Replacement C64 PLA (PLA20V8)

Is your Commodore 64 not keeping up with you? It could be that the PLA chip has failed. The Programmable Logic Array (PLA) is a hardware programmable chip in the C64. it is responsible for directing signals from the C64’s other chips. If it fails, all sorts of weird behaviour can occur.

Unfortunately the original, factory fitted PLA chips were often prone to failure. While the part is no longer manufactured, it is possible to replace the original Commodore PLA with these newly manufactured and fully assembled and tested PLA20V8 chips.

These replacement chips are 100% compatible with all C64 software. Unlike earlier attempts to reverse engineer the chip, even the PLA-torturing Epyx Fastload cartridges and the Super Zaxxon game still work correctly.

The PLA chip is socketed on most C64 motherboards, so these replacements can simply be inserted into the socket after the original chip is removed, with no need for soldering. It is compatible with all C64 units except the short board Assy No. 250469 (also known as the Commodore 64C short boards).

PLA20V8 is an open source design created by Daniël Mantione and is used/re-sold with permission. Interested in building your own? Click here.