Tutorials
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
This website was inspired by the book, An Introduction to Elementary Computer and Compiler Design, By Dennis R. Steele. The book explains how to build and program your own simple digital computer. It is a complete course and absolutely no prior knowledge of computer programming is required in order to follow it through from beginning to end.
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!
If you have ever wanted to know how a simple digital compute 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:
1) You can learn how to build and program a simple digital computer in only a matter of DAYS, not months. Most college text books on computer design are hundreds of pages, designed for a 1 or 2 semester course, which is enough to make anyone’s eyes glaze over. This book explains in only 39 pages, the detailed design and operation of a digital computer down to the level of logic gates, and how to program the computer in its’ machine language. I have found no other book on computer design that does this. The first 39 pages alone are worth the price of the entire book.
2) If you are interested only in the digital logic design of a simple computer, and how to program the computer in its machine language, it is only necessary to read the first 39 pages. However, this is a 151 page book, and the remainder covers the design of a high level language and associated compiler for the simple computer.
3) It is possible to learn how the simple digital computer described in this book works WITHOUT ever even reading the book!!! The hardware design of the simple computer in this book consists of illustrations called schematic diagrams. Each schematic diagram illustrates how the logic gates comprising the entire computer fit together. I recommend photocopying the schematic diagrams in this book and making a laminated map of them. Armed with only a little knowledge of digital logic, you can follow the schematic diagrams through using a dry erase marker and gain a solid conceptual understanding of how the simple digital computer works, all without ever actually reading the book. This is a very satisfying way to learn how a computer works, one that few computer engineering students ever even go through. It is the approach I first took when learning how the computer in this book worked, and I recommend it.
I have built a working version of the computer described in this book using a Programmable Logic Device design kit from XILINX. Links to purchase this design kit from the destributor are in the resources section.
I have made the VHDL source code for this computer available in the
downloads area.
I have also written a simulator of the simple digital computer. 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.
The simulator is available in the downloads area.
Tutorials:
There are many tutorials on this website describing in detail how the simple digital computer actually works.
Order An Introduction to Elementary Computer and Compiler Design
By Dennis R. Steele.
Paperback. 151 pages.
Price $30.00 + $5.00 Shipping & Handling**
**Note: Shipping is ground rate only. Please allow 3 to 8 business days for delivery.
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