CTIA

E533729

CTIA is an early custom video display chip used in Atari 8-bit computers to generate their on-screen graphics and color output.

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Statements (43)

Predicate Object
instanceOf Atari custom chip
graphics chip
integrated circuit
video display chip
bitDepth 4-bit color luminance combinations (via palette registers)
category home computer graphics hardware
colorCapability 16 color hues (via palette)
multiple luminance levels per hue
controls color registers
player-missile graphics registers
playfield color selection
coProcessorRole video and color generation companion to ANTIC
designedBy Atari engineering team
designedFor home computer graphics
fullName Color Television Interface Adapter NERFINISHED
function generate color output
generate on-screen graphics
handle player-missile graphics
provide collision detection
historicalSignificance one of the earliest custom video chips in consumer home computers
introducedIn late 1970s
limitationsComparedToGTIA fewer graphics modes
less flexible color interpretation modes
manufacturer Atari, Inc. NERFINISHED
packageType DIP (dual in-line package) NERFINISHED
platform Atari 8-bit line NERFINISHED
predecessorOf GTIA NERFINISHED
primaryUseCase Atari 8-bit computer display subsystem
regionVariants NTSC systems
replacedBy GTIA NERFINISHED
roleInSystem final stage of video signal generation before RF/modulator
supports hardware collision detection between players, missiles, and playfield
missile graphics
up to 4 hardware sprites (players)
technology NMOS
usedIn Atari 400 NERFINISHED
Atari 8-bit family NERFINISHED
Atari 800 NERFINISHED
usedUntil early 1980s
videoOutput composite video
luminance and chrominance signals
worksWith 6502 CPU
ANTIC NERFINISHED

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