Hello, I would like to build my own calculator. I am trying to build the most basic calculator that can simply add and subtract (and maybe multiply and divide as well). What I am most interested in is the very heart of the calculator, the processor, so to speak. I am interested in learning about how it works exactly so I can follow the path of each and every signal. Essentially, I would like to build this processor piece by piece from scratch.
My email is bbobbage at yahoo.com
I'd download the free ISE WebPACK from Xilinx
or Altera's free Quartus II Web Edition
which will let you build your design gate-by-gate and then run it under the enclosed simulation software. When it's time to make it "real world" there are several inexpensive FPGA development boards you can use. This is a much "nicer" alternative to wiring up a gazillion [*] discrete TTL logic gates (although that's also a possible route). There is a learning curve to creating a design via schematic layout in those packages but it's a heck of a lot less time than wire-wrapping or breadboarding a pile of discretes -- and you'll learn a useful tool in the process.
There are many sources for dev boards. A favorite site is
Donald Rumsfeld is giving the President his daily briefing. He concludes by saying. "Yesterday 3 Brazilian soldiers were killed."
"OH NO!" The President exclaims. "That's terrible!"
His staff sits stunned at this display of emotion nerivously watching as the President sits, head in hands.
Finally, the President looks up and ask. "How many is a Brazillion?"
-- Rich Webb Norfolk, VA
This one made me laugh... Thanks!
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