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  • Author Author: timswift
  • Date Created: 2 Oct 2016 7:58 PM Date Created
  • Views 991 views
  • Likes 5 likes
  • Comments 4 comments
  • transistor
  • diy
  • cpu
Related
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One Bit Transistor "Computer"

timswift
timswift
2 Oct 2016

The computer is built from 70 NPN bipolar transistors.

It has two one bit registers, a 4 x 4 bit ROM, and a two bit counter. The instruction format is as follows:

 

| Halt | Opcode | Address 1 | Address 2 |

 

If halt = 1 the instruction is executed and the computer halts.

 

If the Opcode = 0 the data in address 1 is copied to address 2 (COPY).

If the Opcode = 1 address 1(value) is copied to address 2 (LOAD).

 

A register = address 0, B register = address 1.

 

The ROM can hold up to 4 instructions.

 

Here is a photograph of the computer with labels.

image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here is a diagram.

image

Since there is no I/O it has no practical applications (other then blinking lights)

so I will be constructing a larger two bit computer (just waiting on parts).

 

Tim

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Top Comments

  • jw0752
    jw0752 over 9 years ago +1
    Hi Tim, I really like your computer. Lots of work but the best way to learn is to get down to the foundations. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing. John
  • DAB
    DAB over 9 years ago +1
    Your post takes me back a number of decades. I began learning circuit diagrams by reverse engineering RTL logic boards I bought on the surplus market. Seeing how the early transistor based logic circuits…
  • DAB
    DAB over 9 years ago

    Your post takes me back a number of decades.

     

    I began learning circuit diagrams by reverse engineering RTL logic boards I bought on the surplus market.

     

    Seeing how the early transistor based logic circuits worked enabled me to quickly grasp integrated circuits and then the early microprocessor devices.

     

    Understanding the fundamentals really positions your mind for understanding logic and data flow, which are invaluable when you get into more complex system designs.

     

    Good work.

     

    DAB

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  • timswift
    timswift over 9 years ago in reply to jw0752

    Thanks!

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  • Former Member
    Former Member over 9 years ago

    I love your dedication!

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  • jw0752
    jw0752 over 9 years ago

    Hi Tim,

    I really like your computer. Lots of work but the best way to learn is to get down to the foundations. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing.

    John

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