS3x/51 |
Forth 4 DOS compilers
Although current PCs provide no direct support for 16 bit DOS programs, these compilers can be run under DOS emulators such as DOSbox for Windows and many other operating systems.
| CPU family | Comments | Ordercode |
| Z8/Super8 | Has recently had a new lease of life as the Z8 Encore | XCZ8/43 |
| 80×86/v5 | uE188 MicroEngine target board | XC8086/43 |
| 6809/6309 | XC6809/42 | |
| TMS7000 | XCTMS7000/42 | |
| 8085, 6801/3, 1802 and more | Special orders |