Ben Eater's 8-bit Computer Project

This repository documents my journey in building and experimenting with Ben Eater's 8-bit computer. The project is built using Transistor-Transistor Logic (TTL) chips on a breadboard, and I'm currently in the development stage.

Overview

The 8-bit computer is inspired by Ben Eater's excellent tutorials and uses 74HC series chips. Some modifications have been made to work around the lack of internal pull-up resistors in HC chips by adding external pull-up resistors.

Current Status

I have completed the following modules:

• Clock Module: Designed a clock with adjustable frequency.
• ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Built a fully functional ALU for basic arithmetic and logic operations.
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Implemented a memory module using TTL chips.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): Programmed ROM to store machine instructions.

Tools and Resources

• CRUMB Software: Initially used for planning and testing circuits. Recently updated to support HC series chips.
• 74HC Series Chips: Used throughout the project with external pull-up resistors to compensate for design differences.
• Breadboard and Wires: For physical prototyping.

Challenges Faced

• Adapting the 74HC series chips to behave similarly to LS series chips by using external pull-up resistors.
• Debugging circuit connections on the breadboard.

Future Plans

• Add an I/O interface for basic input and output.
• Integrate a display for visualizing data.
• Optimize and clean up the wiring on the breadboard for better reliability.
• Write detailed documentation for each module.

How to Use

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/leen-S/ben-eater-8bit-computer.git

2. Explore the directories for individual modules:

   • /clock
   • /alu
   • /ram
   • /rom

3. Refer to the README files in each module for specific details and instructions.

Acknowledgments

• Special thanks to Ben Eater for his incredible tutorials.
• CRUMB Software by Mike Bushell for circuit visualization.

Contributing

Since this project is still under development, contributions and suggestions are welcome. Please open an issue or submit a pull request.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.

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Stay tuned for updates as I continue to build and refine this project!