Some projects are a rite of passage within their respected fields. For computer science, building one’s own computer from scratch is certainly among those projects. Of course, we’re not talking about buying components online and snapping together a modern x86 machine. We mean building something closer to a fully-programmable 8-bit computer from the ground up, like this one from [Federico] based on 74LS logic chips.
The computer was designed and built from scratch which is impressive enough, but [Federico] completed this project in about a month as well. It can be programmed manually through DIP switches or via a USB connection to another computer, and also includes an adjustable clock which can perform steps anywhere from 1 Hz to 32 kHz. Complete with a 1024 byte memory, a capable ALU, four seven-segment LEDs and (in the second version of the computer) a 2×16 LCD disply, this 8-bit computer has it all.
Not only is this a capable machine designed by someone who clearly knows his way around a logic chip, but [Federico] has also made the code and schematics available on his GitHub page. It’s worth a read even without building your own, but if you want to go that route without printing an enormous PCB you can always follow the breadboard route.
Thanks to [killergeek] for the tip!
Well I see it implements the singular most important instruction
FLI
Flash Lights Impressively!
Well done dude.
Impressive build! Congrats!
With a name like Federico, he’s off to a good start already!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federico_Faggin
Very nice work Federico! I really appreciate the neat PCB layout (as well as the flashing LEDs!).
Thank you all guys!
Wow, that’s pretty !
I see that the display was somehow inspired by https://hackaday.io/project/8693 but it adds ASCII, that’s a cool idea :-)
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The real question is : ok, now, that’s next ? What will people do with it ?
Very nice. I think it would make a excellent system to teach the basics of how a cpu works to high school or JC students. It’s certainly light years ahead of the old 8085 trainer I learned on 38 years ago.
Can it play Doom?
I think at current clockspeeds, even if you hooked it up to an adlib or OPL3 chip, it would have trouble just playing the game music midi file.
I’d like to buy this. Consider selling the PCBs.
thats one of the most clear PCB designs i’ve ever seen! brilliant!
Hi, I would like to build this computer, where to find the PCB and gerber details? also, any chips need programming? its my first time building such a thing, thanks