At first glance, this mess of wires, on -board components and hand soldered circuits may seem like a Cyberpunk sculpture, but in fact it is a project that can only be described as absurdly brilliant. An stimulating enthusiast has just built the entire processor-so, not a programming board, not a microcontroller, but a full-fledged, available by the instructions for the memory of memory, using only senior memory systems and logical components from the 8-bit era. It has not been designed to replace a state-of-the-art processor, but rather a “funny” DIY project called Epromint.
Creator of this amazing project, DIY and more (or in low mint, “DIY and more” in English), spent three months design, wiring, programming and documenting every last detail of the processor architecture. The idea was born of a uncomplicated experiment using antiquated memory systems called Eproms, originally configured to control petite external systems, such as PWM dimmer or message display. The simplicity of this configuration lit a spark. If the memory could be used to simulate basic logic, perhaps the components of the complete processor were not so far.
Shortly afterwards, the hobbyist found himself on his knees in the schemes, replicating the structure of classic processors from the 8-bit era, in particular those such as Z80, which helped to featherlight a personal computer revolution. The result is a machine that may not look elegant or polished, but operates in accordance with the real sets of instructions, performs its own assembler code and reacts to hardware interruptions, just like a commercial processor.
The project began with the most basic element of each processor: arithmetic logical unit (Alu). The first prototype, built for uncomplicated addition, was unbelievable and had to be scrapped. Its replacement was fully facilitated to debug easier. From there, the compilation extended to the memory interface, address bus controller – directed by the secondary ALU – and ultimately the control logic, which decodes Opcody and coordinates the entire flow of data.
The software has also been written completely from scratch. Almost 2,000 code lines have been developed to define how the processor supports instructions, improve the method of moving data through the system and create test procedures – all built using a custom set of programming tools made for previous peripheral plates. The set of instructions went significantly beyond what oldschool processors can do, including operations such as multiplication, division, trigonometric calculations, and even bit service sequences. As the creator put it, the processor was “served with steroids.”
With all connected modules, the processor was turned on for the first time, drawing 250 mA current. The same programming configuration, which was previously applied to other experiments with the memory system, was adapted to generate a full set of instructions for the up-to-date processor. As you can see above, the flashing LED operated as the first test program, while the second LED was connected to lighting when the interruption was detected, which shows that the processor can handle external events, even when performing instructions. He would temporarily stop the current operation, process the interruption, and then conquer exactly where it ended, as did the real processor.
Ultimately, the newly born processor covered four full -size perfboard, weighed over 500 gi contained more than a kilometer of wire if it was arranged. Each logical operation has been implemented using a programmed memory. Instead of using NAND physical gates made in flint, the system sends an 8-bit entrance to EPROM, which returns the result from the stored search table. Functions such as data routing and decoding instructions are based on this method. To show that the system worked, connected it to the VFD screen and wrote the code for playback Matrix … At least his low fragments.
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Unlike the silicon of Zakopane in a state-of-the-art SoC, the path of this processor is completely exposed. Each clock cycle, every operational code and all registry changes are evident and identifiable. It’s part of the beauty. This is a DIY in the real, most punk-rock strup of the word. Watching this film realizes how processors in our own computers are like magic – millions of transistors dancing on the best grains of sand, puppeteed by glass and pure human will. If building a basic processor is so complex, imagine how it has achieved the scale of production ambitions such as TSMC. If you want to see similar DIY achievements, check the unofficial pair 2 controller made of filed steam deck or RTX 5090 restored to life.
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