A CPU, from logic up.
16-Bit Basic Computer
Year
2024
Role
Computer Architecture
Overview
A 16-bit basic computer (Mano Machine) built from digital logic — registers, buses, and a control unit — to explore computer architecture from first principles.
Built from adders and flip-flops upward in Logisim-evolution, following Morris Mano's design: a von Neumann, accumulator-based machine with a hardwired control unit, fixed-length instructions and 4K words of memory. A Python assembler converts assembly into hex to run programs such as Fibonacci and factorial.
Build order
Simple circuits → ALSU → memory → control unit → full datapath.
Programs
Assembly programs are assembled to hex and executed on the simulated machine.
References
- Book: Computer System Architecture — M. Morris Mano
- Book: Digital Logic and Computer Design — M. Morris Mano
- AMU course: Digital Logic and Circuit Design (COC2072)
- AMU course: Digital Design & Simulation Lab (COC2922)
- AMU course: Computer Architecture (COC2082)
- Logisim-evolution (simulator)
- Decoded Instructions (Google Sheet)
