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Video Tutorials

Video Tutorial 1: Overview of the Fetch operation of a fully functional simple digital computer, the "SIMCO".

Video Tutorial 2 (first half): Tracing the operation of the "simco" digital computer, logic gate by logic gate, as it follows a computer program to sound an alarm when a window is open.

Video Tutorial 2 (second half): Tracing the operation of the "simco" digital computer, logic gate by logic gate, as it follows a computer program to sound an alarm when a window is open.

Video Tutorial 2 (End of Part 2): Tracing the operation of the "simco" digital computer, logic gate by logic gate, as it follows a computer program to sound an alarm when a window is open.

Articles
Programming the SIMCO in Assembly Language

What Is A Computer? Computer Programming, The Purpose of All Computers

Building Simple Machines That Make Decisions

Getting Started Using Programmable Logic Devices


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Build and Program a simple digital computer

If you have ever wanted to know how a simple digital computer worked right down to the level of bits, bytes, and logic gates...if you have ever wanted to understand how to program in machine language, you are in for a treat!

The astonishing fact about ALL modern day digital computers is that they are entirely built from a handful of simpler machines called logic gates. These gates are connected together like Legos to create a computer or any other digital device. Perhaps an even more astonishing fact is that understanding how a logic gate works is probably even simpler than understanding arithmetic. If you know how to add and subtract, then you can learn how to design, build, and program your own simple digital computer!

You can learn how to build and program a simple digital computer in only a matter of DAYS, not months. Armed with only a little knowledge of digital logic, by watching the freely downloadable video tutorials on this website and following along using the "Simple Digital Computer" laminated schematic map, you will soon be follwing the operation of an actual working computer as it follows the machine language instructions you program it with...logic gate by logic gate.

Tutorials:
There are many tutorials on this website describing in detail how the simple digital computer actually works. 


The SIMCO "Simple Digital Computer" laminated schematic map

The best way to learn how a digital computer actually works is to "get your hands dirty" by tracing the operation of an actual working computer...logic gate by logic gate.

The SIMCO laminated schematic map sold on this website comes as an adobe PDF file. A link to download the SIMCO schematic will be emailed to you as part of your order confirmation.

The schematic is a large 28” x 22” map of the digital logic circuits comprising the SIMCO computer. You can take this file to your local printer and have them print and laminate it. Dry erase markers can then be used to “write” simple computer programs as “1’s and 0’s” onto the SIMCO’s computer memory, and trace the operation of the computer, logic gate by logic gate, easily writing and erasing 1’s and 0’s as the logic gates “change state”.

As a BONUS a link to download a simulator of the SIMCO simple digital computer(see below) will be emailed to you as part of your order confirmation.

Price $15.00
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BONUS WITH EACH ORDER!!!

A simulator of the SIMCO simple digital computer is included as a download with the purchase of the SIMCO laminated schematic map. Using the simulator, you can write and run your own assembly language programs for the SIMCO without having to purchase a PLD. The simulator lets you put break points in your assembly language programs and watch as the data stored in the SIMCO's registers and memory changes. The simulator allows you to simulate actual electronic control and robotics applications for the SIMCO.
A link to download the simulator will be emailed to you after ordering the SIMCO schematic map.


Forthcoming

A working version of the SIMCO "Simple Digital Computer" laminated schematic map can be built using a Programmable Logic Device design kit from XILINX. Links to purchase this design kit from the destributor are in the resources section.
We are currently developing the VHDL source code for the SIMCO computer.

Credit

The "SIMCO" simple digita computer was inspired by the book, An Introduction to Elementary Computer and Compiler Design, By Dennis R. Steele.

SimpleDigitalComputer.com is a Mind of Christ Ministries company.

© 2007 The Simple Digital Computer Company ™ | Advertise on our site
The Simple Digital Computer Company™ is a
Mind of Christ Ministries™ company