Ambitious project (computer creation)
 

Hi, I am currently starting a project who’s ultimate goal is to create a computer from humble schematics, to a machine that is similar to (though less powerful, and less advanced than) the Intel 8080. I know this is a programming forum but a computer at this level is all about op codes and in return asm programming. I am currently learning asm and constantly reading up on computer engineering so I know what to base my idea off of. If any of you have any ideas or pointers on where I could start that would be a lot of help, currently my only idea is focus on the ALU but I currently am not sure how to go about addressing complex objects like registers.

Thank You, Josh

There's a bunch of kits out there you can buy, they come with all the stuff, diagrams and other info, it's not an intel 8080, but it might be a start.
Dizz

Sorry, are you building a virtual machine simulation, or actually getting physical with a soldering iron and flip flop tables?
Respect to you - you must be a genius!

Thanks for responding every one. So far its a theoretical thing, using knowledge of comp-sci and EE to create basically one very large schematic diagram to explain how to build it and several descriptions/ data flow diagrams to show just that data flow. I know there are kits out there, but I want to create a computer from scratch, meaning I create cpu. If I can complete this project it will not only be something great it will also be something very impressive to put on my college resume to an engineering school. So far I have been thinking my first challenge is creating a the ALU which so far I have concluded can be created from several 8bit latches, a 8bit full adder with co and 2s compliment, which uses a selector to push its output back into a physical ram (64KBx8bits), which will be constantly moving forward in memory through a automated mod 16 counter (not sure if I will use mod 16 it seems logical though because comp will be using hex, similar to Altair). I hope this may clarify things, if any of you happen to have any pointers or suggestions on how to go about this or improve the existing idea it would be great.

Thank You, Josh

It doesn't take a genious to build an Intel 8080 like computer right from the wires... it just takes a bit of money since you will likely need lots of breadbords, circuit printers, drill bits and solder... as well as some decently costly components and at least an oscillioscope to debug your works as you do it... and a lot of time... there are a lot of pieces that need to be connected together to say the least... but it certainly can be done, I am sure many people have done it before.