I just finished wiring up the NVRAM chips to the computer. They are being addressed by a 8-bit program counter separate from the computer’s control counter. The control matrix changes its control word on the falling edge of the clock pulse. This allows the control to set up the 16-bit word, needed to tell which registers or operations are to be active, for the rising clock pulse.
There are a few problems, however, that have made this a bit more difficult than it should be. Since the NVRAM chips I am using are CMOS driven, the TTL chips do not always provide the correct voltage to address the NVRAM chips correctly. Inversely, the NVRAM chips also have the tenancy to output incompatible voltages in regards to TTL. To remedy this I am using the last of my 8-bit three state buffers to convert the input and output of the chips to higher voltages. After I get the NVRAM chips functioning correctly, I only have to add the input and write/run logic as well as the output and the computer is finished (circuit-wise). I will be designing a steampunk-themed case for the enclosure. The case will be the final step before this project is complete.
And Let the Testing Begin.
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
Kyle,
Congrats! Nicely done.
…Bill
Thanks Bill, your computer was one of the big inspirations for this project.
Impressive work, but trim those wires. As part of my time at U of M my partner and I wired up effectively an 80186 motherboard. It’s much nicer to be able to look at your work and be able see what’s going on, not to mention the ability to debug wiring mistakes.
Thank you. I might try wire wrapping if I choose to build a second computer (I still have my senior year to go, it would make a good project).
Nicely done, I am impressed… so many wires… +50 geek credits for you
hiciste una computadora?
I have no idea what you did but I think its awesome
wow, very impressive work, congrats! one day also I will try this!
I just put up an article on Instructables if you are interested: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-an-8-Bit-Computer/
A kind hello,
I’m intrigued by your project & thought I’d share this site with you –
http://arduino.cc/en/Main/Hardware
They sell a variety of inexpensive circuit boards & they might have something beneficial to your project.
I discovered them while researching a potential personal project.
Kind regards
Thank you for the information, it’s always good to know where to get more accessories for the Arduino.
Hello, wow, very impressive work, congrats! one day also I will try this
This is very good amazing job guys!